The purpose of the Valet Bike Parking project is to provide free, secure and convenient bicycle parking for the public at local events. This encourages cycling, and illustrates to the public that the alternatives to automobiles can be both convenient and rewarding.

In June 1993, the Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) approached Burley Design Cooperative, the City of Eugene, and Pierce Corporation for donations to build 300 bike racks. The design for these racks came about through prototype development at the CAT (see photo). These racks will handle any size wheel with just the right tightness, and can be transported in one pickup truck or trailer. They were bent, welded and assembled with the help of numerous volunteers from CAT and Burley. Their first use at a major event was at the 1993 Art and the Vineyard.

The racks and stands are housed within the Center for Appropriate Transport until they are needed. Various volunteers contacting event organizers and coordinate the use of the racks.

At each event volunteers from the community move portable stands, which can cumulatively accommodate up to 300 bikes, to the event. The volunteers set them up, park bikes throughout the event, and return the bikes to their owners (see photos).

The bike parking is designed to be both a public service and a fundraising event for the Center for Appropriate Transport. Cyclists who park their bikes can do so free of charge, but a donation is requested.

To date the valet bike parking has been conducted at four separate events in the Eugene area with great success: The Saturday Market, Art and the Vineyards, Reggae on the Willamette, the Springfield Filbert Festival and the Eugene celebration. Each time the response has been overwhelming and the bike racks have been at or near capacity.

The goal is to provide this transport/parking option to additional events in the Eugene/Springfield area. The monies received either through payment by the event organizers or by tips received will be used to fund projects associated with the non-profit Center for Appropriate Transport.

Donations collected at the events will remain the primary source of income for this project. This income will cover costs for the project, such as that needed to repair or build new racks. Monies collected, either through payment by the event organizers or by donations from the public, may be used to fund other projects of the Center for Appropriate Transport.