New Mileage Markers, Signs Along Riverbank Trails Enhance Safety, Information

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> September , 2004 CONTACT: Diane Bishop, Public Works Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, 682-5471 Tod Schneider, Eugene Police Community Service Officer, 682-8186 i From Public Information Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 FOR IMME IATE RELEASE New M' eage Markers, Signs Along Riverbank Trails Enhance Safety, Information The opular Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System in Eugene offers new safety and information features. New mileage markers along the 12-mile-long Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System have been install d by the Eugene Public Works Department at the recommendation of the Eugene Police Depa ment to help path users identify their location in case of emergency. The markers I are placed very quarter mile and are color coded by path: blue for the East Bank Trail, orange for the Wes Bank Trail, yellow for the South Bank Trail, and green for the North Bank Trail. Each marke identifies the path name and provides the mileage from the Greenway Bicycle Bridge, loca ed near Valley River Center. "Los tourists, hikers with medical emergencies, runners and walkers will all benefit from the ability t pinpoint locations and distances," says EPD Crime Prevention Specialist Tod Schneider. 'With the help of cell phones, location markers should enhance emergency response ti es, and make it easier to track activity on specific sites along the path." Afte testing various methods for displaying the mileage on the trails, City staff chose to use thermo lastic material, which is melted onto the surface of the path. This method will eliminate th need to have a post in the ground next to the path, which might impede mowing. Als new information signs showing the riverbank trails and services available along them have een installed at the south end of the Greenway Bicycle Bridge in Maurie Jacobs Park and in Alton Baker Park at the foot of the stairs from the DeFazio Bicycle Bridge. These sign maps ill help visitors see where they are on the trail system, determine the mileage between la dmarks along the trail system, and find amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, nd playgrounds. Note to edit rs: A news conference will be held Thursday, September 9, at 10 a.m, at the south end of the G eenway Bicycle Bridge. Reporters and photographers can park at the Maurie Jacobs Park parking lot, at the east end of Fir Lane (off River Road). The news conference will include an opportunity t photograph the installation process (the final marker in the system will be affixed near the news co ference site.) Publi Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us