We can probably most agree that we (people on this planet) need to reduce fossil fuel use – and many of us are personally working on doing that – by installing solar panels, trading in our gas lawnmowers, and reducing our dependence on gasoline-powered cars. Every trip you make by walking, biking, or car-pooling is a gift to the planet.
But it is hard to not feel defeated in these personal efforts when we see how many huge SUV’s are on the road, and read about the excesses of industry and the wealthy.
If you want to get a boost in morale, check out some of these amazing local, state, and national organizations, where people are working diligently on ethical and sustainable transportation issues – and maybe find a way to get involved!
Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST) is a community organization that educates policy makers, engages community members, and convenes conversations to advance their three program areas: Transportation Options, Safe Streets, and Walkable Neighborhoods. For just a hint of the work they are doing, check out this link to the Central Lane Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) working group (urging the adoption of a “transportation blueprint” for the Eugene-Springfield-Coburg area … that advances goals to shift away from drive alone trips, improve safety, increase equity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions).
The Sustainable Transportation Funding and Investments Workgroup (part of the Oregon Clean and Just Transportation Network) aims to open revenue sources to expand investment in transportation infrastructure that supports clean and just transportation systems. This workgroup examines ways we are currently spending revenue, the potential for new revenue, and accountability in the agencies in charge of spending the revenue. (BEST is a member of this group).
Lane County Transportation Advisory Committee (TrAC) acts as a forum for public input on Lane County’s transportation system and serves as a liaison group in representing transportation concerns of the community to the Board of County Commissioners. The current focus is on Territorial Highway, and TrAC will hold a public information meeting on June 20th to provide an overview of the project.
Bike Bus World is guaranteed to make you smile! They “transform communities and our planet through the simple act of riding bikes to school together.” And it’s a global movement!
TransitCenter is a national foundation that makes grants, conducts research, and coordinates a national network of local advocates to build a successful movement pushing for bold shifts in transportation funding and strategy. “We recognize that our current transportation system is contributing to climate change, that transit systems poorly serve many of their riders, and that access to opportunity in the U.S. is deeply inequitable because of unjust, historical barriers based on race, gender, culture, and identity.” They have a podcast called High Frequency.
CityNerd is my favorite Youtube video series that embraces all things cities and transportation “approaching things with a profound love for urban environments and an analytical bent”,produced by Ray Delahanty. The link here will take you to a video called “The 10 Most Improved Cities In the U.S. for Transit, Walking, and Biking”.
What can Eugene Friends do?
- We could work on a minute for ethical transportation to show our unity for action. (See one from Iowa Yearly Meeting (Conservative) here.
- We could join and support groups such as BEST, who advocate locally for safer sidewalks and streets and better bikeways.
- We can continue to organize within our Meeting to support active and alternative forms of transportation: organize carpools to Meeting and for shopping trips, repair and share unused bicycles, and help each other learn the skills to bike in town.
