Meeting of the Eugene Bicycle Coalition
Monday, March 26, 2007 6:00 p.m.
Attending the March meeting of the Eugene Bicycle Coalition were Dwight Collins, Richard Hughes, Herman Krieger, Bob Ransom, Bob Kline, Webb Sussman, Susan Stumpf, Jackie Murdoff, Mel Huey, and David Roth and Lee Shoemaker (both of Eugene Public Works—Transportation).
Dwight announced plans for Eugene’s participation in the Ride of Silence on Wed., May 16. The Ride of Silence will occur in communities around the world on that date to (1) remember bicyclists who have been killed or injured by motor vehicles (2) demonstrate that cyclists will not be intimidated from using the public roads (3) promote the concept of motorists and cyclists sharing the road and (4) make motorists aware of the devastating consequences of injuring or killing a bicyclist.
Eugene’s ride will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Alton Baker Park. The route will travel through the park to Agate Street, 24th Avenue, Amazon Park path, High Street and back to Alton Baker Park. The ride is intended to be an easy, slow-paced, law-abiding ride that is open to all. Cyclists are encouraged to wear armbands in memory of injured/killed cyclists, and to ride silently. Dwight has asked State Senator Floyd Prozanski—a cyclist and friend of Jane Higdon, who was killed while riding on Territorial Highway—to make opening remarks before the ride.
Jackie Murdoff and Sue Wolling will work with Dwight to organize and publicize the ride. They will seek the help of Cindy Clark (Public Works-Transportation) in gaining media coverage for the event. Anyone else interested in helping with the Ride of Silence may contact Sue at bicycle@efn.org
Sue
reported that State Representative Nancy Nathanson’s office has contacted the
EBC seeking support for HB 3224. This
bill would allocate $300,000 for improvements to the Riverbank Trail system
near Autzen Footbridge in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Trials. Money would be used for directional and
informational signage, lighting, removing invasive vegetation and planting
native species, installing trash/recycling
bins, and related improvements. After a
brief discussion, those present expressed support of the bill. Sue will send in a letter of support on
behalf of the Coalition. Others who wish
to support the bill as individuals are encouraged to write to Rep. Nathanson at
Nathanson.Rep@state.or.us by Friday, March 30.
Numerous bike-related events will occur in the coming months, and Sue asked those present for input as to how the Eugene Bicycle Coalition will participate in the various events. The events include:
Booth Along the River: Sue and Susan Stumpf (GEARS’ President) have agreed to coordinate in setting up a booth along the river on a weekend afternoon in spring/summer. (The EBC carried out this same project last July, and was pleased with its success). Kellen Norwood has offered to set up his bike repair stand for free minor adjustments/repairs. Bicyclists passing by would be encouraged to stop for free bike maps and bike lights, snacks, information, having their tires pumped up and chain lubed, minor repairs and conversation.
Bike Day The Science Center and the West Eugene Wetlands Center both plan events on Saturday, June 2. The Wetlands Center will host visitors in the morning, then encourage participants to ride bicycles along the Fern Ridge Path to the Fairgrounds and on to the Riverbank Path to the Science Center, which will host Bike Day in the afternoon (see attached flyer). Dan Carol, who is coordinating Bike Day, will describe Bike Day to the Bike Coalition at our April meeting. The Bike Coalition has been invited to participate in Bike Day with a booth, “Burma Shave” signs, etc. Kellen Norwood is planning to involve local bike shops/manufacturers in a bike demo day featuring a variety of unusual bikes.
July-in-Motion: Cindy Clarke has started planning the many events, including a community-wide celebration, that will be constitute July-in-Motion. She seeks the participation of the EBC and other bike-related organizations in planning and carrying out the various activities.
After discussing these various events, members decided to incorporate the Booth and Night Ride into July-in-Motion. After Dan Carol tells us more about Bike Day at our April meeting, we will decide whether/how to participate in Bike Day on June 2.
In order to stage a major event like a Night Ride and to raise and spend money, the EBC needs to obtain non-profit status. Sue has spoken with Eugene Neighbors Incorporated, which has indicated willingness to sponsor the EBC for the purpose of non-profit status, but some members stated a preference for obtaining “stand-alone” status as a 501(c)3. David pointed out that the Department of Planning and Public Policy at the University of Oregon offers a class in Non-Profit Organizations. This class requires students to complete a community-based project. David suggested contacting Renee Irvin of the PPPM Department to see if a student might be interested in “adopting” the EBC’s need for non-profit status as a project . Webb will pursue this possibility with Renee, and also check with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance in Portland, the Thunderhead Alliance, and the League of American Bicyclists to see what assistance they offer to groups seeking non-profit status. Meanwhile, Richard will contact the leaders of ENI to get details about how an affiliation with them would work. Webb and Richard will report back by e-mail and/or at the April meeting. Thanks, you guys!
As the next step of the Bicycle Strategic Plan process, focus groups will be held on Thursday, April 12. Two sessions are planned: the first from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and the second from 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m. (Both include free lunch). These focus groups will seek public input into what types of bicycle and pedestrian facilities will best serve community interests. Anyone interested in participating in the focus groups may contact David Roth at david.f.roth@ci.eugene.or.us. (Please identify yourself as primarily a bicyclist or pedestrian, and indicate which session you prefer to attend). David distributed flyers for members to post at various locations throughout the community. He encouraged members to spread the word not only among avid cyclists, but particularly among people who ride occasionally but might ride more often if facilities better met their needs.
Lee added that another public input session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9 at the First Methodist Church (1376 Olive) to discuss Education and Encouragement of Biking/Walking. Details will be announced later.
Lee and Rob Inerfeld convened a meeting of leaders of various bike-related groups in early March. These groups agreed to continue to meet to familiarize the groups/leaders with one another and to explore how they can collaborate for the benefit of the bicycling community. Sue suggested that the EBC also invite a representative of another bike organization to make a brief presentation to the EBC at each upcoming meeting to strengthen connections within the bike community. Members supported this idea. Sue will invite some other bike group to participate in the April meeting.
David announced the formation of the Lane County Mountain Bike Organization. They are in the process of obtaining non-profit status and will focus on trails access, educational, partnerships, and stewardship issues. Their mission is to create, enhance and preserve trail opportunities and access in Lane County, Oregon. Stay tuned for updates in the near future. Recently, the group has been working with planners at the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) and the City of Eugene in the development of the Ridgeline Area Open Space Vision and Action Plan being developed now
Next Meeting: Monday, April 23