Curious or nervous about commuting by bicycle? Attend the inaugural meeting of the Bikes and Friends Commuter Club and get support from University of Oregon coworkers.

The new club is for all active transportation users including people who walk, scooter, skate, use a wheelchair, skateboard, e-bike, ride the bus and more.

Interested employees can meet at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 in the Bike Program office in Suite 008 of the Erb Memorial Union. There will be socializing and complimentary tea and snacks at this free event. It’s also a chance to brainstorm ways to improve commuting conditions, access and advocacy on campus as well as to give feedback on ideas for educational presentations and workshops for future club gatherings.

There is also a club interest form that can be completed in advance of the meeting.

For those wondering how to bike commute, bike buddy volunteers can offer advice on finding a route, gear, signaling, ride etiquette and even ride along on a trip to campus.

For experienced commuters, this club is an opportunity to share tips and tricks about bike set-up, routes and more.

“An analysis of the 2023 UO Commute Survey finds that over 55 percent of faculty and staff who drive alone to campus live less than six miles from campus,” said Cimmeron Gillespie, data and policy analyst in the Office of Sustainability and one of the club organizers. “I am looking forward to building friendships and encouraging new riders to hop onto the saddle.”

The club is organized by UO Transportation Services, the UO Bike Program and the UO Office of Sustainability. The work aligns with university participation in the Bicycle Friendly College and Universities Certification.

Future meetings will be held monthly.