Promoting Equity in Transportation

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

How can we make our transportation network more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all road users?

How can we promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in our transportation network? 

How can we ensure that our transportation network accommodates the needs of vulnerable road users (children, older road users, people with disabilities, etc.)?

What projects, policies, or programs should we do to promote equity in our transportation network?  

Overview

Imagine streets that are accessible to everyone throughout the year. Imagine streets that feel safe and comfortable regardless of your identity or abilities, and streets that feel safe and intuitive to all who call Whitehorse home.

When we hear the word equity, we likely don't associate it with transportation. Yet, equity is very linked with the transportation network. We know that many people face significant barriers to using our transportation network. For those of us who are able-bodied (people without a disability), we may not be aware the many barriers in the transportation network. Examples of barriers in the transportation network include:

  • Location of pushbuttons
  • Cracks in sidewalks
  • Snow clearing on sidewalks and crosswalks
  • Lack of lighting on pathways
  • Obstructions, uneven terrain
  • Location of accessible parking

To make our transportation network more accessible, we need to consider everyone's needs. We need to know how children, older road users, and people with disabilities, and everyone use our streets. Equity in transportation is more than pride crosswalks. Equity in transportation means safe, accessible, and comfortable spaces for people to move. Equity in transportation says 'You are welcome and you belong!' on our streets and in our city.

References and Resources

99% Invisible (April 27, 2021). Curb cuts. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/curb-cuts/

99% Invisible (July 23, 2019). Invisible Women. Invisible Women - 99% Invisible (99percentinvisible.org)

City of Austin - Austin Vision Zero (May 10, 2021). Safe for All - Vision Zero's role in advancing racial equity in Austin. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4a57b61a0dc9444a9d117dc69f3a898e

City of Oakland (August 22, 2019). OakDOT Kicks Off Three-Year, $100 Million, Equity-Focused Paving Plan. https://www.oaklandca.gov/news/2019/oakdot-kicks-off-three-year-100-million-equity-focused-paving-plan

Kittleson & Associates. The Importance of the Equity Lens in Transportation Planning and Design. https://www.kittelson.com/ideas/the-importance-of-the-equity-lens-in-transportation-planning-and-design

Social Sciences and Humaniities Research Council of Canada.(January 2022). Understanding and Responding to the Transit Needs of Women in Canada. finalreport.pdf (squarespace.com) 

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