Better Ways Block Party
If you liked Eugene Sunday Streets, you’ll love the
Better Ways Block Party
Come learn about safe, healthy, affordable, and clean ways to travel!
Fun • Free • Kid-Friendly
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza
85 East 8th Avenue, Eugene
12:45 – 1 pm
Mini parade with the One More Time Marching Band circling the West Park Block
1 – 5 pm
Transportation exhibits, demonstrations, and activities
Part of May is Bike Month
Venue
Indoors in the Farmers Market Pavilion, outdoors on the Plaza, and across East 8th Avenue to the West Park Block — all closed to motor vehicles to reclaim the feel of Eugene Sunday Streets.
Added bicycle parking will be available on the West Park Block.
General Exhibits
- Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST)
Building a successful community by bringing people together to promote transportation options, safe streets, and walkable neighborhoods - Cycle of Change
Effecting positive change while having fun and building community- Citizens United to Repair our Broken Sidewalks (CURBS)
Petitioning for safe, clean and hazard-free sidewalks
- Citizens United to Repair our Broken Sidewalks (CURBS)
- University of Oregon LiveMove
Promoting healthy, sustainable communities by integrating transportation and livability through collaboration, education, research and outreach - AARP Oregon
Helping create livable communities for people of all ages - Better Housing Together
Working collaboratively to increase housing affordability, diversity and supply in Lane County - City of Eugene Transportation
Working with community stakeholders and agency partners to design and build transportation projects for a complete transportation system - Eugene Police Department Community Engagement Team
Empowering the community through proven crime prevention strategies with an emphasis on education to reduce crime and promote safety - City of Eugene Waste Prevention
Working to support a livable and prosperous community and to develop educational and community partnerships - City of Springfield
Working to provide an efficient multi-modal transportation system of roads, paths, sidewalks and other facilities for the benefit and use of auto, truck, bicycle, and bus users and pedestrians of all ages and abilities - Lane Council of Governments (LCOG)
Providing a wide range of transportation services
Biking Exhibits
- City of Eugene Recreation
Creating transformative experiences that build social connections and enhance the health, happiness, and livability of our community, including providing adaptive bicycles to children, teens, and adults with disabilities - Cascadia Mobility / PeaceHealth Rides
Operating equitable shared and active transportation programs in the Pacific Northwest - Shift Community Cycles
Providing bicycle access and education to our underserved communities - Free Bikes 4 Kidz Eugene-Springfield
Helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need - Creswell Bike Mobile Shelters
Providing the City’s unhoused population safe place to sleep by building Conestoga huts on wheels - Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARs)
Promoting and encouraging safely riding bicycles for transportation, health and recreation - Climate Revolutions by Bike
A campaign striving to decrease dependence on fossil fuels by creating a fun and open bike culture and community. Now hosting Quest by Cycle, an eco-adventure game where you pedal your way to sustainability, earn rewards, and transform communities—all while having fun! - Eugene Bike Polo
Playing every Thursday under the Washington-Jefferson Bridge until the slayin’s done or around 10 - Bike Friday
A second generation family business born in 1992 from passion to see the world and appreciation for the healthy, low impact beauty of a human on a bike - Pedego Electric Bikes Eugene
Producing great electric bikes and putting people first - Pedalers Express
Providing the Eugene-Springfield area with affordable pedal-powered courier and delivery service since 1992
Walking, Rolling & Running Exhibits
- Southeast Neighbors / Charlemagne Elementary PTO
Petitioning for flashing lights and/or protected crosswalks at all school locations in town - Leadership Eugene/Springfield
Increasing safety, equity, and access to the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System - Melinda Preciado, Ms. Wheelchair Pacific Coast USA
Fiercely advocating for disability rights and innovation - Emerald City Roller Derby
We encourage athleticism and personal growth in a supportive and positive environment
Bus, Train & Electric Vehicle Exhibits
- Lane Transit District (LTD)
Working with partners to provide transportation services that improve the quality of life in our community - Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Providing a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon’s communities and economy thrive - Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates (AORTA)
Working to educate the public about the need for safe, fiscally responsible, environmentally sound transportation - Emerald Valley Electric Vehicle Association (EVEVA)
Accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles by educuting the community about the benefits of driving electric
Transportation Chats
Chat informally with these local experts in a small group:
1:30 – 1:50 pm
Kaarin Knudson, Better Housing Together
“Connecting Housing and Transportation”
2:10 – 2:30 pm
Jameson T. Auten, Lane Transit District
“Public Transportation in the 21st Century”
2:50 – 3:10 pm
Brodie Hylton, Cascadia Mobility / PeaceHealth Rides
“Shared Micromobility and You”
3:30 – 3:50 pm
Melinda Preciado, Ms. Wheelchair Pacific Coast USA
“Getting Around with Disabilities”
4:10 – 4:30 pm
Carmel Perez Snyder, AARP Oregon
“Making Transportation Age-Friendly”
Mobile Exhibits
Circling the West Park Block:
- The Glory
A 1,500-pound, four 7’-wheeled, 5-seater, human-powered kinetic sculpture vehicle - Emerald City Pedicab
Fun, safe, and eco-friendly transportation and tours - E-Trike
Hayrides on an electric tricycle with music
Music
All concerts will be performed outdoors on the northeast corner of the Farmers Market Plaza:
1:00 – 1:30 pm
One More Time Marching Band
A Eugene-area institution since 1986
2:15 – 3:15 pm
Meadow Rue
A string band featuring soaring harmonies, rollicking instrumentals, and original songwriting
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Samba Ja
Bring the wild, funky, infectious, and incredibly danceable street music from Salvador, Bahia in Brazil to the streets of Eugene, Oregon
For Kids
Are you a kid — or a kid at heart? Then these activities are for you!
- The Arc of Lane County
Striving to improve outcomes for people who experience disabilities by helping them live meaningful lives, be gainfully employed, and recreate in the communities in which they live - Poppinfrizzle
Face and body paint art - BEST Coloring Contest
Ages 5 to 13: Color in the BEST cats at the Block Party for a chance to win a new scooter - BEST Scavenger Hunt
All ages: Transport yourself around, learn, and gather stickers for a reward
Food
Get something to eat or drink from these local vendors:
- A Little Taste of Heaven
Tacos and more by local chef Angel Guerrero - Chaiyo Thai Food Truck
Called the “best Thai food in Eugene” by many happy customers - The Soul Garden: Vegan Soul Food
Delicious plant-based southern flavor - Justice Shave Ice
Local Black-owned business, bringing you shave ice made with premium flavors and love - Eugene Tea Festival
Developing tea community, promoting tea education and experiences
Get Involved
Help us spread the word!
Do you want to help us make this new community event a success for everyone? Sign up to volunteer!
Thanks
Proudly presented by BEST, AARP Oregon, and the LiveMove student group at the University of Oregon.
Made possible with generous support by the City of Eugene and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
