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Cycle of Change

Effect positive change while having fun and building community.

From “A People’s History of Recent Urban Transportation Innovation.” Source: TransitCenter

About

According to the New York-based TransitCenter, a community needs three factors to achieve rapid transportation innovation:

  1. a civic vanguard,
  2. bold politicians, and
  3. champions in government staff.

First and foremost, a civic vanguard that is resident-led, non-elite, and outside government—yet able to persuade local politicians to take risks—is paramount to the success of any community. Citizen-led campaigns can pressure authorities to change direction, diversify the mix of transportation options, and also provide evidence of why that change would be beneficial. Without a civic vanguard that can direct public support, urban transportation innovation will not reach its potential.

The Cycle of Change is the local civic vanguard coming together to:

  • Have fun and build community.
  • Effect positive change.

We ask group members to be:

  • Respectful: Honor a diversity of viewpoints and value each other’s limited time.
  • Constructive: Look for positive actions we can achieve together.

BEST supports the Cycle of Change with email lists and other communication tools, summaries of activities and opportunities, space for meetings, occasional advocacy training, and more — consistent with BEST’s mission and goals.

Get Involved

Are you interested in getting more involved?

Tell Us About Yourself

Current Priorities

The Cycle of Change is organized into the following groups. Click a link to ask to join the Google Group email list:

  • CoC Biking: “I want to move the needle by advocating for a complete bicycle network serving much of Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding area, not in 50 years but in 5 years.”
  • CoC Walking: “I want to move the needle by advocating for complete and safe sidewalks throughout Eugene and Springfield, with a revised funding model to make this possible.”
  • CoC Public Education: “I want to move the needle by educating the public and officials about the importance of safe, practical, and attractive transportation options for everyone, regardless of ability, resulting in more responsive leadership.”
  • CoC Legislation: “I want to move the needle by testifying for or against select transportation bills, learning how to be more effective.”
  • CoC Steering: “I want to magnify my energies by steering the efforts of the Cycle of Change.”