New 13th Ave 2-way bike lane opens this week.

From the City of Eugene: The new 13th Avenue Bikeway  opens for use this week. The bikeway features a two-way protected bike lane on 13th Avenue between Alder and Lincoln streets, linking the University of Oregon Campus to Downtown Eugene. The grand opening celebration, Shift Lanes: 13th Avenue, runs October 23 – 30 (Friday – Friday). Community members can enjoy physically-distanced fun for all ages: group rides, discounts at local businesses, livestream talks, the Filmed by Bike Film Festival, and more!

The UO LiveMove student group, focused on designing transportation systems to improve livability, first developed a plan for the bikeway in 2014 when off-campus housing was under construction along 13th Avenue. Wanting to plan for students to safely and efficiently get back and forth to campus, the students proposed their idea to City of Eugene who—with the assistance of federal funding—was able to create a new design for the street.

The vision comes to fruition this fall with the opening of the 13th Avenue Bikeway. Biking on the street is a whole new experience! A new concrete barrier separates the bikeway and the vehicle travel lanes, creating a separate and comfortable space for people of all ages and abilities biking the street. Intersections with signals now have bike-only signal phases to prevent turning conflicts between people driving and people biking.

Highlights include:

• 12-foot wide two-way protected bikeway on the north side of 13th Avenue
• Green paint highlighting the bikeway through intersections and conflict zones
• Concrete barrier between the bikeway and vehicle travel lanes
• Bike signals at all signalized intersections allowing for two-way travel
• New wayfinding signage along the bikeway
• Improved traffic signals including audible pedestrian devices and countdown timers
• Raised pedestrian crossing at 13th Avenue and Lincoln Street
• New vehicle parking bays

Help celebrate the new bikeway! The Shift Lanes: 13th Avenue grand opening celebration invites residents to reduce their carbon footprint by shifting modes from driving in the vehicle lane to biking in the bike lane with a week of fun events. Starting Friday, October 23, people can access ‘ride and seek’ deals with a variety of local businesses along the bikeway by showing their bike helmet. Local groups such as GEARS (Greater Eugene Area Riders), BEST (Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation), Climate Revolutions by Bike, and the Electric Avenue bike shop will offer physically-distanced rides throughout the week. Look out for Family Fun Day on October 25 and AARP Day on October 30 as well as livestream events, movies, talks, and more.

If you choose to attend, you are required to follow public health precautions to keep yourself and others safe by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining physical distance. Community members of all ages have an important role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Remember, stay home if you’re sick.Questions or comments? Contact Reed Dunbar, Transportation Planner, 541-682-5727