The University of Oregon Bike Program and Collin’s Cycle Shop have won a grant from Globe Bicycles to host an all-day celebration of year-round bicycle commuting on January 12th, 2011. The event, “Ride in the Rain, A Celebration of Wet Weather Bike Transportation,” will be held in the amphitheater of the Erb Memorial Union on the UO campus from 10:30am to 5:00pm. The celebration will feature free bike repair, music with bike-powered amplification, a rain gear fashion show, a “track-stand” competition, a community ride, and a keynote address by Cycle Oregon’s Jerry Norquist. Fourteen brand new cargo bikes donated by Globe will also mark the launch of short term bicycle loans through the UO Bike Program.
Eugene is known nationally for both its rain and its bikeability. “Students especially rely on bicycles to get around, but they are understandably deterred by our wet winter climate,” said UO Bike Program Coordinator Ted Sweeney. “We designed Ride in the Rain to generate excitement and empowerment around winter riding, and we are very excited that Globe chose to support our project.” Awarded as a Specialized Dealer Grant and worth around $10,000, Globe’s fourteen donated cargo bikes come fully equipped with fenders, built-in lights, and cargo racks capable of bearing up to ninety pounds, sending the message that bikes can be viable vehicles in any weather.
Other sponsors, including Planet Bike, Castelli USA, Kryptonite, Grundén’s, the UO Office of Sustainability, and Cyclone Bicycle Supply are supplying rain gear and other essential equipment for use in the new short term bike loan program.
The University of Oregon Bike Program, a branch of the UO Outdoor Program, works to connect students with bicycles. Since 2008, the student-run program has offered low-cost bicycle loans, a free do-it-yourself bike maintenance shop, and related classes and events for the UO Community.
Collin’s Cycle Shop strives to increase bicycle transportation and general use in their community. In business for over sixty-five years, Collin’s operates three stores in the Eugene/Springfield area.
Globe is a brand of bicycles that have the unique ability to become an extension of people’s lifestyles and personal choices rather than simply a piece of sporting equipment. The products are inspired by and designed for urban cyclists, commuters, city dwellers, the progressively minded and the eco-conscious. This stand alone brand has been created by Specialized Bicycle Components, which has a long history of providing the best cycling product in the world.
For more information, please contact Ted Sweeney, UO Bike Program Coordinator. bikes@uoregon.edu, (503) 737-4419
