The Power of Transportation to Transform Communities | Allison Billings | TEDxCharlotte

Summary

The speaker discusses the role of transportation in shaping communities, highlighting how it can foster equity and economic mobility. They argue that current transportation systems favor car use, which segregates society and limits opportunities for interaction. By promoting alternatives like biking, walking, and public transit, the speaker believes we can create more connected, healthier, and sustainable communities. They call for a balanced transportation approach to address inequality and revitalize the American Dream.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The speaker emphasizes the importance of transportation in transforming communities and making them more equitable, healthier, and safer.
• 🏘️ Economic mobility is a complex issue, and the lack of interaction between different socioeconomic groups contributes to societal divisions.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking, biking, and using public transit are not only healthier for individuals but also foster more engagement and connection within communities.
• 🌳 The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how active modes of transportation can lead to unexpected interactions and a greater sense of community.
• 💼 The built environment often prioritizes car use, which can be detrimental to those who cannot afford a car, perpetuating economic and social disparities.
• 🚌 Public transportation is presented as a means to address economic mobility, but it is underfunded and often inconvenient, affecting its accessibility.
• 🚴‍♀️ Cycling and walking are shown to have economic benefits for local businesses, as these modes of transport allow for more engagement with the community.
• 🌐 The speaker argues that the current transportation system is designed to favor car use, which has been perpetuated by historical policies like the Federal Aid Highway Act.
• 📉 There is a shift in transportation trends, with more people choosing to walk, bike, or use public transit, and a growing preference for living in areas with diverse transportation options.
• 🌱 The sharing economy in transportation offers new opportunities for those without access to a car, allowing for more engagement during travel.
• 🔄 The speaker suggests that individuals can contribute to a more equitable transportation system by incorporating transit, biking, and walking into their routines and advocating for policy changes.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script related to economic mobility?

The script discusses the lack of economic mobility faced by people born into poor households and the segregation between the rich or middle-income individuals and the poor, which is evident in various aspects of life including schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces.

How does the speaker believe transportation can impact communities?

The speaker believes that transportation has the power to transform communities by making them cleaner, healthier, safer, and more equitable.

What personal anecdote does the speaker share about her car, 'Violet'?

The speaker shares that 'Violet' is her current car, which she uses for various activities like driving her kids, going to meetings, and heading outdoors on weekends. She mentions that she has a fondness for her car and that it's part of a long line of named cars in her life.

Why does the speaker feel that walking or biking can lead to more community engagement?

The speaker feels that walking or biking can lead to more community engagement because these modes of transportation allow for a more connected experience with the environment and the people around. They also traverse different streets and neighborhoods, enabling different interactions and connections.

What impact does the speaker suggest cyclists have on neighborhood businesses?

The speaker suggests that cyclists spend more money supporting their neighborhood businesses than car drivers, possibly due to their slower pace, more connected mode of transportation, and the potential need for refreshments or rest after their ride.

How does the speaker's experience walking to get a guinea pig illustrate the potential for community engagement?

The speaker's experience of walking to get a guinea pig, despite the awkwardness of carrying the cage, led to meeting a neighbor they had never met before, highlighting the potential for unexpected community engagement when not using a car.

What are the transportation options available to the speaker's friend Tim?

Tim has a variety of transportation options available to him, including sidewalks, a bike lane, and a bus route, which allows him to choose between biking, walking, or taking the bus to work.

Why does the speaker argue that the current transportation system is not fair?

The speaker argues that the current transportation system is not fair because it heavily subsidizes car transportation, which is not accessible to everyone, thus perpetuating inequality and generational poverty.

What historical legislation is mentioned in the script, and how did it impact transportation in the U.S.?

The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 is mentioned, which created the U.S. interstate highway system, facilitating rapid travel between cities and states but also leading to an overemphasis on automobile transportation.

What recent trends does the speaker highlight that indicate a shift in transportation preferences?

The speaker highlights trends such as people riding transit in record numbers, walking and biking more for their trips, Millennials waiting longer to get drivers licenses and not buying cars as previous generations did, and the rise of the sharing economy in transportation.

What are the four suggestions the speaker makes for individuals to improve their transportation habits?

The speaker suggests: 1) Incorporating transit trips into one's routine, 2) Replacing some short car trips with walks or bike rides, 3) Educating oneself about transportation issues and electing policy makers who prioritize them, and 4) Finding ways to engage with and support those in need within the community.