If you’re a U of O student, which many of our tenants are, chances are you will rely on bicycling for some (if not all) of your transportation needs. Â The good news is you’re in the right town. Eugene, Oregon is one of the most bike friendly cities in the country!
Did you know we rank 7th on the list of Top 20 Cities with the Highest Share of Bicyclists in the country? It’s safe to say that if you’re reading this then you’re probably a proud cyclist yourself. But whether you’re a long-time cyclist or new to the scene there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure a long, positive bike ownership.
BIKE REGISTRATION
In case of theft, registration of your bike can be the difference between recovering your bike or not. Â If you’re a student of the University of Oregon, bike registration is required by the Department of Parking and Transportation for all bikes on campus. But the best part? It’s free!
Here are some simple steps to register your bike:
- Fill out the form on Eugene-or.gov’s Bike Registration page. If you’re a University of Oregon student you can also register through project529.com.
- If you apply through Eugene-or.gov’s page, a registration decal will be sent to you once your application is processed. If you’re registering through the University of Oregon then you can pick your decal through the Department of Parking and Transportation.
BIKE SAFETY AND LAWS
Always Wear a Helmet – Protect your head!
Wear Reflective Clothing – Bright colors will keep you visible during the day, and reflective colors will increase your visibility at night.
Obey The Laws of The Road – As a biker you follow the same rules of the road that cars do. Always obey traffic signs and signals.
Ride On The Right – Ride on the right side of the road and follow the flow of traffic.
Keep The Lights On – Bikes are required by Oregon law to have lights and reflectors both on the front and back.
Take Those Buds Out – Avoid wearing ear buds or headphones to keep your hearing free for traffic.
LOCK YOUR BIKE
- We advise investing in a reliable U-Lock of at least $50, as cheaper locks are easier to bypass.
- Always lock your bike when you’re not using it, even if you are only away from it briefly.
- Be aware that no lock is foolproof. A determined thief will be able to break one given enough time. Avoid leaving your bike locked outdoors overnight and keep it indoors or in your garage whenever possible.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A THEFT
File a police report. Fill out a police report via their online form.
Register your bike as stolen at webikeeugene.com. By providing this information bike shops, pawns shops, and others, We Bike Eugene increases the possibilities of your bike being recognized and reported. It’s a free community driven service that anyone can use.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES