858 Pearl St., Eugene

Attending the October meeting of the Eugene Bicycle Coalition were Bob Ransom, Lyndell Wilken, Richard Hughes, Susan Stumpf, Shane Rhodes, Jeff Willenski, Kelly Howell, J.D. Howell, Howie Bonnett, Vicki Mello, Paul Moore, Matthew Eddy, Webb Sussman, Gary Cook, Rick Bronson, Jerry Welsh, guests David Sonnichsen and Charlotte Behm, LTD Staff Tom Schwetz and Mary Archer, and Public Works/Transportation Staff Lee Shoemaker and David Roth.

I-5 Bridge Work

David Sonnichsen and Charlotte Behm are both on the Community Advisory Group, I-5 Willamette River Bridge Project. This group is addressing issues related to construction of a new I-5 bridge over the Willamette River, and deconstruction of the existing bridges. The riverbank trail east of the Knickerbocker Bike Bridge will be closed throughout bridge work, which will be nearly three years—from early 2010 to late 2012. During this time, all bicycle traffic is currently expected to be detoured to the path along the canoe canal, which is narrow, unlighted, has several sharp curves, and dips under a bridge that has very poor visibility. (An alternative would be to detour up to MLK Blvd, but that would mean leaving the park altogether.) David and Charlotte would like to persuade Willamalane to develop a detour route that is straighter, better-lit, and avoids the hazards of the bridge underpass. One option might include reclaiming a paved path that was removed during the previous bridge work. (That pavement was removed in an attempt to re-vegetate the area, but vegetation has not grown well. If re-paved, the path would offer one option for a less-hazardous route.) Charlotte pointed out that this is a $180-million project, and ODOT will need to acquire some land from Willamalane to complete the project, so Willamalane should have some bargaining power. In addition, ODOT was very receptive to bicyclists’ concerns during the construction of the temporary bridge, and Charlotte has confidence that they will be on this project, as well.

Charlotte emcouraged a group of bicyclists to come up with a workable plan and help the Citizens’ Advisory Group advocate for it. Vickie Mello, Jerry Welsh, David Roth, Webb Sussman, Paul Moore and Gary Cook all signed up to meet with Charlotte and David for the effort. Charlotte will contact them to move ahead with the planning. Thanks, Charlotte and David, for bringing this issue to our attention!

EmX in West Eugene

Tom Schwetz explained that LTD is currently in the "scoping" phase of work
for the Em-X line in the West 11th Corridor. They have held two open houses, and continue to seek input as to (1) possible alternate alignments that should be studied (2) the Purpose and Need Statement and (3) the Goals and Objectives. (Tom distributed copies of the proposed alignments and draft proposals. This information is available on LTD's web site at www.ltd.org. (Click on the links to EmX, then West Eugene EmX Extension Corridor Study) The LTD board will review public input at its December meeting, and LTD will then begin work on the Environmental Impact Statement for the project. By Spring, 2009 they expect to select a preferred alternative, and begin Final Environmental Documentation, which should be completed by early 2010.

     Sue explained that the main reason this project concerns bicyclists is that one of the proposed alignments for EmX is along the Amazon Canal. While there are no plans to eliminate the Fern Ridge Path, an EmX route in this location would undoubtedly affect the path. Tom explained that if this alignment were selected, LTD’s goal would be to create the EmX line on the pavement located behind current businesses to the
greatest extent possible, rather than building on green space near the canal. Members expressed concerns about additional pavement, exhaust fumes, effectiveness of EmX and habitat destruction. Bicyclists are urged to express their views to LTD at we.emx@ltd.org. The deadline for submitting comments is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Bicycle Strategic Plan
     The new draft Bicycle/Pedestrian Strategic Plan is nearing completion, and will be available for public review at an Open House scheduled for Nov. 13 from 4-7 p.m. in the Bascom Room of the Eugene Public Library. Those present agreed that the EBC should develop a prioritized list of what actions we can take in support of the plan. Sue agreed to send out an electronic version of the draft Plan for members to review prior to the Open House, and to try to spread the word about the Open House.

Safety Education
     Jim commented on the recent death of a child who was killed by a motorist on West 11th, and expressed concern about the number of young cyclists who are not wearing helmets. He proposed that the Bike Coalition sponsor a campaign to promote helmet-wearing. Shane responded that teaching people of all ages to ride safely is more important than simply promoting helmets. Matthew announced that an LAB Cycling Instructor course will be offered in Eugene in February. Sue suggested using EBC money for scholarships to enable more people to attend that training. Sue will use the EBC e-mail list to spread the word about the Cycling Instructor training and encourage participation.

Riverbank Trail Signage
Linda and Steve Wheatley are working with the Eugene Parks Foundation on the Riverloop Connection—a series of mileage markers, directional signs and maps to be installed along the Riverbank Trail this spring. They are seeking sponsors for the project ($500-$2500 per site). While they have most of the sponsorships they need, no bicycling businesses or groups are sponsors. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring a marker (as
an individual, group of people, or business/organization) may contact Linda Wheatley at 484-9217 or wheats@comcast.net.

Crest Drive
Paul Moore provided an update on the Crest Drive design plans. At a public hearing on October 15, neighbors testified in favor of 18-foot street width, and several bicyclists spoke to the need for safe facilities for bicyclists on the roads. The City Council will decide on the street width on October 22 (Update: The City Council unanimously voted in favor of 18-foot street width on the streets of the Crest Drive neighborhood. Final design of the streets will probably not reach the City Council before January. Paul encouraged bicyclists to contact City Council members in support of space in the design to provide safety for bicyclists. City Council members can be contacted by e-mail at mayorandcc@ci.eugene.or.us. For more information about Crest Drive issues, please contact Paul Moore at paulcmoore@pacinfo.com and/or Lyndell Wilken at lwbicycle@yahoo.com.

Next Meeting: Monday, November 26