Eugene – GEARs

Inspired by the BikePortland.org series of “People on Bikes” I’ve been wanting to do the same kind of series here in Eugene. I’m not as good a photographer as Jonathan but I hope to catch some of the same feel of diversity that he has in his series, showing that there isn’t a “cyclist type” but a wide range of different types of folks riding bikes in our community. It’s not “them” it’s “us” even if someone doesn’t ride they might connect with someone they see (as a parent, hipster, businesswoman, student, etc.).

On my ride into work this morning I had a few spare minutes before a meeting so I stopped at the corner of 15th & High to capture some of the bike traffic going by. In these brief 10 minutes I captured about 40 cyclists, here some of them. I’ve numbered them to make commenting on specific photos easier (good idea Jonathan).

And how to get around town on a bike.

May 10, 6:30 to 8pm. Hilyard Community Center (directions)

Are you trying to find out if riding a bike might be right for you? Or are you just getting started and need some great tips and safety guidance from some experienced helpful people? If yes is the answer to either of the above, you will not want to miss this “Nite Out!”.

GEARs is pleased to have Paul Adkins present an evening that both teaches and reinforces good cycling. He’ll have a short presentation with information about proper gear and clothing, riding skills, technique, cycling laws, street confidence, and bicycle maintenance.

A very diverse panel of six women (see below for bios) will take over and share their personal stories. They’ll talk about their fears and barriers to getting around by bike and how they have overcome them. Then you can ask them questions.

And for those that want to stay, we’ll give a lesson on fixing a flat tire.

The Panelists

	Cortney Mild: As a dancer, Cortney started commuting by bike so that she could squeeze triathlon training into her active schedule. One thing led to another and she ended up at the University of Oregon as a masters student in planning with a focus on bicycle transportation.
	Caroline Forell: Caroline is Professor of Bike Law at the University of Oregon. She has commuted by bike to the UO for 30 plus years as well as in San Francisco, Honolulu, Iowa City, and Hobart and Brisbane, Australia.
	Kathryn Wells: “I hadn’t ridden a bike in 20 years. My husband got one for me when I had the chance to ride to work, and after a very wobbly start, a class, and some practice, I’m really enjoying my commute!”
	Emily Swenson: Emily is the parent of two young children and a part-time teacher. She and her family went car-light in the spring of 2010, and she gets around town primarily by bike, but also on foot and by bus. She writes a family cycling blog, mamafiets.blogspot.com.
	Claire Dannenbaum: Claire has been riding a bike as part of everyday life for over 20 years. She has integrated biking into parenting, work life, and all manner of daily chores and errands from groceries to gardening.
	Holly McRae: Holly is a mother, advocate and self proclaimed dirt worshipping tree hugger. She sits on the City of Eugene’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and has worked at WREN as the Environmental Education Coordinator.

This evening is a great way to get you ready for the summer and to gear up to participate in the Business Commuter Challenge that starts the week of May 14-20. Businesses, schools, offices, and factories all around Eugene will be encouraged to bike, walk, and take a bus or carpool during that time. Our aim is to get people on bicycles and and help them to enjoy that experience enough to keep it going.

GEARs found good partners to work with on this event!