Bicyclists Leage Names Eugene as a Bicycle-Friendly Community

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a ~ v ,o Bicyclists League Names Eugene Page 2 November 2, 2004 Programs like Eugene's People Powered Fridays and its Business Commute Challenge are models for other communities to consider when putting together their own programs to promote bicycling. In Eugene's Bike Month celebration, participants commit to getting to work by bike or on foot at least one day aweek-a great way to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. League staff and reviewers consider several factors before granting a community BFC status, including: • The physical environment for bicycling on-street facilities, trails, parking etc. ¦ Education programs to promote a "share the road" ethic among bicyclists and drivers. ¦ Promotional initiatives to persuade people to ride or ride more often ¦ Enforcement of traffic laws for both motorists and bicyclists ¦ Future plans and evaluation techniques to improve conditions further. The League's BFC program has become a catalyst for positive change in communities across the country. Clarke said that, "We encourage Eugene to continue its steady work to improve conditions for bicycling and to try to achieve agold-level or even a platinum-level award in a year or two. None of the communities we've designated have been satisfied with the level of their award. They all want to do better; they want to do more to encourage bicycling, and they want to move up to the next level. We are confident Eugene can do just that." The League's Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign is a national grassroots effort to increase the number of trips made by bike, promote physical fitness, and help make communities more livable. The Campaign works in the most effective way possible-town by town, city by city-to encourage bicycling and achieve abicycle-friendly America. The Campaign is supported by generous grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (www.rwif.org) and Bikes Belong Coalition (www.bikesbelong.org). The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for abicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org and www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. Public Works + Administration • City of Eugene + 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541)682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us