Guest Opinion: If you value human life, speak out in favor of MovingAhead

by Alexis Biddle

A successful street is one that is designed to get everyone where they are going safely and comfortably.

Unfortunately, some still believe that streets must serve people driving first and foremost, putting other people at risk. This is the thinking of those who wish to reserve all five lanes on River Road just for those driving, casting aside the needs of people walking, biking, or riding the bus.

Tragically, in the last decade along River Road, people driving hit and killed five people who were walking or biking. Five people whose lives mattered. Five people who were loved.

We must do better. We must value human life. We must make our streets safe.

Fortunately, experts understand how to redesign streets like River Road to be complete streets for everyone. All that is needed is the political will to do so.

BEST continues to applaud the leadership of the Eugene City Council, the Lane Transit District Board of Directors, and the Metropolitan Policy Committee for approving MovingAhead, opening up federal funding to make River Road and other streets safe for everyone.

If you value human life, speak out in favor of MovingAhead and continue to be engaged as designs are refined.

Alexis Biddle is president of the Better Eugene Springfield Transportation board of directors.