Gazette-Times reporter

City boasts state's highest percent of bicyclists

There were a few more bicycles locked to the rack outside the Downtown Fire Station on Monday as the Corvallis City Council met for its noon meeting.

But even on days when the city isn't being recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community, there are lots of people using the city's bicycle facilities, such as bicycle lanes on most of the city's main streets, bicycle racks at businesses and other buildings, and numerous bikepaths.

Corvallis was one of only three U.S. cities to receive the bicycle friendly "gold" award, and it was the highest rated among the six Oregon communities honored by the League of American Bicyclists this year. In fact, Corvallis has the highest percent of bicyclists in the state, according to figures from the league.

That distinction was noted by Michael Ronkin, a roadway engineer with the state Department of Transportation's bicycle and pedestrian program, who presented the mayor and City Council with a recognition plaque on Monday.

"You're being recognized nationally as an example of how to do things right," Rankin told city officials.

Contributors to the bicycle-friendly rating include: the will of elected officials, involved citizens and a dedicated public works staff.

Corvallis' small size, extensive bicycle system and relatively flat terrain allow almost any trip to be accomplished on bicycle in less than 15 minutes, according to the city public works department.

Though there is one level higher in the league's ranking, platinum, no city in the country has yet achieved that status.

Susan Christie, former chair of the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, attended the presentation and told officials that many other cities are vying for the platinum award, and that Corvallis would have to be "really innovative" to be the first to earn it.

In a statement from the League of American Bicyclists director Andy Clarke, the league lauded the city for its efforts to welcome bicyclists and to make bicycling safer and more enjoyable.

"None of the communities we've designated have been satisfied with the level of their award," Clarke said. "They all want to do better; they want to do more to encourage bicycling, and they want to move up to the next level. We are confident Corvallis can do just that."

Other bicycle-friendly communities in Oregon are Ashland, Beaverton, Bend, Eugene and Portland.

Factors considered in the Bicycle Friendly Community ranking include:

• The environment for bicycling on street facilities, trails, parking, etc.

• Education programs to promote a "share the road" ethic among bicyclists and drivers

• Promotional initiatives to persuade people to ride or bike more often

• Enforcement of traffic laws for both motorists and bicyclists

• Plans and evaluation techniques to improve bicycling conditions

ON THE NET: The League of American Bicyclists, www.bikeleague.org; A list of the 2005 Bicycle Friendly Community award winners, www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. Maps and information about bicycle paths, routes and services in Corvallis, link under the "Find it A-Z" directory on the city's Web site, www.ci.corvallis.or.us.

Did you know?

• Corvallis was among 49 U.S. cities to be recognized this year as a Bicycle Friendly Community; 114 applied

• Corvallis has had a bicycle advisory commission since 1971

• About 95 percent of collector and arterial streets in Corvallis have bike lanes

• There are about 45 miles of bicycle lanes on city streets

•Corvallis has 16 miles of multi-use (bicycle) paths, including the new link between Willamette Park and Rivergreen development

•Most bicycle trips in Corvallis can be accomplished in less than 15 minutes

•According to a 1998 survey, 13.5 percent of Corvallis residents regularly commute by bicycle, one of the highest percentages in the nation

Becky Waldrop covers public policy and education for the Gazette-Times. She can be reached at becky.waldrop@lee.net or 758-9510.