Equity

RELATED TOPICS: Vision Zero, Health, Community Engagement

An equitable transportation system helps facilitate access to opportunities for all community members. Equity can be considered both a process and an outcome. Achieving transportation equity involves outreach that acknowledges and addresses existing mobility challenges and disparities in health and safety outcomes. Building a transportation network that is accessible, affordable, and reliable helps support the diverse needs of all people. Historically, some communities, including those with lower incomes and fewer resources, have faced barriers to participating in transportation decision-making, contributing to conditions where pedestrian and bicyclist safety remains a concern.

Transportation equity involves recognizing the unique needs and safety concerns of different populations and providing resources to support them effectively. Enhancing opportunities for nonmotorized travel can contribute to improved public health, safety, and economic opportunities; promote efficiency; strengthen neighborhood connections; and bolster public transit services. An equitable transportation system benefits the entire community.

Resources

Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning provides an overview of transportation equity, nonmotorized transportation options, and strategies for improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making offers ways for practitioners to engage community members throughout all stages of transportation projects.

Equity Analysis in Regional Transportation Planning Processes, Volume 1: Guide provides an equity analysis framework for regional planning.

Evaluating Transportation Equity examines methods for understanding and evaluating equity in transportation planning to ensure equitable distribution of transportation resources.

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Examples

America Walks Toolkit provides tools and resources to consider equity and mitigate disparities by working toward healthy, productive walking environments for everyone.

Breaking Down Barriers to Bicycling in the U.S. reports research on barriers to bicycling in 10 U.S. cities.

Better Bike Share Partnership focuses on sharing best practices for building more equitable bike share systems for replication in other cities.

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