Mind c-My Even in this city of bicycles, cycling responsibly is key Eugene offers many resources for individuals interested in human powered transportation Commentary David Niles Whether you ride season ally or year-round, Eu gene is a great place for bicycling. Bikes are everywhere and in so many different varieties: recumbents, tandems, tricy cles, bikes for hauling loads, bikes that fold, bikes no one would want to steal, trailers, trailer-cycles and on and on. People use them to commute or compete, for recreation, for medita tion and to earn a living. Not surprisingly, bicycles — pound for pound the most efficient form of locomotion—are also manufactured here. Eugene is a city of bicycles. In Eugene, it is easy to ride down the street and feel like you are part of the community—not just a bike commu nity, but the general community. Try that in most other American cities, and you may quickly feel like you are a nuisance for car drivers who feel that bikes belong in playgrounds and not on the road. So celebrate that you are in Eugene and that bikes belong. Being part of a community that sup ports cycling comes with some re sponsibility. First and foremost, know how to ride safely and lawfully. When you are rid ing in the street, your bike is a vehicle, just like a car. Same road, same rules. Red means stop. Nothing does more to tarnish the image of bike riding than seeing someone on a bike blow through a red light or a stop sign. This spring, we are fortunate to have around cam pus a bike riding officer from the Eu gene Police. She will be helping to re mind people of our city's expectation for people to ride safely and lawfully. Same road, same rules, same fines. We hope that people driving in cars are respectful and skilled when shar ing the road with bikes, but that is not always the case. Do not be compla cent. Be predictable and visible when you ride. Bike lanes are only a painted line, not a physical barrier. Another part of the responsibility of riding a bike in Eugene is the knowl edge that you can take with you if you leave. I hope you will not be satisfied if riding a bicycle is not a safe option where you choose to live or work. Your knowledge, skill and genuine enjoyment for riding a bike is a power ful model for change and emulation. Give respect and get respect. Bike riding is good clean healthy fun. It is your lifetime fitness membership. Same road, same rules, more fun. Whatever your interest in cycling, Eugene has something for you. Here are some points of interest: ■ Bicycle maintenance class at EMU Craft Center—fills up fast. M Lane County Bike Map—brand new, available at bike shops. ■ GEARS—noncompetitive group rides. Call 345-3181. ■ UO Cycling Club—racing/training. ■ UO Outdoor Program—group off road riding opportunities. ■ Burley Cycling Classic—July 2 -5 tandem stage race, July 4 criterium on campus. ■ Portland Bike Show—latest in gear, March 13-14. ■ Human Powered Parade—in June, fun for all ages. How about a UO sec tion? ■ C.A.T. — a nonprofit with many volunteer opportunities 344-1197. ■ NW Auto Auction—auction of bikes recovered by Eugene Police, April 3. Call 689-3901. ■ peoplemoving@lists.uoregon.edu — an email list server of information on campus transportation issues. ■ Eugene Bicycle Coalition—advo cacy group. Call 345-2110. ■Travel Affordances—a new uni versity program offering incentives for faculty and staff to use human powered transportation, spring 1999. David Niles is the bicycle coordinatorfor the University. 14 styles, to choose from youi-" amphibious needs and desires. FOOTWISE THE BIRKENSTOCK STORE 181 E. Broadway 342-6107 Mon-Sat: 10-6, Sun: 115 Jump out of a plane Catch it with a stick Spin your wheels mwm ■■■■■ . : ■ -: Sail into the sunset 005933 And Much Much Erb Memorial Union (541) 346-3733 PLEASE RECYCLE DISCOVER THE FEELING OF FITNESS... with Enrollment fee OR MONTHLY DUES On a Keep Fit membership. Just pay a one time processing fee and first and last months' EFT-monthly dues and you're in. NOW OPEN FOR PRE-SALE IN GATEWAY MALL 541-741-2444 4 EUGENE AREA LOCATIONS! Santa Clara: (541) 461-7834 2025 River Rd. University: (541)344-1028 1475 Franklin Blvd. Lawrence: (541)686-4653 252 Lawrence Springfield: (541)726-5220 3270 Gateway Rd. ©FITNESS For the location nearest you, tall 1-800-204-2400 www.24HourFitness.