Arrested Mobility

Land-use regulations such as zoning are connected to every topic we cover on this show. When you zoom out and look at the big picture, many forms of racial inequity in America link back to how communities are planned and developed. It's why some neighborhoods have fewer transportation options than others, and why certain parts of town have empty lots in place of parks, schools and affordable housi...

We have a problem in America. That problem is pedestrians getting hit and killed by cars. It's an issue that government officials and transportation professionals alike spend a good deal of time and money trying to solve.  And while this affects every community in the country, it disproportionately affects Black and brown communities. It's just one way that Black Americans have had their mobility...

For many Americans, taking public transit can be a difficult daily trial. Depending on where people live, and where they're going, buses or trains may only come once every thirty minutes to an hour. Or, in some cases, they may not come at all. Riders might have to transfer one, two, maybe three times, and even walk or roll long distances between each stop.  Many bus stops lack important amenities,...

Until February of 2022, Seattle was the largest city in the country where it was illegal for anyone - kids, adults or senior citizens - to ride a bike without a helmet.  There's no question that helmets save lives. But some people just aren't going to wear them, whether or not it's illegal. Helmet laws are similar to sidewalk riding laws. They're intended to keep people safe, but they also give po...

Today, we're breaking down the tension on the sidewalk between micro mobility devices, vulnerable pedestrians, and people with disabilities.  Micro mobility devices include bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, shared bicycles, and electric pedal assisted bicycles. Although micro mobility continues to be a work in progress, micro mobility vehicles can serve an important role...

Many states and cities in the US have laws that make it illegal to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk. But, are these laws keeping people safe? Or are they another way that Black Americans and other people of color have had their mobility arrested? Today, we investigate how law enforcement uses cycling infractions to perpetuate systemic racism in under-resourced and underserved communities. We'll t...

When you walk around a city, there are many rules you follow - or maybe, you don't follow them. You might not think about them too much. Rules like, walk on the sidewalk. Wait for the walk signal when crossing an intersection. Don't cross in the middle of the block.  When you break those rules in the U.S., we call it jaywalking, and it's illegal. But most people who jaywalk don't think about it as...

On this podcast, we'll take you to the streets of Philly, the sidewalks of Seattle, and the neighborhoods of Kansas City. In each place, we'll ask: Why are Black Americans disproportionately victims of race-based hate crimes? And, why are they victims of overly aggressive police enforcement and brutality while walking, running, riding bicycles, taking public transit, Or while driving?  Was this by...