Advocates for mobility justice and safe streets come from many walks of life. But they all have a personal story or lived experience which ignited their passion and inspired their commitment to the cause.
In the video below (produced by Bicycle Colorado), Amar Cid, a 2021 Walking College Fellow, Transportation Planner at Caltrans, artist, mother, sister, partner, and friend, gives us an intimate look at the Oak Park neighborhood in Sacramento, where she grew up. She speaks about the historical harm inflicted on black and brown communities, and the way gentrification is continuing this pattern of discrimination. She also discusses the role planners and advocates can play in shaping urbanist investment so that it brings reparations and atonement.
Amar has worked in transportation planning for more than a decade, and currently manages the newly created Caltrans Office on Race and Equity (CORE). If you or someone you know is inspired by Amar’s story and is interested in creating positive change in your community, check out the Walking College.
