Promoting the Rights and Representation of Non-Driver Individuals
In the congested metropolis of Seattle, Anna Zivarts, a mother and activist, grapples with a lengthy and unpredictable public transit system. This daily ordeal, often marked by delays, inadequate shelter, and negligent drivers, compelled her to advocate for improved mobility rights – especially for those without the means to drive.
A native of Seattle, Washington, Zivarts, who was born with a neurological condition that impairs her vision, serves as an advocate for disabled individuals and spearheads an organization dedicated to their mobility rights. She recently authored "When Driving is Not an Option," a comprehensive essay exploring the impact of auto dependency on millions of Americans, regardless of choice or circumstance.
Approximately one-third of the US population, Zivarts reveals, lacks a driver's license. She rallies for a societal transformation to restore the dignity of the marginalized segment suffering from transportation inequalities.
"We aren't just an unimportant minority who opts out of driving – a common misconception," Zivarts told Le Devoir.
Between flights to Montreal, where she will speak during the Go Vélo Festival on Thursday, Zivarts shed light on the underlying factors impeding car ownership and accessibility. The primary reasons include economic hardship, disability, and racial bias.
Many citizens forgo owning a car due to financial constraints or the expense associated with maintenance, insurance, and purchase. Physically disabled individuals or those with visual or neurological impairments may struggle to adapt to driving, while older adults may become less mobile as they age. Racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Black communities, face limited opportunities to access cars compared to their white counterparts.
Born with nystagmus, a condition that impacts her vision, Zivarts shares her personal struggles in leading a normal life without a car. Her emotional journey involves learning to adapt and advocate for better transportation options, especially for those less fortunate.
The human desire to socialize and participate in community life demands the incorporation of the non-driving population into decision-making processes, according to Zivarts. To achieve this, advocacy groups must be involved in policy discussions governing public transportation networks. Furthermore, urban designs need to more thoughtfully incorporate pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, from bike lanes to sidewalks, toward car-free living.
"Leaders of transportation societies rarely ride the bus," Zivarts explains. "They must learn to empathize with the realities of users and make decisions based on their needs."
The inability to drive can hinder employment opportunities, with able-bodied individuals three times more likely to be employed than their disabled counterparts. Remote work, online learning, and home delivery services have been invaluable solutions for non-drivers compelled to stay home due to transportation challenges.
Reflecting on the robust data analyzed, it becomes evident that many Americans are reconsidering car ownership due to price volatility in the automotive market, rural living conditions, or an embrace of sustainable lifestyles. A shift toward car subscriptions, transit, and micromobility services indicates a growing preference for alternative transportation methods.
The aging vehicle population, with an average age of 12.8 years, signals a preference for maintaining existing vehicles rather than investing in new ones. While there are car-free destinations across the US, clear statistical data on those who choose a car-free lifestyle remains scarce.
Zivarts' essay, "When Driving is Not an Option," highlights the challenges faced by millions of Americans in owning and operating a vehicle, not only due to financial constraints but also due to disability, age, and racial bias. In her advocacy for improved transportation rights, she emphasizes the importance of incorporating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in urban designs and involving advocacy groups in policy decisions governing public transportation networks. The essay also suggests a growing preference for alternative transportation methods such as transit and micromobility services, with many Americans reconsidering car ownership due to various factors.
