The Bottom-Up Revolution How To Reclaim Dignity and Safety for Nondrivers
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Oct 23, 2025 McKenzie Ortiz, founder of Pedestrian Pride and a transportation advocate, discusses the challenges facing nondrivers in America. She shares her personal journey to advocacy, fueled by economic hardships and a preference for walking. McKenzie highlights the importance of storytelling in advocating for safe pedestrian spaces and calls for equitable infrastructure investments. With tales of isolation and local interactions, she emphasizes empowering communities to improve their streets and the need for land-use changes to enhance walkability.
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Origins Of Her Advocacy
- McKenzie Ortiz grew up poor in Wichita, moved for college, and was the first in her family to graduate.
- Those experiences shaped her advocacy for working-class nondrivers and informed Pedestrian Pride.
Nearly Hit While Exploring On Foot
- After moving to Columbia McKenzie often Ubered to a crosstown Target job and hated it.
- She explored the city on foot on days off and repeatedly nearly got hit by cars near the university.
Reddit To Real-World Advocacy
- McKenzie posted on Columbia's Reddit about near-misses and was directed to Local Motion.
- That connection led to a paid advocacy cohort and later a full-time job in transportation advocacy.
