We’re identifying areas to improve as we commit to continuous growth
It’s our responsibility to come back to our Transportation Justice goals and continuously update what we’re doing, because we’re always learning, changing, and growing.
Transportation Justice encompasses accessibility, safety, and affordability of transportation within communities. At the core of BikePGH’s mission, it’s our dedication to fostering equitable, safe, and affordable transportation options for all Pittsburghers. Our commitment to growth, education, and collaboration reflects our determination to address transportation inequities and reshape the urban landscape. BikePGH’s focus is on recognizing and dismantling barriers preventing marginalized groups from accessing safe and convenient modes of transportation.
We wanted to give you a summary of what we’ve been up to since we first published our commitment to Transportation Justice a few years ago.
BUT FIRST, WHY?
Transportation justice is intricately linked to biking and walking in Pittsburgh. By promoting alternative modes of transportation, BikePGH aims to enhance residents’ quality of life, reduce car dependency, and create safer streets. This is particularly crucial as a significant percentage of Pittsburgh households lack access to private vehicles.
And then of course, we want to acknowledge that Transportation Justice is one piece of the puzzle. There’s a larger theme at play, and that is, Mobility Justice. Both address historical and current disparities in transportation systems and infrastructure, focusing on providing better access to essential services and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities. Yet, Mobility Justice is a broader concept rooted in social justice, going beyond transportation systems and infrastructure, “addressing issues such as policing, persecution, incarceration, gender-based violence, and harassment in transportation planning, policy, and advocacy” (source). It also encompasses the “liberation of marginalized communities and the acknowledgment of power and systemic inequity in relation to how people move through and experience public spaces” (source).
In summary, transportation justice focuses on equitable access to transportation systems, while mobility justice encompasses a broader range of social justice issues related to movement and public spaces. Both concepts aim to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. In summation, that’s what we’re getting at when we use these terms, and you’ll hear us using both terms throughout our process of doing this work.
Acknowledging Systemic Inequalities
BikePGH acknowledges the historical and current systemic inequalities rooted in race, ability, gender identity, economic class, and geography. Through self-examination, active listening, policy advocacy, and reshaping urban spaces, we strive to rectify past injustices. Our previous blogs are great places to reference for this, with two particularly meaningful ones linked here:
> INVESTING IN BIKING AND WALKING MOBILITY HELPS PEOPLE’S ECONOMIC MOBILITY
>ALTERNATIVES TO TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT BY POLICE
>TRANSPORTATION JUSTICE LEARNING SERIES: SEGREGATED BY DESIGN
What is the Community Spotlight Series?
BikePGH’s Community Spotlight Series invites supporters to learn from marginalized communities’ experiences and experts / leaders in various fields related to transportation, accessibility, and mobility in the community. The series serves as a platform for education, dialogue, and understanding, enabling the organization to address areas where their efforts may have fallen short. We invite you to check out some of the spotlights we’ve published over the past few years, and stay tuned for more as we continue this blog series.
> Community Spotlight Series: Sankofa Village
>Community Spotlight Series: Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation
>Community Spotlight Series: Major Force Youth Cycling Program
> BLACK GIRLS DO BIKE: COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT SERIES
>COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: RUACH BICYCLE CLUB
Here’s what we’ve committed to doing moving forward:
In the past, we’ve outlined a comprehensive plan to advance transportation justice. We’re revisiting this plan, holding ourselves accountable, and making some timely updates:
- Informative Blogs: BikePGH will produce educational blogs addressing topics related to transportation justice, enriching both their knowledge base and that of their supporters.
- Expert Engagement: Local and national experts will be engaged to share insights, fostering a deeper understanding among staff, members, and supporters.
- Amplifying Voices: We aim to amplify the experiences of marginalized Pittsburghers, shedding light on their challenges and resilience.
- Visual Content: BikePGH will create visual content to emphasize the importance of transportation justice and the need for collective commitment.
- Understanding Inequities: BikePGH seeks to further comprehend transportation inequities and gather feedback from affected communities to drive meaningful change.
- Advocacy and Policy: By collaborating with advocates and promoting equitable policies, BikePGH aims to transform transportation outcomes for marginalized groups.
- Holistic Impact: The organization will highlight how transportation access impacts various aspects of life, such as food access, housing, employment, and healthcare.
Want to know more about this work?
Our Year in Review blogs act as a summary of our projects and accomplishments from each year, many of which are intertwined with our Transportation Justice goals. Check it out:
Conclusion:
Through ongoing learning, collaboration, and active engagement with diverse voices, BikePGH aims to pave the way for a future where safe, convenient, and affordable transportation is a reality for every resident. Join BikePGH on this journey towards a more just and inclusive transportation landscape by getting involved with us!
NEWSLETTER