Bicycle Friendly Community

Eugene, OR | Gold Level

Community Highlights: Eugene has a 5.5 percent bicycle mode share - about five times the national average. Eugene has a policy framework that incorporates bicycling and other alternative transportation modes into all aspects of the city's transportation system, including requirements for new development to accommodate and enhance bicycling and a provision of an integrated system of bikeways throughout the community. Eugene's recreational cyclists can access the Pacific Coast to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east on low-traffic, bike-friendly rural roads. The city has ample bike parking; lit bike paths for safe and accessible night-time riding; and the Smart Ways to School program, which brings together groups of young cyclists with parent volunteers who accompany the children along designated, safe routes to school. City staff encourage bicycling at events all year long; including Bike Day at Youth Science Factory, major neighborhood events, walk to school day, and Sustainability Day at County Fair. The Bicycle Coordinator and the Alternative Modes Coordinator make presentations to all new employees about the benefits of bicycling, walking and taking the bus.

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: The City of Eugene constructed a Ped/Bike bridge over the I-5 Freeway that connects to Springfield. Currently underway is a major shared-use path connecting South Eugene to the downtown area, an investment of over $350,000.

Current Activities that Promote Bicycling: Eugene has an impressive annual Business Commute Challenge. The week long competition is conducted every October. Companies compete to see which workplace has more employees who bike, walk or take the bus to work. The city also celebrates bicycling through Kidical Mass, the Spring Roll Alley Cat Food Drive, Bike Polo, Bike Brigade Mobile Bike Dance Parties, and more.