Rethinking Mobility
By Benito Pérez, CAPP, AICP, CTP
We must rethink our approach to mobility. Historically, owning and driving a car has signified mobility freedom, but this has caused our whole transportation system to be built for cars, often dividing and destroying communities in the process. Despite advancements in technologies like electric and autonomous vehicles, it’s more clear than ever that this status quo has left many folks stranded—not to mention the countless others who are hurt or killed due to dangerous street designs that emphasize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety, often at the expense of marginalized communities.
Those without access to personal vehicles (mobility challenges, age, economics, cognitive abilities, other hindered abilities, lack of vehicle access, or vehicle upkeep) or those unable or unwilling to drive (risk, choice, access to other mobility options) often don’t have safe and reliable options—like transit, sidewalks, or protected bikeways—to get them where they need to go.
As the U.S. Congress begins to contemplate federal transportation policy changes for the 2026 expiration of the infrastructure law, Transportation for America encourages IPMI members to look at their policies, procedures, planning, and operations and assess whether they perpetuate the auto-focused mobility mentality. How do we start to redefine mobility choice/freedom in those policies, procedures, planning, and operations to be more inclusive of all users?
Most importantly, we should urge decision-makers at all levels of government to prioritize the development of an inclusive transportation system that is equitable, accessible, safe, and environmentally sustainable. What recommendations can we as IPMI members percolate upwards in state and federal transportation policy discussions? The time for action is now—together we can create a future where mobility is truly for everyone.
Benito Pérez, CAPP, AICP, CPT, is the Policy Director for Transportation for America. He can be reached at benito.perez@t4america.org.