Text Size:   A+ A- A   •   Text Only
Find     
Northwest Region- Region 2

News and Events
Lane County motorists to share roads with bicyclists August 1
07/27/2010
 July 27, 2010                                             For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442
07-173-R2                                                            email at:  mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us
 
Motorists will share the roads with hundreds of bicyclists on August 1 
 
SPRINGFIELD — The Oregon Department of Transportation is encouraging Lane County motorists to “share the road” with hundreds of bicyclists taking part in an annual event on Sunday, August 1, 2010.
 
The 12th annual Blackberry bRamble is sponsored by GEARS (Greater Eugene Area Riders), which expects as many as 500 riders to participate in the long-distance event. 
 
There will be several rides with distances ranging from 43 miles to 100 miles and all the routes include state roads or highways.
 
From 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., motorists should expect increased bicycle traffic on Territorial Highway between the community of Lorane and Vaughn Road, near Crow.  Heavy bicycle traffic will also cross OR 126 between Noti Loop Road and Poodle Creek Road.  The riders will also travel on OR 36 between Poodle Creek Road and Butler Road.
 
Bicyclists have the same road rights as motor vehicles; likewise, they must obey the same rules of the road as motorists.
 
ODOT encourages motorists to:
  • Practice defensive driving
  • Remember to use your signals to alert traffic around you
  • Be aware of bicyclists, especially when making turns
  • Use the side mirror and check over the shoulder to look for bicyclists in the vehicle’s blind spot
  • Be patient in travel lanes and keep a safe distance when passing.   You must give the cyclist enough room so that you would avoid hitting the cyclist if the cyclist crashes.
  • Always be mindful of local speed limits.
 
ODOT encourages bicyclists to:
  • Practice defensive driving
  • Use hand signals when turning
  • Wear a helmet and bright colors
  • Ride no more than two abreast and keep as far right as you can safely ride
  • Check your gear, especially brakes and tires,  before riding
  • Watch for and avoid road hazards
  • Yield to traffic when appropriate
  • Obey all traffic laws.
 
ODOT encourages motorists and cyclists to treat each other with respect; reduce conflicts; and put safety above all other priorities.
 
Know Before You Go
To learn the very latest road conditions, visit www.tripcheck.com
 
To learn more about the bicycle event, visit http://edu.eugenegears.org/bramble
 
##ODOT##