Guest commentary
Let New York City keep its overcrowded, steamy subways. Los Angeles can have its car culture and the smoggy skyline that comes with it. Eugene is a bike town!
Eugene has more than 100 miles of on-street bicycle lanes and off-street paths. Every bus is equipped with bike racks. And, unlike most cities, there is ample bike-locking space at nearly every destination.
So whether you are just commuting to class, or looking for adventure and exercise, bicycling is definitely one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get around town. Getting started is easy. First of all, don’t be intimidated if you don’t already own a bike. There are a number of ways to find one that’s right for you.
Most retail stores have bikes for sale; however, consider checking out the selection at a local bike shop. There are plenty of friendly shops near campus.
While bikes at local shops may be more expensive than at larger retailers (prices for low-end bikes range from $200 to $300), there are certain advantages to buying locally.
Customer service is typically better. You are more likely to find an avid cyclist who is familiar with the product at a bike shop than at a big-box department store.
Also, bike shops offer a wider selection of styles and sizes. This can be very important in terms of safety and comfort.
You must also consider the maintenance factor. Most bike shops have a commitment to their products and like to foster relationships with their customers so that they will return. Some shops offer free service for a year with the purchase of a bike.
Before you start shopping there are two key points to consider. First, what kind of riding do you intend to do? And how much are you willing to spend?
“Hybrid bikes are probably the most effective for Eugene,” Collins Cycle Shop manager Steve Glass said.
Hybrids are a good compromise between a lighter road bike and a heavier all-terrain mountain bike, which gives them good maneuverability, a plus in city traffic, Glass said.
If your budget is tight, you may want to consider checking out the used market.
Blue Heron Bicycles owner Susan Kelley said that used bikes offer style and craftsmanship at a price that is hard to beat.
And once you find a bike, you’ll want to protect it.
“The biggest thing is theft,” Kelley said. “Either people come from small towns where bike theft isn’t an issue, or they come from bigger cities and think Eugene must be laid-back and safe.”
In actuality, the Department of Public Safety has recorded an average of 180 bike thefts per year, every year for the past decade. Most bike shops recommend using a “u-lock” and cable combination to secure both the wheels and frame to a bike rack.
If you plan on riding in the dark, headlights are required by law in Eugene. They can range in price between $20 to $40, a much better deal than the $90 fine you can get for not having one.
And don’t forget rain gear. Bicycling can provide year-round fun and convenience, but you have to be prepared for Eugene’s rainy weather.
Fenders are also a good idea. They will protect your clothes and your bike from Eugene’s wet winter streets.
Finally, consider getting a helmet. While you are not required by law to wear one, you might as well play it safe.
“It’s cheap insurance for the investment you’re putting inside your head,” Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life mechanic Tim Kaiser said.