Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is part of GivingTuesday, a worldwide campaign that happens on November 29th and encourages people to help non-governmental institutions through donations and other acts of generosity.
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Why help BEST?
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is a non-profit organization that has been working to combat climate change and achieve mobility justice in the Lower Mainland of BC since 1991. We do this by removing barriers to low-carbon and green travel options such as cycling, walking, and transit riding. Our mobility justice focus seeks to address the various systemic barriers and inequalities that impact people’s access to these means of transportation and achieves this by educating and servicing individuals that face these barriers.
Currently, we run three programs and serve thousands of people annually.
The Bicycle Valet is one of 3 BEST-run initiatives and our only social enterprise. The Bicycle Valet offers a free, “coat-check” style valet service at various events and locations across British Columbia between March and November each year. Patrons are welcome to park their bikes and micro-mobility devices (skateboards, scooters, or anything environmentally friendly that rolls) while staff keep an eye on them. It gives patrons the peace of mind of not having to lock up their bikes and encourages them to bike to their destination rather than drive, especially with our seasonal valets at locations such as the City of Victoria, Granville Island, and Steveston.
Seniors on the Move is an active seniors-driven program co-managed by United Way BC. The program focuses on providing more transportation options for seniors and equity-seeking populations. According to the 2021 census, people 85 and up are the fastest-growing age group in the country. For the first time, the number of seniors in British Columbia surpassed one million, accounting for 20.3% of the province's population. There is a clear need to assist the aging population. We intend to continue improving the quality of life for seniors and others in British Columbia through Seniors on the Move.
Living Streets promotes walking to enrich people’s lives, experience public space, create community ties, as a feasible way of transportation, and as a catalyst for improved physical and mental health. Living Streets is a program that identifies opportunities for education and public engagement in the pedestrian realm.
Currently, BEST is undergoing a huge expansion. With such numerous and wide-reaching initiatives, we need more than volunteers - we need a solid and dedicated team of full-time staff. BEST is dedicated to being a living wage employer, and so we’re asking for your help to fund these positions.
