As many of us know from our rides around town there continues to be an issue with leaves being piled in unsafe and illegal areas, including bike lanes.  However, we knew that this wasn’t going to be problem that just went away.  The City has made a major effort over the past year to improve the leaf collection program to make it safer for cyclists.  As we continue to work with them to improve the program there are a few things you can do to help.

1- Report the problems.  The City has a phone number and a website set up to report the exact location of the problem area.  By reporting it you not only get the issue dealt with (many riders have already experienced 12-48 hour clean up times) but you also raise awareness of specific repeat offenders or trouble areas

The number is: 541-682-5383
The website is: http://www.eugene-or.gov/leaf

Leaves in the Bike Lane

2- Post some photos.  A new Flickr group has been set up by a GEARs member called “Eugene Bike Accessibility Issues“.  There you can post not only pictures of leaves in the bike lane but other issues such as cars parked in bike lanes, incomplete infrastructure, poor pavement, and other issues that make cycling less safe or discouraging.  There is a sister group called “Eugene Loves Bikes” where you can post the positive side of what makes Eugene a great place to ride.

3- Record the issue.  Whether it’s via the Flickr group, your own photos, cell phone camera, or simply writing it down on paper, record the issue.  As we talk to the City about broad issues, specific problems, repeat offenders and difficult areas it will be important to have documentation.  As part of GEARs and the cycling community you are our eyes and ears out there.  Record what you see and get it to us.

4-  Direct action. Some folks have had luck actually talking to the offender, whether they’ve called a business, knocked on the door of a home-owner, or approached a landscaper actually blowing the leaves at that moment.  Many people don’t know the rules and regulations, remember this is the first year that the city is actually telling people NOT to place leaves in the bike lane, it’s going to take some time to unlearn this bad behavior.  If you choose this method remember that you are an ambassador for cyclists, this is not meant to be a confrontation but an education.  If it starts to look ugly or to get heated simply step back and pedal away (and record what happened).   The hope is that we can work with the City so that they are doing the education and enforcement with these folks but until that happens and if your comfortable with it feel free to give it a try. Let us know how it goes.

(A story appeared on KVAL about this issue- see the report HERE.)