For many University of Oregon students, bicycles are the most convenient and affordable way to get around town. Most students live within a couple miles of campus, and though buses run fairly frequently, many students find it much faster to hop on a bike to get where they’re going.
The flip side for this convenience, however, is Eugene’s notorious reputation for bike theft. Kryptonite ranked Eugene sixth in number of bike hefts above Philadelphia, Seattle and Oakland.
Ellie Bartlett of the UO Bike Program imparted some basic guidelines that can ensure that you – and your bike – stay safe and secure.
Buying a U-lock rather than a cable lock is the best precaution to ensure that your bike remains yours. U-locks are made of solid metal and are much harder to break through than a simple cable, which can be cut with a pair of clippers.
Bartlett said, however, that spending your last dollar on the fanciest U-lock is unnecessary because even the cheapest U-locks tend to lead thieves to move along to an easier target.
It’s also imperative to lock your bike to something sturdy, such as a designated bike rack or a street sign, rather than a flimsy porch railing. But be cautious of leaving a bike anywhere at night.
“Leaving a bike out at night, anywhere, is a bad idea,” Bartlett said.
Bartlett also said that people who lock their bikes in lazy ways, such as locking only the tire or the seat, are an easy target.
If your bike is stolen, make sure to report it to campus police. Having the serial number of your bicycle also helps the University of Oregon Police Department identify that the bike is yours, once they find it.
Preventing accidents is just as important as deterring theft. Cycling on slick, rainy streets and dodging distracted drivers can be challenging. On campus, even in no-car zones, distracted pedestrians can step directly onto the path of a cyclist in a bike lane.
“When you’re on campus you shouldn’t be biking super fast, zooming around,” said Bartlett. “That’s pretty irresponsible, because of the people walking. Keep your eyes open.”
On bike paths, it is important to use your bell or your voice to alert pedestrians that you’re passing them.
On streets, students should ride with the flow of traffic, and avoid cycling on sidewalks. Be sure to stop at traffic lights and stop signs just as a vehicle would. Use hand signals when turning and make eye contact at a four-way stop so drivers know when to continue.
Helmets aren’t required by law in Eugene for citizens over the age of 16, but they can be the difference between a serious head injury and a bad hair day. “People are concerned about it messing up their hair,” said Bartlett, “but it’s a lot better to be safe.”
If you don’t have a bike, the Bike Program can rent you a bike for only $30 dollars per term. The bike comes equipped with front and rear lights, fenders, a bell, lock, and basket. Students can also pump up tires and do repairs at the Bike Program’s maintenance shop.
The Bike Program has also installed six fix-it stations around campus.
Maps of Eugene bike routes, as well as other cycling resources, can be found at the UO Bike Program’s resource page.