Category: Analysis

BEST applauds Lane County’s first Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) as the critical first step towards making bicycling safe and practical countywide. Building on an ambitious but compelling vision, the plan sets forth goals, identifies a countywide bicycle network, selects bikeway facilities to build out the network, divides these into discrete projects, and prioritizes these as near-, medium-, or long-term.

Through May 3, Lane County is accepting comments on this draft plan for rural roads and paved paths outside of the Eugene-Springfield urban area.

Then county commissioners will consider amending the Lane County Transportation System Plan (TSP) to incorporate the bicycle network detailed in the plan.

BEST likes to practice what we preach. We walk, bicycle, and ride the bus. But while on spring break in Florida, executive director Rob Zako hadn’t planned lose the ability to bike, walk, or even stand for another 6 to 12 weeks.

BEST joined over 35 leading climate justice, environmental, civil rights, and philanthropic leaders in calling on climate funders to increase grant funding to organizations advocating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

In the name of ‘balance,’ Oregon continues to chase large road-widening projects without evidence that these actually reduce congestion for drivers while underinvesting in the safety of people not driving.

As City of Eugene staff develop options for renewing Eugene’s street bond measure, BEST suggested 1) a street improvement bond, 2) to fund critical unfunded needs, 3) providing broad benefits, 4) with a balance of accountability and flexibility, 5) at the same tax rate.

This week with the support of BEST and our partners, the Eugene City Council followed by the Lane Transit District Board of Directors gave the green light to pursuing investments in “complete streets” to improve safety for everyone and to encourage more people to walk, bike, or ride the bus, thereby reducing traffic for those who drive.

BEST executive director Rob Zako testified to the Oregon Transportation Commission, urging them to direct the flexible portion of Oregon’s share of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act away from highways and towards active transportation, slowing climate change, and local transportation needs.

BEST recently provided Eugene and Lane Transit District officials with an analysis of what has changed with MovingAhead since the public hearing 2-1/2 years ago and offered recommendations for next steps to ensure success.

We and many others in the community believe such targeted investments, with federal support, are the smart way to benefit everyone getting where they need to go, safely, and to invest in the long-term health of our local economy.

On February 14, 2022, the River Road Community Organization (RRCO) hosted a discussion of plans to widen Beltline Highway between Delta Highway and River Road.