We are so often told that nobody walks, nobody bikes, or nobody takes the bus, but we know that 30% of the population doesn’t drive. Using the framing of “nondrivers” is inclusive of all people who don’t own a car. It consists of older adults, disabled people, people experiencing homelessness, kids, and more. All together there are so many of us, and together we are so much stronger. In her new book, When Driving Is Not an Option Steering Away from Car Dependency, Anna Zivarts encourages us to empower those with the least choices and ensure their stories lead.
We were joined in conversation by Gabe Cazares, Executive Director of LINK Houston and Laura Saltzman, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Living.
Some Big Takeaways:
Transportation not recreation
Active transportation too often begins with a focus on people biking or running recreationally. But once you lean into the coalitions to expand the conversation you create better and more inclusive advocacy. YES, people cycling recreationally need protected bike lanes, but also people who bike as their main mode of transportation need protected bike lanes. Sidewalks benefit recreational runners, but it also benefits people using mobility devices and parents using strollers. When we lead with recreation, it fosters a perception that sidewalks are not necessary, just an amenity, or good enough for fit active people. Instead, let’s lead with transportation for daily needs, for everyone..
Changing the default mode on spending
We always hear there is not enough money for the infrastructure we need. Yet legislatures routinely come up with the funds that support driving and roadway expansion. When transportation advocates lean in to understand the needs of disability advocates and amplify their voices, it makes a stronger coalition to change that default mode of thinking.
Amplify disability advocates – but don’t tokenize!
Leading with voices of the disabled matters, but truly make the space for leadership. In a conversation where drivers are prioritized, it is vital that we have people in the room who are visibly nondrivers and have their voices heard. It’s hard to ignore the person actually in the room. It’s about framing the conversation to include all of us and being intentional about creating a platform that amplifies the actual concerns and priorities of those currently excluded
Remember it’s not just cities!
Even in super rural areas there are many nondrivers. If the decision makers begin to see the volume of nondrivers in their place, it opens the door to policies that include nondrivers and drivers. The Week Without Driving framing can reach people who aren’t always ready to accept that not everyone drives.
Here’s what you can do:
The Week Without Driving was created to embolden elected officials and transportation decision makers to experience the world of nondrivers. We are challenging all elected officials to take at least one trip without using a personal vehicle. Creating allies in leadership is the goal!
Even if they don’t take part, having conversations with elected officials about the Week Without Driving introduces the idea that awareness of nondrivers is important. That alone is a success. Use the week to share transportation stories, take part in community conversation, and amplify your and others’ experiences on social media and news coverage.
If you’d like to find local organizations who are involved in the Week Without Driving, check out our list of local and regional partners, and if you don’t see someone in your area, check out these templates and trainings to get started hosting the challenge near you!
Check out the full recording of the webinar:
