What All of Us Can Learn From the 30 Percent of Americans Who Can't Drive (Anna Zivarts)
May 21, 2024
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Author Anna Zivarts discusses the movement of non-drivers in the US, focusing on inclusive transportation solutions and the challenges faced by those who can't drive. She explores the importance of addressing the needs of this significant population through alternative mobility options and collective action.
Around 30% of Americans cannot legally drive, highlighting the potential for a movement to address transportation challenges.
Non-drivers include a diverse group facing mobility, financial, or health limitations, emphasizing the need for inclusive transportation solutions.
Deep dives
Exploring the Diversity of Non-Drivers
Non-drivers encompass various groups, including individuals unable to drive due to age, disabilities, affordability issues, immigration status, or personal choice. Studies in certain states have revealed that around one-third of residents never drive, highlighting the significant presence of non-drivers. This diverse group often goes unnoticed but has the potential to spark a movement for change in transportation.
Challenges in Defining Non-Drivers
The term 'non-driver' does not solely represent individuals completely unable to drive, as it includes those with certain conditions or circumstances that limit their driving ability. Factors like mobility disabilities, financial constraints, or sporadic health conditions contribute to the complexity of identifying non-drivers. This nuanced understanding underscores the need to rethink transportation systems built on the assumption of universal driving ability.
Shifting Away from Car Dependency
Addressing car dependency involves recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by non-drivers and reevaluating the societal costs of car-centric infrastructure. Initiatives like the 'Week Without Driving Challenge' encourage individuals and decision-makers to experience alternative transportation modes, fostering empathy and understanding for non-drivers' needs. By promoting inclusivity and advocating for accessible transportation, communities can work towards reducing dependency on cars and creating more equitable mobility solutions.
Most American communities don’t even bother to count what percentage of the population can't legally drive. In the handful of states that have tried, though, the answer has been around 30 percent – which is just enough to create a real movement for change, if we'd all just band together On today’s episode of The Brake, we're bringing you an extended audio version of our conversation with author Anna Zivarts, who has been quietly building that movement of non-drivers through her work with groups like Disability Rights Washington and America Walks. And in her new book, "When Driving is Not an Option: Steering Away From Car Dependency," Anna outlines what you can do right now to to center the needs of people who are the least well-served by our auto-dominated transportaiton system — and how that shift would benefit even those who are able and willing to spend much of their lives behind the wheel.
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