No reason to avoid Oregon. You can find bikes stolen in any state or part of the world just about. Oregon has some great scenery. We loved it.

Heck, even in Iran - my all time favourite country and extremely kind people - I have heard of backpacks being snitched off buses and I would lock my bike. Just use common sense and lock stuff up. If you have a lot of important stuff, don't use a cheap cable lock. Throw a D-lock in there too and take all your valuables (passport, money, camera - all in our handlebar bag).

And keep your bike within sight. That's another good reason to use a laptop. You can sit just outside the library with your laptop and keep an eye on the bike!