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ovember 2, 2 04 <br /> ONTACT: atrick J. McCormick, Communications Director, League of American Bicyclists <br /> 02-822-1333; Fax: 202-822-1334, email: patrick@bikeleague.org <br /> rian Genovese, City Transportation Engineer, 541-682-5471 <br /> From Public Inf rmation Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> FOR IMMEDIA E RELEASE <br /> icyclists League Names Eugene as aBicycle-Friendly Community <br /> Washington, D -The League of American Bicyclists will recognize Eugene with its prestigious <br /> Bicycle Friendl Community (BCF) designation. Sue Wolfing, who chairs the Eugene Bicycle <br /> Coalition, will p esent the award to Mayor Jim Torrey at the November 8 City Council meeting. <br /> The Le gue has honored 44 communities across the nation with the BCF award, and Eugene <br /> becomes the fi h community in Oregon to receive the award, joining Ashland, Beaverton, Corvallis <br /> and Portland. ugene earned the award for its historic commitment to improving conditions for <br /> bicycling and it practice of making focused investment in bicycling programs and facilities. Eugene's <br /> Bicycle and Pe estrian Coordinator Diane Bishop, who recently retired, and the Eugene Bicycle <br /> Coalition have een instrumental in many of the programs and projects over the years that have made <br /> Eugene a grea place to bike. <br /> Eugen was granted the silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community award following a detailed <br /> audit of the cit 's efforts to provide safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists and to encourage <br /> residents to bi a for transportation and recreation. The application process is rigorous; just 44 of the <br /> 98 applicants f r the BFC award have been granted the designation. <br /> "The L ague is delighted to recognize Eugene for its efforts to welcome bicyclists and make <br /> bicycling safer nd more enjoyable, said Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League. "We applaud <br /> Eugene and o r other BFC winners for their willingness to invest over the long-term in creating a <br /> better, more li ble environment for their citizens. BFCs typically enjoy levels of bicycle use that are <br /> well above the national average and consequently they are reaping the rewards of cleaner air, less <br /> congestion, sa er streets, and a more active and healthy population." <br /> Bicycli is in Eugene benefit from the city's long-term commitment to bicycling, which has <br /> contributed to is 5.5% bicycle mode share, one of the highest levels in the country, and about five <br /> times the nati al average, according to the 2000 Census. The League's BFC reviewers were very <br /> impressed wit Eugene's innovative on and off-road bicycle facilities such as the Willamette River <br /> trails and brid es, Eugene's ample provision of bike racks, and the lighting at night of most of the <br /> city's bike pat s. Other impressive aspects include top-notch education programs for youth. Eugene's <br /> Smart Ways t School, a local version of the popular Safe Routes to School movement, brings <br /> together grou s of young cyclists with parent volunteers who accompany the children along <br /> <br /> designated, s fe routes to school. (MORE) <br /> Publi Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />