01/28/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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c . E. Annual Update of Eugene Bike Plan (Memo distributed) Manager explained this was an update to the Bicycle Plan adopted in 4It 1975 on which there was a review each year. He had reviewed it and found it in good shape. He introduced Mr. Jim Hanks. Mr. Hanks said during the past year, the Eugene Bicycle Committee has conducted an extensive review of the Bicycle Master Plan. The Federal Highway Commission under the Oregon Traffic Safety Commission financed a comprehensive evaluation of the Eugene Bicycle System (copies distributed). The evaluation said Eugene had done a good job and made no changes in the Master Plan. It pointed out the dangers of bicycle routes on sidewalks (three times more dangerous). Other recommendations were in the area of maintenance and evaluation of accidents. He reviewed the 15 recommendations explained in the distributed material. Two routes, over Delta and the NS route on Monroe, would have major impact. The recommendations were endorsed by the Bicycle Committee and the Eugene Planning Commission. Mr. Lieuallen noted that the consultant had recommended that a better way be found to get accident reports. Mr. Hanks explained a low percentage of bicycle accidents are reported to the Police Department. They are now asking hospitals to fill out forms regarding bicycle accidents when they treat such cases. Most of the recommendations are currently being done by the City. Mr. Lieuallen felt the method of accident reporting was woefully inadequate. He urged the City to expand bicycle acddent reporting. Mr. Hanks agreed completely. Mr. Lieuallen suggested more publicity so that people would be encouraged ~ to report accidents. The City could then use this information to ,., improve the bicycle system to make it safer. Manager asked Mr. Lieuallen if accident forms could be distributed to the bicycle shops. Mr. Lieuallen said it was a possibility. Mr. Hamel said it was necessary to make the police aware of the problem and the need for collecting this information. Often, bicycle accidents are not taken seriously. Ms. Miller asked about a bicycle telephone listing suggested in the consultantls report. Mr. Hanks said they were planning to implement that suggestion currently. She said she was glad to see in the January 8 minutes it was indicated that someone will be working with the County on the Glenwood extension of the south bank bicycle path. She asked about the south bank connector along the river. Mr. Hanks said they are working on it, but that it was a long-range project. The connection between the Knickerbocker Bridge and Franklin Boulevard will be funded hopefully in the next year. The Bicycle Master Plan calls for a modified bicycle way along franklin Boulevard. It will have to be looked at more closely to stay within the consultant's recommendations. Mr. Lieuallen pointed out the need for education of motorists as well as bicyclists. , v' 1/28/80--10