Transportation Equity In Seattle: The Future Of Making And Maintaining Nondriver-Accessible Streets

Seattle’s Transportation Challenges and the Need for Equity

By Connor Zamora, The Seattle Medium

Anna Zivarts, the director of the Disability Mobility Initiative Program at Disability Rights Washington, understands the challenges faced by individuals who are unable to drive. Zivarts, who has a neurological condition called nystagmus that affects her vision, is unable to pass the driving exam. Her experiences have led her to advocate for greater equity in transportation systems, as highlighted in her book “When Driving Is Not an Option.”

Transportation is a fundamental need for everyone, regardless of their ability to drive. However, in a society heavily reliant on cars, individuals who are unable to drive face significant difficulties. Zivarts refers to them as “involuntary nondrivers.”

Rural and suburban areas often have limited public transportation options, making it challenging for involuntary nondrivers to travel. In fact, data from the 2019 National Transportation Database shows that 87% of the least productive bus networks in the U.S. are located in rural areas. Urban areas like Seattle have more efficient bus and metro systems, but rising rent prices in accessible areas make finding housing increasingly difficult.

The lack of sidewalks further exacerbates the challenges faced by involuntary nondrivers. In Seattle, approximately 24% of streets, or about 11,000 blocks, do not have sidewalks. These missing sidewalks are primarily located in areas with affordable housing. This lack of infrastructure limits the mobility of involuntary nondrivers, who rely on walking and public transportation.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:

1. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Efforts are being made to address these transportation challenges and promote equity. Mayor Bruce Harrell has introduced a transportation levy that would provide $1.45 billion over 8 years for transportation safety and maintenance. This includes improving sidewalk connectivity, paving roads, creating safer walking and biking paths, and enhancing connections to public transit.

The Seattle City Council is considering the levy proposal for the November ballot. Additionally, they are reviewing an update to the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan, which aims to extend transportation networks, reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, and enhance transportation safety. The plan also addresses housing difficulties and proposes strategies to increase affordable housing and prevent displacement.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:

1. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 1: No Poverty

It is crucial for constituents to actively support these initiatives. By voicing their concerns to city council members, individuals can emphasize the importance of sidewalks, transit, and bike infrastructure, as well as the need to reduce car dependency. Additionally, the comp plan should incentivize and accommodate more housing options.

As Seattle’s public transportation system continues to grow, it will become more accessible to everyone, not just involuntary nondrivers. Transportation independence is a goal that benefits all individuals, and by investing in safe and efficient transportation options, the needs of both choice riders and those without a choice can be met.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:

1. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the need for accessible transportation options for people with disabilities, such as the director of the Disability Mobility Initiative Program who cannot drive due to a neurological condition.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the challenges faced by involuntary nondrivers in accessing transportation options in a society built around car infrastructure. It also mentions the need for affordable housing in accessible areas and the lack of sidewalks in certain neighborhoods.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines – This target is relevant to the issue of providing accessible transportation options for people with disabilities who cannot drive.
• SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons – This target addresses the need for accessible and affordable transportation options for involuntary nondrivers, as well as improving road safety.
• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities – This target relates to the need for accessible sidewalks, safe street crossings, and bus shelters mentioned in the article.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.8: Percentage of people with disabilities who have access to affordable and accessible transportation options.
• Indicator for SDG 11.2: Percentage of population with access to safe, affordable, and accessible public transportation options, disaggregated by age, gender, disability status, and income level.
• Indicator for SDG 11.7: Percentage of streets with sidewalks and safe street crossings in areas with affordable housing, disaggregated by income level.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Fuente: seattlemedium.com

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