When BEST was started in 1991, it’s roots were the first-hand experiences of cyclists in car-centric cities, with a vision of something better. There was no network of bike lanes on Metro Vancouver’s streets, and the same could be said of cities across North America. Planners were just beginning to wake up to the fact that car infrastructure was strangling the life out of urban and suburban spaces. A burgeoning environmental consciousness propelled the young activists to discuss their frustrations, to organize group rides, to protest and work for a world where everyone could travel more freely, without wastefully burning fossil fuels and over-heating the atmosphere.
Image: Volume 0 of the Spoke N Word newsletter (BEST archives)
In the 1980s the term “sustainable development” was coined, and the 1990s saw a strong movement around the world for sustainable transportation. BEST and its passionate, creative milieu were pivotal in focusing energy toward the potential of cycling, walking, transit and other modes. With meagre resources, BEST built vibrant community spaces and published pithy and poetic periodicals. An emotionally-charged culture was pulsing with ideas for living and moving in different and better ways, and BEST was there at it’s centre, giving it power.
As the years passed, BEST developed and went through changes to its tone and approach, like any organization that survives its foundational years. By building it’s constituency and influence among business, government and other NGOs, BEST was able to educate and encourage the adoption of greener transportation policies and practices in these partners. Sustaining itself meant building relationships and planning programs to serve communities for the decades to come.
Image: June is Bike Month (BEST archives)
If we were to compare the Metro Vancouver region of 1991 to the map of today, the picture is vastly different. We have grown in myriad ways, one of which is in our transportation savvy. BEST has been privileged to play a part in at once a more caring and more sophisticated design of our region – and beyond. Though it’s far from perfect, today Metro Vancouver has some very environmentally sound planning and infrastructure that is a model for development around the world. The need for this kind of approach is as important now as it was 30 years ago. In fact, the stakes are even higher – and we still have much work to do.
Image: Going Active campaign at the Central Valley Greenway (BEST archives)
We at BEST are committed to building vibrant, inclusive communities through sustainable transportation. We are passionate about walking, cycling, public transit and alternatives to driving a private car. We want to honour everyone who has brought intelligence, skill and perseverance to BEST over these last 30 years. We will celebrate you by sharing some throwback moments on our social media — Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and cap off our Anniversary with whatever form of safe and appropriate event we can host on May 22 on Granville Island. This date will also be the Opening Day of the 2021 Bicycle Valet season.
Organizations are made great by their people. Their stories help us reflect, and then move forward with renewed energy on our transportation journey. So we’re reaching out to staff and volunteers who’ve worked with BEST and asking them to share their stories. If you have a BEST memory: story, photo, news clippings, etc. we’d love to hear from you at BEST30@best.bc.ca or post it on your own social media tagging us (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and use the hashtag: #30yearsofBEST
