Bicycle Plan

Issue: Excessive numbers of automobiles are not compatible with our University and our community because of noise, congestion, and pollution.

Policy - Encourage Alternate Modes: The University should encourage use of alternative modes of transportation, including bicycles. (Adapted from Long Range Campus Transportation Plan, University of Oregon, 1973, 1976)

Issue: The City of Eugene has established a remarkable network of bicycle paths, bicycle routes, and bicycle lanes. Some of the core routes of this transportation system end at the University of Oregon campus boundaries, leaving significant gaps for cyclists traveling through the campus to other destinations.

Proposed policy - Link to City Network: Any University bicycle circulation network must connect to this city-wide system in order to be effective. Connect to the City bike way network at 13th Avenue and Kincaid on the west (connecting to 11th Avenue, 12th Avenue, and Alder Street), Agate Street, 15th Avenue on the east and west sides of campus, and north across Franklin Boulevard to the bike paths along the Willamette river. Click here for circulation map.

Issue: Bicycle circulation everywhere on campus is no longer acceptable. With our current density of pedestrians and bicycles, collisions and near-misses are frequent occurrences.

Proposed policy - Basic Circulation Framework: Provide a basic circulation system for bicycle travel within campus as well as links to the city-wide network. Except for vehicular circulation areas and designated bike routes, require cyclists to dismount in the main part of campus (see map of proposed network). Provide adequate signage to allow enforcement of dismount zones (see Signage Systems).

Issue: Poorly designed or constructed bikeways are dangerous and inconvenient, and discourage use of bicycles.

Proposed policy - Bicycle Route Standards: As described in Basic Circulation Framework, this Bicycle Plan proposes to establish a clear, logical circulation network of designated bicycle paths and routes. These have been selected to provide convenience for the cyclists and safety for all.

Certain heavily travelled routes should be separated from vehicular traffic . These bike paths as well as on-street lanes should be designed to the standards currently used by the City of Eugene, and should be clearly identifiable, have suitable signage, and provide for personal safety with night lighting and appropriate routing.

Routes shared with vehicles (without a designated lane) are appropriate in less travelled areas. Certain other routes are on sidewalks or paths shared with pedestrians. Make these of sufficient width to allow for safety (twelve foot minimum width) unless a parallel pedestrian route is provided or it is deemed unlikely that the traffic will be heavy enough to cause conflict. Provide clear signage directing the cyclists to yield to pedestrians (see Signage Systems), and design the intersections of bicycle and pedestrian paths to maximize safety for all.

Issue: A system of bike routes will only work if it is clearly understood.

Proposed policy - Signage System: Build, maintain, and extend a system of bicycle route signage. This should include route identification signs (Bike Path), directional signs (to Autzen Stadium, to Downtown, etc.), orientation signs (maps), traffic control signs (stop, yield, dismount, etc), and advisory signs (Shared Bike Route, Bumpy Pavement, etc.). Regulations should be posted at campus entrances and at major bike parking areas. Creation of new bike routes must always include appropriate signage.

Click here for Picture

Issue: If not properly located, bicycle parking may go unused or may encourage people to ride in hazardous places and ways.

Proposed policy - Bicycle Parking Reinforces Routes: Parking should be related to and reinforce the bicycle circulation system. This means that bicycle parking should be located adjacent to or accessible to a recognized bike route, although no parking should be removed without consultation with the users of nearby buildings. Bicycle parking areas not accessible by way of a bike route or by other safe route should be relocated, or a route should be provide, if feasible.

Issue: Many people find parked bicycles esthetically objectionable.

Proposed policy - Concentrate Bike Parking Impact: Concentrate bicycle parking in acceptable areas rather than dispersing it to every building entrance. In every instance, locate bicycle parking to minimize visual impact, while still encouraging use and maintaining visibility (for personal safety and theft protection). Group racks of similar type and place these groups to reinforce the University's general site planning policies. Include site improvements such as planting and trash receptacles wherever bicycle parking is built. Do not remove bike parking without consulting with the users of nearby buildings.

Issue: Building projects increase bicycle parking demand, yet often eliminate covered and open bicycle parking.

Proposed policy - New Building = New Bike Parking: Require new building projects to include a suitable amount of covered and open bicycle parking, located in keeping with these policies. In general, require that 1% of building and site improvement construction budgets be devoted to bicycle parking and related amenities. Approximately 1/3 of the parking provided should be protected from the rain. Where appropriate, integrate the design of the covered parking into the design of the building.

Issue: Many bicycle racks are located in areas not conducive to nighttime person safety.

Proposed policy - Nighttime Bicycle Parking: Provide lighting at all bicycle parking . Place racks to provide maximum surveillance from passersby to increase personal safety as well as theft protection. Do not install bike racks in areas deemed unsafe at night, or take measures necessary to provide adequate safety at these locations.

Issue: Some types of bicycle racks damage bicycles, and others do not provide adequate protection against theft. At a given bicycle parking site, cyclists should be able to find space at a suitable rack. However, what is suitable for one bicycle may not be suitable for another.

Proposed policy - Theft-Resistant Bicycle Racks: Install adequate numbers of well-designed bicycle racks. Ideally, cyclists should be able to choose from a variety of rack types in each location. Most cyclists are looking for a rack that the bicycle leans against, as opposed to one which holds the wheel, in order to prevent damage to the wheels. In order to provide adequate theft protection, racks must allow convenient locking of the frame and one wheel to the rack with the popular U-shaped lock, and the rack must be made of substantial vandal-resistant material.

Place racks to provide maximum surveillance from passersbys. In some areas, there will be demand for higher protection and security for the bicycles. Where appropriate esthetically, provide bicycle lockers for faculty, students, and staff to rent.

Issue: Winter weather in our climate is hard for bicycles.

Proposed policy- Rust-free Bicycles: Provide enough covered bicycle parking to discourage use of offices and labs as bicycle parking lots. Provide free or low-cost seat covers as incentive for bicycle registration. Install bicycle lockers to meet demand, where appropriate. See New Building = New Bicycle Parking for recommended ratios.

Issue: Without an ongoing bicycle safety education program, our campus will not have safe bicycle circulation.

Proposed Policy - Teach Bicycle Safety: Establish a program to teach bicycle safety. This would include a pamphlet to distribute at Early Orientation and Registration and at faculty and staff orientation meetings. Such a publication could also be distributed by Recreational Intramurals and at bicycle registration, and might include information on approved bike routes, bicycle regulations, locking for security, maintenance, safe riding, and other issues. Provide maps and regulations at major campus entrances and large bicycle parking areas. Establish a Bicycle Advocacy Group to ensure ongoing advocacy for bicycle use.

Issue: Enforcement is a vital part of the success of any bicycle plan.

Proposed Policy - Dismount Zone: Provide 24 hour dismount zones as indicated on the Circulation map. Provide staff and equipment for adequate enforcement of this and all other bicycle rules and regulations.