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Rep. DeFazio And Mayor Vinis Promote Bikes As Green-Friendly Alternative To Cars

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis pedaled through town today to promote bikes as an alternative to motor vehicles.

Mayor Vinis said she was learning more and more about cycling, and shared how bike-friendly infrastructure can benefit Eugene.  The city has more than 80 miles of on-street bike lanes, 40 miles of shared-use paths, and plans to expand on protected bikeways in the near future. 

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Eugene Mayor Lucy VInis talks about the city's bike-friendly paths and crossings, as well as the need for further infrastructure to accommodate bikes.

“By changing the way our streets are used, and adding safer crossings, separated bikeways, more shared-use paths,  more bikeshare stations and an efficient transit system, we are creating a safer and more livable city.” 

Congressman DeFazio said developing infrastructure legislation in Congress will hopefully accommodate green-friendly initiatives, including cycling. He recalled a recent visit to Copenhagen that impressed him.

“80 percent of the people commute or their kids go to school on bikes. Why? Because they’re totally separated from traffic, so they don’t have fatalities.” 

DeFazio and Vinis then biked to Falling Sky Brewery, accompanied by staff, U of O students, and others who came to the event.  This included a group of environmental activists, who cheered the promotion of cycling and green-friendly infrastructure as ways to help curb climate change. 

Congress convenes next week, where it will take on the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.  Rep. DeFazio says he's working to re-introduce environmentally-friendly provisions into the legislation, but notes that some of his colleagues across the aisle are still skeptical about climate change and the need for more eco-friendly transportation.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
A group of environmental activists gathered at the U of O to show support for alternative modes of transportation, including bicycles.

Copyright 2021, KLCC. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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