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Walkability
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Just yesterday (April 22nd around 5:52pm) I was walking home with groceries when my rollator collapsed due to damage in the sidewalk nearly the width of its wheels, sending me, my walker and my groceries to the ground. This happened right next to a building that has a sign in the window that includes "The City of Eugene and Eugene Police Department will now be monitoring and enforcing NO LOITERING at this property." If the city is watching this area closely enough to enforce loitering rules, how is it that such a dangerous sidewalk hazard continues to go unaddressed, right under their watch?
Luckily none of my groceries were damaged and I've learned to fall relatively safely most of the time, but what if I hadn't? What if I'd been injured beyond my usual dislocations? What if I had broken something in my haste to catch myself before hitting the concrete? What if I had bought bananas, for example, or other fragile items? Who would replace them? I would like to buy eggs, but I don't even dare with the current condition of the sidewalks because there's absolutely no way I'd be able to get them back home without them being damaged by the journey and this experience only reinforces that.
Because of my disabilities, it already takes a lot of time and energy just to get to the store in the first place. I should be able to go to the store without fearing loss of food or risking a flare-up just to access groceries and other essentials. And most alarming to me, what if someone else- who might not handle that fall as well- were to fall too? With the sidewalks in this current condition, that risk is present every single time.
In addition, it is far too common for me to have to zigzag, lift my walker, and maneuver around every damaged section of sidewalk to avoid a fall or even simply to keep moving forward. I am hypermobile and really shouldn’t be lifting or jerking my rollator repeatedly, but that’s exactly what I have to do at most spots: lift or risk tipping my walker over and falling. It’s exhausting, it puts me at risk of injury, and it should not be necessary.
This results in many stops, when I should be able to reach appointments and meet my daily needs without unnecessary delays- just like anyone who doesn’t have to constantly stop, reroute, and physically strain themselves to get through their own city.
Phoenix supported: Make Eugene Sidewalks Safe, Clean, and Hazard-free!There are some sidewalks I literally cannot traverse in my wheelchair. I shouldn't have to cross the street for a block just because a sidewalk is THAT bad. Regardless of who's responsibility it is, effort is clearly lacking.
Scooter supported: Make Eugene Sidewalks Safe, Clean, and Hazard-free!Earlier this year, we were devastated when our beloved dog unfortunately passed away after a hit and run on Washington Lane involving a speeding vehicle. We often hear cars speeding by on Washington, especially at night around the curve and 4 way stop by the Rydal train station. We are very concerned for those in the area - from children, pets, and neighbors to commuters and visitors who walk from the train station up Washington Lane towards Jenkintown.
Audrey supported: Implement Traffic Calming Measures on Washington Lane in AbingtonKind of silly that we are even voting on the accessibility of nature and trails for all people but here we are. I grew up in an area that ensured a connected community through safe trails and sidewalks. I spent a significant amount of time walking and biking with friends on trails like this potential one. I would love to have that for my own kids and to further connect the city of Fairfax community.
Kerri supported: Approve the George Snyder Trail in its Entirety, Ensuring Accessibility for AllI want to fall in love with Fairfax. As a teacher and mother of two small kids, it’s easy. As an avid cyclist, it’s a little more difficult.
I love an uninterrupted bike ride, especially on the W&OD or Cross County Trail—it’s the perfect way to de-stress as a working mom. I often take my kids in a bike trailer, but I have to drive to more bike-friendly towns like Vienna or Arlington. It feels counterintuitive to increase my carbon footprint just to enjoy a ride, but biking with my kids here is inconvenient and unsafe.
I recently read This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place Where You Live by Melody Warnick. She explores place attachment, defining it as loving where you live and feeling connected to it as part of your identity. Warnick argues this can be fostered by supporting local businesses, engaging in community activities, and immersing oneself in nature. She emphasizes the importance of trails in creating these connections. Minneapolis and Indianapolis, with bike infrastructure inspired by European cities like Copenhagen, serve as successful models, resulting in thriving urban centers and an influx of young residents. Locally, Arlington exemplifies this, ranking in the top 10 cities for recent college grads, according to Livability.com. Millennials in Fairfax often yearn for a place like Arlington, where getting around without a car is possible.
Values are shifting. In 1998, 83 percent of all daily trips were made by car. However, by 2013, there was a sharp shift. 60 percent of all homebuyers stated that their priority was a walkable, bikeable neighborhood. They wanted to be able to bike to work, their kids’ school, and local businesses. To deny Fairfax the bikeability update it so desperately needs is to align ourselves with the values of 30 years ago, not the values of the 30 years from now.
Speaking of the future—that’s who this is really for. My daughter is in first grade, and her bus stop has 25 kids at it. There are even more children in Cambridge Station under the age of 5. In the coming decade, where do we want these kids to be? I’d love to see a future where these kids could ride their bikes to school or a part-time job. I asked my daughter what she would do if there was a bike trail near our house. Without hesitation, she answered, “Scooter to Compass Coffee.”
As one of the newest members of Fairfax Alliance for Better Biking, I would like to emphasize our need to stand up and support better East-west connectivity for our city. We need the George Snyder Trail as an important connector to make biking safer and more pleasant for everyone. This is the Fairfax of the future.
Marissa supported: Approve the George Snyder Trail in its Entirety, Ensuring Accessibility for AllI regularly bike all around Fairfax using the WOD and cross county connector. It’s a shame that Fairfax city is inaccessible to me as it stands. We all know how scary driving can be here with how the drivers act. Just imagine you were on a bike instead.
Christina supported: Approve the George Snyder Trail in its Entirety, Ensuring Accessibility for AllThis project is badly needed. The sidewalks today are hazardous when it rains, water pools and you get splashed as you walk along and crossing the street is unsafe in many locations.
David supported: Save the Montrose Blvd Phase 1 ProjectYou’re not alone — a community of supporters is ready to back you.
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