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Path Etiquette Campaign Kicks-Off
Eugene’s shared use paths are popular and well loved. With over 45 miles of off street shared use paths, there's options for everyone. However, there has been an increase in the number of people and the range of bikes and wheeled devices on paths throughout the city since the pandemic.
To ensure that all shared use path users behave courteously and safely on paths, the City launched a path etiquette campaign this summer. The campaign aims to promote courtesy and safety among all path users and includes community outreach, education, media and temporary signage throughout July, August and September.
The key messages of the path etiquette campaign are:
- Paths are for everyone (all modes)
- Travel a safe speed—20 MPH speed limit on paths, slower as needed
- Stay in your lane—stay right, pass left, don’t take more than your half
- Give warning when passing—call "passing on your left” or ring bell
- Dogs on a short leash
Throughout July, we popped up around Eugene with questions about path etiquette, prizes, maps and resources. Thank you to community members who stopped by, answered the survey questions and gave us valuable feedback about our paths. Look for the media and education phase of the campaign in August and September!
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August E-Bike Expo
Are you curious about electric bikes? We are too! Come down to the Campbell Community Center on Friday August 27, 5-8 p.m. and check out a wide variety of e-bike models all in one place!
Electric micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, play an important role in Eugene's transportation landscape. Electric micromobility devices offer zero-emission travel, lower barriers to use and cost less than an electric car, motorcycle or moped. If you would like to experience riding an e-bike, the E-Bike Expo is the perfect chance.
At the Expo you will have the opportunity to meet local e-bike makers and shop owners, test ride an e-bike, talk with Eugenians using their e-bikes for their commute or to haul their kids to school, learn the rules of the road, and so much more.
This event is hosted by City of Eugene Transportation and is FREE and open to everyone. Come join in the festivities and family friendly fun!
- E-bike test rides
- Five local bike shops
- Two local makers
- Food trucks
- Free childcare
A note about COVID: this event will comply with event guidelines provided by the Oregon Health Authority. We will offer free hand sanitizer and masks to all. All e-bikes will be sanitized between riders.
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Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Retiring
City of Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Lee Shoemaker has announced his retirement after 17 years in Public Works! Lee spent the first part of his career in California before moving to Eugene to focus on family.
Lee has accomplished many tasks during his tenure including developing the city’s popular bike map, updating transportation policies for people who walk and bike, meeting with the community to help them plan their travels, and working with the City’s Active Transportation Committee.
Lee is looking forward to seeing his new granddaughter in Florida, tending to his garden, and enjoying the transportation system he helped build over the years. Congratulations, Lee!
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Oregon Coast Bike Route Messaging
People who ride bicycles along beautiful U.S.101 have a spectacular experience: unmatched scenery, cool towns along the way, breathtaking places to stop and enjoy the ocean breeze. This summer, ODOT is promoting safety along the route in the expectation that many more will be using it, eager to get out and take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Brochures, social media posts and even billboards will share the same messages, such as:
- People bicycling can use the full lane, so wait until there’s a safe place to pass.
- When passing someone on a bicycle, give at least 3 feet – enough so that if they fell over into the lane, you would avoid them. (This is Oregon law.)
- Slow down and be patient.
Download educational materials or order free copies by visiting ODOT’s Storeroom website. Learn more about bicycle and pedestrian safety and ODOT’s program on the website.
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Willamette River Festival Rain Garden Tours
It’s all connected! Whether you live in Eugene, Springfield, or somewhere in between, our waterways are connected and we all need clean water! Whether biking or walking, check out this portion of the Willamette River Festival running August 21-28.
Summer ARTs Camp Stormwater Installation Tours in Eugene and Springfield can be seen during Willamette River Festival week only.
In Eugene:
- Sladden Park (2), 925 Cheshire Ave.
- Amazon Park, 22 Amazon Parkway
- Mahonia Building (2), 120 Shelton McMurphy Blvd.
- Alton Baker Park, 100 Day Island Rd. at main shelter
- Amazon Wetland Mitigaton Bank, east of Amazon Creek
In Springfield:
- Booth Kelly Stormwater Facility and Trailhead Bridge (2), 305 S. 5th Street
- Willamalane Rain Garden at Jasper Trailhead, 3200 Jasper Rd.
- Jasper Pond (west of Jasper Trailhead)
- Willamalane Swales at Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St.
Learn more at willametteriverfest.org.
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Get Active With Strides for Justice Tours
The Strides for Justice app offers self-guided tours highlighting the people, places and events that shaped the experience of BIPOC residents in Eugene! There are several tour options around Eugene with detailed directions to the locations and thoughtful reflections. Some of the Eugene tours you can choose from include:
- The Westmoreland Park Tour: Visit the Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Community Center. Coleman was a dedicated community member, teacher, advisor, and advocate. colorful murals adorning the south and west walls of the center depict the interests, passions, and impact of Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. To learn more about Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. visit Westmoreland Park and find the dedication plaque.
- The South Eugene Tour: learn about Wiley Griffon. Along Willamette St. between 20th and 22nd you will find a mural, painted on an old trolly station. This painting honors the memory of Wiley Griffon, who in the1890s was the driver of Eugene’s first streetcar service. learn more about Wiley Griffon at the Eugene Masonic cemetery by reading the full Memorial.
- The Downtown Tour: Explore several key locations including Alton Baker Park, which was once Lane County’s first African- American community, and the Mims Houses which served as a home and lodging for people of color staying in or traveling through Eugene and is now home to the Eugene/Springfield chapter of the NAACP.
The tours create a free, accessible, and self-guided way to learn about BIPOC history in Eugene. You can access the locations on the tours by bike, bike share, foot, bus, or car at your own pace and time.
Try the Strides for Social Justice app and take a look back so we can move forward. This is history in motion. Download the app for free and explore on your own.
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Ride LTD Free in August with the VaxPass
On June 25, Governor Kate Brown lifted physical distancing requirements for buses, paving the way for Lane Transit District’s EmX and fixed-route buses to begin carrying passengers at full capacity. Our community is moving forward because community members took the step to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
As a thank you for getting vaccinated, LTD is offering a free August Vax Pass that provides unlimited rides for August. The Vax Pass is only available through the TouchPass/Umo app or tap card and is available now. To learn more about the VaxPass, visit LTD.org/VaxPass.
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City of Eugene Project Updates
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Photo of Alder Street Greenway
Jefferson Street Traffic Calming
Jefferson Street, from 13th to 28th Avenues, was selected as a traffic calming project and speed cushions will be installed. The intent of the project is to address speeding traffic, reduce crashes and improve safety for all people using the street. Traffic calming speed cushions will be installed on Jefferson Street from W. 13th Avenue to W. 28th Avenue. A contractor has been selected and the project is expected to begin construction in October 2021.
Raised Crossing at 19th and High Rescheduled for 2022
The project to repave sections of 17th/19th/Mill and build a raised crossing at 19th Avenue and High Street has been rescheduled for 2022. Next year the project will be built in conjunction with the High Street two-way protected bikeway!
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Delta Interchange Nears Completion
Construction work at the Beltline Delta Interchange is nearly complete. One of the last major pieces of the project will connect a new ramp to Beltline Highway.
Sunday, July 18: The current off ramp from northbound Delta Highway to westbound Beltline Highway closes.
Sunday, July 18 – Wednesday, July 28: Northbound Delta travelers will continue to the light at Green Acres Road and turn left onto the onramp to westbound Beltline Highway. A temporary left turn signal will control traffic. This access will only be available for the detour. Crews will be completing the new off ramp from northbound Delta Highway to westbound Beltline Highway.
Wednesday, July 28: The new off ramp opens. Travelers going to both east and westbound Beltline Highway will exit just south of the new traffic signal.
All dates are subject to change. Follow detour signs and check TripCheck.com for current road conditions and restrictions.
Once the new off ramp is completed, the majority of the work to reconfigure the interchange to improve safety and traffic flow will be done. Final work completing the project is schedule to be finished in August. Construction began in late 2019.
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For a full list of City transportation construction projects, visit the Current Projects webpage.
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For up-to-date travel impacts and road construction information, visit TripCheck.com.
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Climate Revolutions
River Ride!
August 8, 2:00 p.m. Monroe Park
To the river! We’ll start at Monroe Park then head to the shady Ruth Bascom River Trail.
You can point out your favorite river spots along the way and we’ll make a stop at one of our favorite spots for a toe (or more) dip. You might want to bring a swimsuit, towel and water shoes (Slippery!).
Two options this time: A gently paced 6 mile ride or a moderately paced 10 mile ride. The more, the merrier - bring the kids!
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Active Transportation Committee Meeting
August 12, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. online
Active Transportation Committee monthly meetings are currently held as a webinars and livestreamed on YouTube. Meetings are open to the public and allow for public comment at the beginning of the meeting.
Agenda topic:
Transportation Options: Strategies for a Growing Eugene
Join with zoom:
Webinar ID: 936 7151 8661 Join by phone: 888 475 4499
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E-Bike Expo
August 27, 5-8 p.m.
Campbell Community Center
Are you curious about electric bikes? We are too!
Come down to the Campbell Community Center on Friday, August 27, 5-8 pm and check out a variety of e-bike models all in one place!
At the E-Bike Expo you will have the opportunity to meet local e-bike makers and shop owners, test ride an e-bike, talk with people using their e-bikes to commute or to hauling their kids, learn the rules of the road, and so much more.
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StoryWalks & Storytimes
in the Parks
Throughout August
All ages: enjoy a StoryWalk in the park at Petersen Barn Community Center anytime August 2 through 31. Walk along the path to read the fun children's picture book, "Thelma the Unicorn / Telma el Unicornio" in English and Spanish.
Families with young children are also invited to sign up to join in storytimes in the parks on Saturday mornings in August. Find dates, locations, and pre-registration at bit.ly/EugStorytimesCal.
For more information, visit eugene-or.gov/library or call Eugene Public Library.
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Walk 'n' Talkers
Throughout July
This friendly, self-led group walks 3- 5 miles at a quick pace. The route varies and may have hills or rough pavement. Walks depart at 9 a.m. sharp Fridays from Campbell Center. Most walks include a stop to get treats. Call 541-682-5318 for more information. Free!
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Biking for Fun & Fitness
Throughout July
This weekly group departs rain or shine from Campbell Center every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Rides go 10- 20 miles, and often include a stop for treats. Helmets and fun required. Call 541-682-5318 for more information. Free!
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