What BEST does
BEST is a community organization working for better transportation options, safe streets, and walkable neighborhoods. We educate policy makers, engage community members, and convene conversations to advance our three program areas:
- Transportation Options. BEST works to improve and expand our transit system, foster new options such as bikeshare and ride-hailing, and further the integration of transportation modes, especially for residents with the most limited transportation options.
- Safe Streets. BEST works with municipal and transportation agencies to set goals and shape infrastructure to improve safety outcomes in our transportation system. BEST has led the advocacy for local efforts around Vision Zero – the goal of zero deaths and major injuries in the transportation system – and is a participant in the national Vision Zero Network.
- Walkable Neighborhoods. BEST advocates for integrated transportation and land use planning to reduce reliance on the car, expand active transportation options, and improve affordability. In addition, BEST is a partner of (and the fiscal sponsor for) Better Housing Together, a local coalition.
BEST’s directors and advisors are active in many ways in our community, pursuing these program areas as members of boards and commissions, as participants in partner organizations, and as community leaders.
Our Vision
BEST envisions a community where people have the freedom to not be forced to own a motor vehicle and drive alone for most needs:
- Access: People and businesses have access to goods, services, destinations and activities in daily life.
- Safety: No loss of life or serious injury.
- Equity: People of all ages, income levels, abilities, origins, faiths, orientations, and choices of mode of travel have safe access.
- Sustainability: We meet our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Current Efforts
BEST is providing leadership on many local and in some cases state and national transportation issues. We organize our major efforts into teams. Click on each of our current efforts to learn more:
- Central Lane Regional Transportation Plan (RTP): Urge the Central Lane Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to adopt a “transportation blueprint” for the Eugene-Springfield-Coburg area through the year 2045 that advances goals to shift away from drive alone trips, improve safety, increase equity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Major Corridors: Support appropriate improvements to Franklin Boulevard, each of the five MovingAhead corridors (Highway 99, River Road, Coburg Road, MLK, Jr. Blvd., 30th Avenue to LCC), and Main Street in Springfield.
- Lane Transit District (LTD): Help recruit new board members, secure a new general manager, improve governance, and restore a basic level of transparency and accountability to the public.
- Highway 126 West: Secure approval of a safety solution (for example, enforcing safe speeds) for Highway 126 between Veneta and Eugene that is more effective, cheaper and can happen sooner.
- Bond Measures: Ensure that Eugene’s and Springfield’s local transportation bond measures are targeted to the most pressing needs; support passage by the voters.
- Parking: Organize PARK(ing) Day installations, educate the public, and advocate for reducing parking minimums.
- Nexus for Eugene Sustainable Transportation (NEST): Manage the building at 455 West 1st Avenue in Eugene, which for almost 30 years housed the Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT), as a collaborative space for local nonprofits and businesses to promote sustainable transportation options.