Bicycling As Transport

(Eugene Oregon) If you ask a bicycle commuter why they do it, they may give you somewhat of an eye-roll when they answer, as if to say, “Why wouldn’t I?” Great and obvious reasons to ride a bicycle to work in Eugene include saving gas and money, protecting the environment, and getting exercise every day. But if you bring up the idea of bicycle commuting to those who drive every day, they have a number of reasons why they stubbornly refuse to give bicycles a chance. While their concerns are valid, they can in fact be met with reasonable responses.

It rains all the time here. I have to look good at work and I don’t like getting wet!

We hear this a lot, and we cannot deny that our Emerald City does see a lot of dreary days. However, it does not rain all the time; just because it is grey and chilly does not mean it is pouring rain the way it does in Colorado or Virginia. Riding a bicycle in light rain, or even heavy rain can become comfortable with the right kind of gear. Abigail Leeder works full-time at the University of Oregon and has commuted almost daily from her home three miles away for the past couple of years. “I actually have come to love riding in the rain,” she explains. “Especially in the misty rain that we have here, you don’t actually get that wet.” Any one of the many bicycle shops or sporting goods stores can help you find the right gear for the type of riding you plan to do. Most rain gear is meant to be worn over your nice work or school clothes and will not prohibit you from wearing your business casuals to the office.

It is also important to remember that bicycling is an alternative mode of transportation. That does not mean you have to sell your car and throw yourself into a new lifestyle. If it is too cold and wet on that one day in November when it does rain like a Florida downpour, or if you aren’t feeling physically fit enough for the ride, you can still take your car. Abigail owns a car, too, and while she mostly uses it to go out of town, she also takes it to work from time to time.

Well, I take my car because I have to bring my briefcase/backpack/tool belt/lunch. You can’t carry much stuff on a bike.

Not true! With the right additions to your wheels, you can carry everything you would normally take to work with you. Racks, trailers, and panniers (the cyclist’s version of saddle bags) are readily available at a number of vendors throughout the city. The knowledgeable and friendly employees can even install them for you (bicycle mechanics are nothing like car mechanics; they thoroughly enjoy helping newbies become acquainted and comfortable with their new mode of transport and are not out to rip you off). Once you have the racks or trailers attached, you can easily carry groceries, extra clothes, brief cases, gym bags, and even children.

Riding is dangerous. It is scary enough driving to work; I would be terrified to ride through town on a bicycle.

If you are scared of driving your car to work, there is clearly a separate issue that needs addressing before anyone can convince you that you should be taking to the streets on two wheels. Maybe you should look into carpooling or taking a bus. Furthermore, some people lack the coordination, balance, and alertness required to operate a bicycle safely. Even if you do have the physical skills, but find yourself terrified, a better approach may be to get you riding recreationally before you are relying on your bike to get you to and from work or school. The key to remember here is that bicycle commuting is by no means for everyone.

However, the general idea that riding is “not safe” is simply false. Cyclists often make themselves unsafe by riding intoxicated, using bike lanes and sidewalks improperly, or riding without lights at night. There are ways to make our rides as safe as possible. For one, always wear a helmet (if you are sixteen or younger, it’s the law). For two, command attention from drivers. Signal your intentions to turn, wear brightly-colored clothing and retro-reflective gear, especially on those dreary days and after dark. If you plan to commute to one place from home every day, figure out a safe route that has bike lanes and fewer obstacles, like potholes (even we drivers have learned which of our few Eugene streets don’t have potholes!). Figure out which streets are best lit, or see if there is a bike path closed to motorized vehicles you can use.

If you are nervous (not terrified) about riding with traffic, there are many resources available to get you acquainted with riding in streets. Classes for how to ride safely in traffic are offered through GEARs (eugenegears.org). ODOT publishes a very handy and comprehensive manual of riding tips and safety guidelines: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/bike_manual_06.pdf

While bicycle-specific maps are for sale at nearly every bike store in town, some main streets to avoid and some suggested alternative routes include:

West 11th and West 13th: instead, take the paved bicycle path that starts up behind the Fairgrounds off of Jefferson Street and parallels West 11th all the way to Green Hill Rd.

Franklin Blvd: instead, hop on the EmX with your bike, which is free, or ride through campus to the south or Alton Baker Park’s bike paths to the north.

6th and 7th Avenues: instead, use 5th, 8th or Broadway.

Washington and Jefferson Streets: instead, take Lincoln to go north, Lawrence to go south, or Madison or Monroe to go either way.

I make it to work in fifteen minutes on a good day. It would take me forever to pedal that far!

Depending on where you are going and what time of day you go, it can actually take just as long or longer to get there by car. Because Eugene is only a few miles in each direction, and many paved bike paths strategically traverse the city, it is easy to bypass traffic altogether. It is also important to remember (and fun to keep track of) how you will shave time off your commute the more you do it. After a week or two, you will be amazed at how easy your ride becomes.

Ok, I will give it a shot. What do I need?

Obviously, the first thing you need will be a bike. This might seem obvious until you start shopping…and you should shop around. Bikes come in about a zillion varieties, styles, brands, sizes, colors and prices. Different bikes are for different types of riding, so don’t get side-tracked and start shopping for road racers or full suspension downhill models. For commuting, you need to be comfortable so that you can focus on your ride, not on how your back hurts or how your hands are going numb. Being distracted compromises your safety. Many commuters opt to purchase a “hybrid” bike or a cruiser. Hybrids are heavier than the sleek, flashy machines you see in Le Tour de France, but are more comfortable and allow you to sit upright. The fatter, more durable tires make bumps, potholes and riding through debris more manageable (so you don’t crash like you see in Le Tour de France). They are also easier to control. The bottom line is, when shopping for a bike, don’t let anyone talk you into a model that does not sit right with you. If you find yourself on a test ride and after a block, you think, “I wish the bars were higher,” see if you can get them adjusted. Try out a few different styles and pick the one that, when you ride it, does not distract you from the road and your ride.

I’m on a budget; do I have to spend $500 on a new bike?

First of all, no one ever said you need to buy a new bike. Just like a new car, a new bike has its advantages. Everything is shiny and new, and you know that if you perform routine maintenance on time, everything will be peachy for years to come. However, bikes are not nearly as complex as cars and can be fixed up with a little time and effort. Because Eugene has a constant turnover population of students and a large number of cyclists, used bikes are easy to come by. Craigslist is a good place to look to get an idea of prices and styles. Thrift stores all over town frequently have very affordable bikes, and Play It Again Sports in South Eugene usually has a small selection.

If money is an issue and you have an interest in giving back to the cycling community, visit the Center for Appropriate Transportation (CAT). Located in Whiteaker at 455 West 1st Ave, they receive donated junker bikes and refurbish them to sell for a small profit. The staff there is dedicated to advocating for and educating cyclists, offering fix-it-yourself bicycle maintenance areas and classes to encourage wider support for cycling as an alternative mode of transportation.

If you are on a very tight budget, it may seem financially burdensome at first to buy a bike and the gear you need. But when it comes down to it, the money you will save in the long run is astonishing. On your bike, there are no parking fees or meters, no gas expenses, no insurance bills, and no oil changes. List all the things you buy for your car: tire rotations, wiper, transmission, and steering fluid, wiper blades, car washes, floor mats, cup holders, air fresheners…things you may not even remember until you really think about it. In other words, once you are set up with the basics on your bike, the costs to maintain your gear and bike are very affordable compared to your car.

Doesn’t Eugene have a bike theft problem?

While Eugene has a great reputation for being cycle-friendly, it is also unfortunately notorious for bike theft. The best way to hold on to your wheels is to get permission at work to roll your bike inside with you. At home, secure it in a backyard, garage or shed. If you must leave your bike parked somewhere, special bicycle parking is readily available all over town. Some apartment complexes and businesses offer fenced and locked bicycle parking areas to ward off theft. Wherever you park it, make sure you invest in a sturdy bike lock. Any bike store can help you select a lock and give you tips for how to prevent theft.

Do I reaaaalllly need a helmet?

The law does not require adults to wear helmets, but it is certainly a wise investment and is strongly recommended not only by police, paramedics, and City of Eugene, but also by fellow commuters. “My girlfriend almost always wears a helmet when she goes for a ride on the streets,” explains Calvin Aumuller of Santa Clara. “Of course the one day she blew it off, she was trapped between someone turning into her bike lane and a car waiting to pull out into the street. Bike went down, she landed on the car hood, and she has worn her helmet every day since.” Any cyclist who has been riding for any length of time in traffic can share stories like this. Just like the bikes, helmets come in a variety of styles, colors and price ranges. Find one that fits both your head and your style to minimize the chances of injury.

It seems like my local bike shop is the best place to start. Where are they?

Thought you’d never ask!

Paul’s Bicycles is a local favorite, with stores all over Eugene:

234 W. 6th (541)344-4150

3870 W. 11th (541)343-2250 (literally on the bike path!)

152 W. 5th Ave. (541) 344-4105

2480 Alder St. (541) 342-6155

Blue Heron Bicycles is popular among students as it is the closest store to campus. Women feel especially welcomed.

877 East 13th Ave (541) 343-2488

The Bike Barn employs knowledgeable mechanics serving North Eugene.

1020 Green Acres Road #9 (541) 342-5757

For folding, portable bicycles, check out Bike Friday

3364 W 11th Ave (541) 687-0487‎

For more information about bicycle commuting, laws, and advocacy, as well as information on how to fix your bike yourself, check out The Center for Appropriate Transportation.

455 West 1st Ave (541) 344-1197

Anything else I should know?

Eugene is teeming with organized rides, clubs, mountain biking excursions, and bike-centric events and activities. There are even naked bike rides. Yes, really. If you do decide to give bicycle commuting a try, the chances that you will be disappointed with your choice are slim. You are opening yourself up to a whole new sector of the community anxious to welcome new members and enthusiasts. Men and women from all neighborhoods, age groups and occupations commute by bicycle. If you feel a little wobbly or timid at first, don’t forget that every commuter out there had to start somewhere, too. Connecting with members of the cycling community can help you make riding buddies, find safe routes, and select a bike that will work best for your ride. Worst case scenario, the cycling doesn’t stick at all (which is unlikely), but at least you will be able to sell off your bicycle and gear at a price close to what you paid for them.

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Article and photos by Lauren L. Zavrel