AdvocatIng for EQUItable TransportatIon

by JACOB SMITH FROM THE UNITED STATES

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are much more likely to die while walking than any other race. BIPOC communities are overrepresented in the percentage of pedestrian deaths. This is especially true for BIPOC youth. Despite this, BIPOC youth are often not included when discussing transportation and health inequities but inherit the negative outcomes of previous decisions.

To address systemic issues that further worsen the epidemic of pedestrian deaths among BIPOC communities, a mechanism to involve BIPOC youth needs to exist in city policies, practices, and processes that affect the pedestrian environment.

The project, “BIPOC Youth Advocating for an Equitable Transportation System through Advocacy and Storytelling” will recruit BIPOC youth and educate them on transportation inequities facing their communities in BIPOC Communities across the country. Youth participants will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to acknowledge and understand their lived experiences as road users. It will inform and empower them to fight for the changes needed for an equitable transport system for BIPOC youth.

ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD

Jacob is a diehard visionary movement builder. He has his own consultancy service in road safety and mobility justice which delivers high-impact community organizing for transforming mobility access in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. He is currently the Executive Director of the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS).

Since 2014, he has presented at over 190 conferences and led projects in 12 states, mobilizing youth for safe and sustainable communities. Jacob serves as the Regional Leader of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and works across the nation to mobilize young people to meaningfully engage in participaation for road safety and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through his experience as a nonprofit executive, organizer, activist, and strategist, Jacob recognizes that all the most pressing road safety issues can be solved and transformed by youth activists.

ABOUT THE LEAD ORGANIsATION

National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS)

The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) is a national youth-powered health and safety organization. It builds an inclusive, connected, and diverse youth-powered community to address pressing health and safety issues affecting youth across the nation.

NOYS believes that social justice is deeply connected to our health and safety.