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The Brake: A Streetsblog Podcast

Why Sustainable Transportation Advocates Need to Talk about Long COVID (John Bolecek)

Sep 19, 2023
John Bolecek, a former bicycle and pedestrian planner, discusses his battle with long COVID and how it impacted his active transportation lifestyle. The podcast explores the challenges individuals face with long COVID symptoms and the importance of inclusive transportation options despite accessibility barriers.
19:26

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Quick takeaways

  • Long COVID can severely limit individuals' ability to walk or bike, emphasizing the importance of inclusive mobility solutions.
  • Around 5% of adults face limitations in activities due to long COVID, showcasing the significant impact of the condition.

Deep dives

Impact of Long COVID on Active Transportation Advocates

Long COVID can have debilitating effects on individuals like John Bledchak, who was previously the statewide bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for Virginia. After contracting long COVID, John experienced severe fatigue, forcing him to give up active transportation entirely and step down from his job. Despite his personal struggles, John emphasizes the importance of ensuring a full range of transportation options for Americans, even if not everyone can utilize them all the time.

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