If there’s one thing the city of Eugene can flaunt, that would be it’s local bike scene. The city (along with several others in the state of Oregon) and its residents are actively exploring more walkable and bikeable infrastructure. By enacting measures such as new bike lanes, marked & lighted street crossings, dedicated bike paths, and removing parking requirements for new construction, the city is leaning toward a greener and more sustainable future.
Of course, with this new approach comes its sets of difficulties and challenges. Chief among them is bicyclist safety. As governments (slowly) begin to transition to more bike-friendly infrastructure, the risks posed to cyclists by unaware or distracted drivers increase as more bikes begin to travel on the road. Fortunately, there are many ways to solve these drawbacks. Potential solutions involve more robust driver and cyclist education, stricter penalties for violations of bike lanes/laws, a registration system for crime enforcement, tax benefits for drivers who don’t accrue miles (exemptions for employment/mobility).
Another issue is ensuring biking is accessible to all people. E-bikes present attractive options for infrastructure investment, accessibility, and sustainability. The benefits for cities that permit bicycling are directly experienced by members of its population. Not only can we reduce our carbon footprint, we can increase traffic to local businesses and thus better stimulate organic economic activity. The environmental, health, and economic benefits are many, yet such a future still presents challenges which I firmly believe can be overcome.
For cycling’s foreseeable future, one mandate is clear: more efforts must be made to protect bicyclists on the road. A heavy cyclist presence is a good reminder to drivers to share the road. For the aware and alert driver, a cyclist can never be “out of sight, out of mind.”
So, what is Critical Mass?
Critical Mass is a form of direct action in which people travel as a group on bicycles at a set location and time. The idea is for people to group together to make it safe for each other to ride bicycles through their streets, based on the old adage: there’s safety in numbers.
Wikipedia contributors. “Critical Mass (cycling).” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 6 Mar. 2024. Web. 7 Apr. 2024.
The above-referenced Wikipedia articled then goes on to mention how Critical Mass is characterized as a “social movement” and the event itself is considered a form of activism, or protest. The intention is for cyclists of all sorts to make a visible statement of presence to drivers, taxpayers, and policymakers. Also of note, is this event originated in San Francisco in 1992, and has since spread to over three-hundred cities worldwide.
In 2024, Eugenians are keeping the tradition going strong. Critical Mass is held on the last Friday of the month, where riders gather slightly before dusk in the heart of downtown before embarking into the sunset on their ride. The time I went, it was my first-ever group ride (about which I was rightfully advised probably wasn’t the best idea for someone completely new to bicycling). The event was at its best with new riders joining at random and members of the group occasionally pulling off along the route to make desired stops and rejoining later.
Overall, it was a positive community experience. Sharing a bike ride with others endorses a sense of community. Not to mention, the exercise benefits of pedaling your two-wheeled zero-emissions* vehicle. The event attracts locals from all walks of life, and aside from gaining valuable time outdoors, it is quality time spent connecting with others. Be sure to check out Critical Mass if you ever get the chance!
Yoga Compatibility Score: 10/10
- Breath & Movement
- Mindfulness
- Outdoors / Nature
- Mental Health
- Community
- Action / Karma
- Exercise
- Learning
- Community
- Sustainable
- Grassroots / Local
- Free Admission