Plan Your Bike Ride - 3 Tips for Safe Cycling

Our #1 Tip: Ride Safe

Be familiar with your bicycle equipment, riding environment and traffic safety rules wherever you ride.

Cycling in the Eugene - Springfield Metro Area

Keep an Eye on the Road Ahead

Avoid running over potholes, gravel, broken glass, drainage grates, puddles you can’t see through, large tree branches or other unsafe road conditions. If the object must be avoided and you are unable to quickly stop ahead of it, first look over your shoulder to scan where there may be cars or other people bicycling and walking before moving away from your path. If necessary, use a hand signal before moving over. 

Ride Steadily with Traffic

People driving look for possible conflicts with traffic when they enter a road, turn or change lanes. If you are riding in the same direction as traffic, people driving will more likely see and yield to you. You should ride as close as practicable and safe to the right side of the roadway except when overtaking another bicyclist, when preparing to make a left turn, when necessary to avoid a fixed or slow-moving object or vehicle or when riding in a substandard width lane. Riding in the road against traffic is against the law – so respect where everyone is going.

Always Prioritize Bike Lanes

Oregon bicyclists are required to ride in or upon bike lanes or paths when it is adjacent to the roadway with exceptions for right and left turns and to avoid hazards. Cyclists riding on a sidewalk must yield the right of way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing. Sidewalk riding is generally permitted for bicyclists, per the state's Stop as Yield Law, however the City of Eugene prohibits cyclists riding on downtown sidewalks. 

Cycling in Rural Areas

Watch for Hazardous Route Conditions

Some of our popular cycling routes, like the Aufderheide, are enveloped in old growth forest, so expect heavy shadows and dappled sun that could block your vision. Beware of natural road hazards, like moss-covered pavement, encroaching brush, gravel, debris and leaf litter when riding. These older Forest Service or Lane County roads can also have cracks, sinkholes, striping and fading road lines. Before departing, check road status. Do not ride on roads closed to traffic (like Hwy 242 prior to seasonal re-opening), as it may put you and road work crews at risk.

• For Lane County Roads

See road closure alerts on the Lane County Maps - Road Incidents webpage.

• For Forest Service Roads

Check out current trail status and any alerts – such as temporary road closures – on the Willamette National Forest - Alerts & Closures webpage.

Watch and Yield to Vehicles

Some of these rural routes are still used as a transport route for large trucks and logging operations, with narrow-to-no shoulder for cyclists. Take extra precautions when approaching blind curves by reducing your speed and be prepared to pull over to allow loaded log trucks to safely pass. You can find more information on hauling schedules by contacting the Middle Fork Ranger District and the McKenzie River Ranger District.

Visibility & Layering

Upper elevation rides may get chilly at the peak of the route, so layer up and take a jacket with you – regardless of the season and forecast! Even with extra layers, don't forget to wear light colors and reflective clothing so drivers can see you. Use lights on the front and back when riding at dusk or in other conditions when visibility is lower.  

Pack a Bag

Some rural routes stretch for many miles without access to refreshments and accommodations until you reach the ride's endpoint. Pack snacks, extra water, first aid, spare tube and a pump. See our Adventure Checklist for more smart planning ideas.

Bring a Map & Tell a Friend

Cell phone coverage is limited, so download any digital maps prior to your ride. Also, leave a map of your planned ride with a friend and check in with them when you return within your planned timeframe.

Respect Nature & Wildlife

These routes wouldn't be scenic if we didn't let nature do its thing! Every wild creature and plant contributes to a healthy ecosystem, so leave what you find. Large cycling groups may stress the animals. Please don't feed birds or animals, and don't follow them or force them to flee either.

Our #2 Tip: The Right Gear

Wear Bright and Reflective Clothing to Be Visible

Help drivers spot you more easily by wearing bright colors and reflective gear, and avoiding black and dark clothing even during the day. Extend this to your bicycle with a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (required by law at night, or when visibility is poor). Also check that the rest of your clothing doesn't hinder your ride. Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain. Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.

Wear a Bike Helmet

Helmets are recommended for everyone. Oregon law requires all bicycle riders under the age of sixteen to wear an approved helmet while riding on a public path or roadway – so make sure everyone has their helmet before you go!