BEST announces priorities in 2025

These include better streets, better transit, better biking, better walking, better projects, better funding, better public officials, and better events.

With your support, in 2025 BEST will pursue these priorities:

• Better Streets: Franklin Boulevard, River Road, Main Street, and some other busy streets were designed primarily for people who drive. BEST is bringing people together to support changes so those who walk, bike, use mobility assistive devices, or ride the bus can do so safely, practically, and comfortably — while continuing to support those who drive.

• Better Transit: Lane Transit District wants the community to have better mobility options: not only riding the bus but also mobility on demand, bike share, and more. BEST is working to support their efforts.

• Better Biking: BEST’s Cycle of Change Biking group is working to see a network of neighborhood greenways, bike lanes, protected bikeways, and multi-use paths to support biking as a viable option for more people and trips.

• Better Walking: Many of our sidewalks are crumbling, making them dangerous for seniors, people with disabilities, and others. BEST’s Cycle of Change Walking group is raising awareness about this need and exploring whether there could be a better way to fund repairs.

• Better Projects: With limited funding for transportation, we must make sure every dollar is invested smartly. BEST is scrutinizing some of the biggest projects on the drawing board, for example, widening Highway 126 between Veneta and Eugene, to see if these could be done better for less.

• Better Funding: This session, the Legislature is looking to revise how transportation is funded in Oregon, likely looking to increase some taxes and fees. As a founding member of the Move Oregon Forward campaign, BEST is working for a safe, clean, fair, and accountable transportation system.

• Better Public Officials: Our elected public servants often aren’t experts in transportation. BEST’s Cycle of Change Public Education group is working to help them be better informed when making transportation policy decisions.

• Better Events: Finally, making our community better should be fun. We are continuing our series of Bike Happy Hours and looking to expand on the Better Ways Block Party we organized last year.

How well does our vision align with yours? Tell us what else you’d like to help us do.