Kea Wilson
@keawilson.bsky.social
Senior editor + advocacy journalist at Streetsblog USA covering the movement to end universal car dependency. Based in STL, reporting nationally. Tips to: [email protected] or kwilson.52 on signal. Opinions are my own.
Reposted by Kea Wilson
RETVRN to traditional infrastructure.
![The Appian Way [near Casal Rotondo], one of the oldest and most important Roman roads, by Livioandronico2013 on Wikipedia.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5pghxhhzn2fcihyploqv4ijt/bafkreie27wzsf726mrstnmnxozwraajvxz4jqvphio6geylfsylvuup3li@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
RETVRN to traditional infrastructure.
It sucks that we have to write this same article over and over again every year, but I always appreciate it when larger media outlets do it, even if they never quite hit the most important point: that we won't solve this without confronting car dependency itself.
The deadliest roads in America
The number of pedestrians killed by vehicles has increased in the U.S., with road infrastructure and inadequate safety measures among key contributing factors.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:42 PM
It sucks that we have to write this same article over and over again every year, but I always appreciate it when larger media outlets do it, even if they never quite hit the most important point: that we won't solve this without confronting car dependency itself.
I was really proud to write an endorsement for @carterlavin.bsky.social's book, which is essential reading for anyone who wants to turn their theoretical love of stuff like biking, walking, buses, and mobility justice into political campaigns that actually change our world. Get a preview here. 👇
This Author Wrote the Book on How to Be a Better Transportation Advocate — Streetsblog USA
Step one: read this book.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:13 PM
I was really proud to write an endorsement for @carterlavin.bsky.social's book, which is essential reading for anyone who wants to turn their theoretical love of stuff like biking, walking, buses, and mobility justice into political campaigns that actually change our world. Get a preview here. 👇
Reposted by Kea Wilson
We stop this, in part, by having lots more folks organizing in their communities to support transit and pressing their Senators & House Reps.
Want to learn how to do that organizing for free? Ask your local library to stock a copy of my new book and then borrow it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Want to learn how to do that organizing for free? Ask your local library to stock a copy of my new book and then borrow it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
November 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM
We stop this, in part, by having lots more folks organizing in their communities to support transit and pressing their Senators & House Reps.
Want to learn how to do that organizing for free? Ask your local library to stock a copy of my new book and then borrow it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Want to learn how to do that organizing for free? Ask your local library to stock a copy of my new book and then borrow it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
The Trump administration wants to do two unbelievably dumb things that would collectively devastate mass transit in America — and be *epically bad for drivers, too,* especially in red states. Broke down the (many) problems with nuking the mass transit account and taking away flex funding.
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding — Streetsblog USA
"When you're talking about taking away money from transit, your proposal is flawed from the get-go," said one expert.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The Trump administration wants to do two unbelievably dumb things that would collectively devastate mass transit in America — and be *epically bad for drivers, too,* especially in red states. Broke down the (many) problems with nuking the mass transit account and taking away flex funding.
Eavesdropping in a coffeeshop, and the guy at the table next to me is talking about how the most-watched videos in prison media rooms are walking tours of major cities, because even just the visual and sonic experience is therapeutic when you don't have freedom of movement. 💔
November 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Eavesdropping in a coffeeshop, and the guy at the table next to me is talking about how the most-watched videos in prison media rooms are walking tours of major cities, because even just the visual and sonic experience is therapeutic when you don't have freedom of movement. 💔
The highest-ranking transportation congressman is saying that biking & walking paths aren't "traditional infrastructure" and don't deserve funding in the next federal transportation bill. Broke down why that's historically inaccurate, morally wrong, and *possible to defeat* — if we organize.
House T&I Chair Vows ‘No Money for Bikes or Walking’ in Fed Transportation Bill — Streetsblog USA
The outlook for active transportation won't be good if advocates don't stand up.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The highest-ranking transportation congressman is saying that biking & walking paths aren't "traditional infrastructure" and don't deserve funding in the next federal transportation bill. Broke down why that's historically inaccurate, morally wrong, and *possible to defeat* — if we organize.
Wrote about Waymo's co-CEO acknowledging that even she thinks traffic violence is inevitable, what's wrong with aiming for "fewer" road deaths rather than demanding zero, and the way automobility limits our imagination and our empathy.
The False 'Trolley Problem' At the Heart of the Autonomous Vehicle Debate — Streetsblog USA
Waymo said it has a "plan" for when one of the company's cars kills someone. But we should be planning for a world when no car kills anyone — autonomous or not.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Wrote about Waymo's co-CEO acknowledging that even she thinks traffic violence is inevitable, what's wrong with aiming for "fewer" road deaths rather than demanding zero, and the way automobility limits our imagination and our empathy.
Horrifying, heartbreaking, and something everyone who counts themselves as a member of the Safe Routes to School movement should absolutely be speaking out about.
October 16, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Horrifying, heartbreaking, and something everyone who counts themselves as a member of the Safe Routes to School movement should absolutely be speaking out about.
Reposted by Kea Wilson
"Frankly, it's the book the transportation reform movement has been waiting for." -- @keawilson.bsky.social , Senior Editor, @usa.streetsblog.org
Check out the book and other reviews here
www.amazon.com/You-Want-You...
and via @islandpress.bsky.social at islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Check out the book and other reviews here
www.amazon.com/You-Want-You...
and via @islandpress.bsky.social at islandpress.org/books/if-you...
October 15, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"Frankly, it's the book the transportation reform movement has been waiting for." -- @keawilson.bsky.social , Senior Editor, @usa.streetsblog.org
Check out the book and other reviews here
www.amazon.com/You-Want-You...
and via @islandpress.bsky.social at islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Check out the book and other reviews here
www.amazon.com/You-Want-You...
and via @islandpress.bsky.social at islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Thrilled that someone finally made a documentary about the rail trail movement that treats that history for what it is: a fascinating and shockingly controversial story about the right to public space, which is every bit as epic as the battle against the highway movement (which sometimes overlaps).
The Shocking Untold History of America's Rails-to-Trails Movement — Streetsblog USA
Some of the fiercest battles for the future of public space in America have happened on abandoned railway corridors — and the battles aren't over yet.
usa.streetsblog.org
October 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Thrilled that someone finally made a documentary about the rail trail movement that treats that history for what it is: a fascinating and shockingly controversial story about the right to public space, which is every bit as epic as the battle against the highway movement (which sometimes overlaps).
Reposted by Kea Wilson
Reflections on last week's #WeekWithoutDriving in a city that still refuses to acknowledge the existence of its nondrivers — which a comprehensive new report claims make up one-third of LA's population
One-third of Angelenos do not drive
Walking back the "car-free" games promise is unconscionable in a city where the people who don't drive are also the most vulnerable users of our streets
www.torched.la
October 6, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Reflections on last week's #WeekWithoutDriving in a city that still refuses to acknowledge the existence of its nondrivers — which a comprehensive new report claims make up one-third of LA's population
If you saw a headline about NYC potentially losing two big transit projects "because of the government shutdown," know this: 1) it's bullshit, and 2) ending the shutdown on the Trump administration's terms would be terrible for transit *all across the country*, and very likely in your community. 🧵
Is Sec. Duffy Holding NY Transit Hostage To Negotiate Away The Rest of America's Transportation Future? — Streetsblog USA
The federal Transportation secretary is using two large transit projects as a bargaining chip to bully Congress into passing a budget that could be disastrous for communities across the country.
usa.streetsblog.org
October 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
If you saw a headline about NYC potentially losing two big transit projects "because of the government shutdown," know this: 1) it's bullshit, and 2) ending the shutdown on the Trump administration's terms would be terrible for transit *all across the country*, and very likely in your community. 🧵
It's one thing to talk about the 1 in 20 Americans who live in households without cars. But it's another to talk about all the people who live in households with fewer cars than people who need to drive to participate in an autocentric society, particularly kids, elders, and people w/disabilities.
Report: A Third of Americans Can't Rely On Cars — And 16 Million Have No Access At All — Streetsblog USA
So why do we plan our cities like everyone can and does get behind the wheel every day?
usa.streetsblog.org
October 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
It's one thing to talk about the 1 in 20 Americans who live in households without cars. But it's another to talk about all the people who live in households with fewer cars than people who need to drive to participate in an autocentric society, particularly kids, elders, and people w/disabilities.
Today's the last day to claim the federal EV tax credit. I’ve written a ton about why EVs aren’t the solution to our transportation problems, but I’ll admit: my household bought one two months ago. And I want to do a short thread about why.
September 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Today's the last day to claim the federal EV tax credit. I’ve written a ton about why EVs aren’t the solution to our transportation problems, but I’ll admit: my household bought one two months ago. And I want to do a short thread about why.
Few days late but wanted to be sure to shout out this great convo I had with Ashton Rohmer, who points out that all the deaths and damage that flows from car culture isn't dissimilar from the horrors of war, and what it would mean to apply "peace building" strategies to urbanism.
Our Streets Look Like War Zones — But What if They Were 'Sites of Peacebuilding' Instead? — Streetsblog USA
A peace and conflict studies scholar weighs in on what car culture has in common with global conflicts — and why we need to confront violence on our roads if we want to end violence around the globe.
usa.streetsblog.org
September 25, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Few days late but wanted to be sure to shout out this great convo I had with Ashton Rohmer, who points out that all the deaths and damage that flows from car culture isn't dissimilar from the horrors of war, and what it would mean to apply "peace building" strategies to urbanism.
Curious if anyone is doing work on the shortcomings of telematics as a tool in predicting road safety trends + guiding investments...? I just signed up for one of those safe driver apps to get a car insurance discount, and I'm kind of shocked by how easy it is to game.
September 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Curious if anyone is doing work on the shortcomings of telematics as a tool in predicting road safety trends + guiding investments...? I just signed up for one of those safe driver apps to get a car insurance discount, and I'm kind of shocked by how easy it is to game.
We'll have a lot more on this soon but for now, the big takeaway is this: the mask is fully off, and USDOT is straight up telling grantees that they are taking their bike trail money back and using it to "promote vehicle travel" instead. Wild, unprecedented shit.
Breaking: US DOT Pulls Grants For Projects That Aren't Focused on Cars — Streetsblog USA
The Trump administration bias for "vehicular travel" — and the burning of fossil fuels that it requires — rears its ugly head again.
usa.streetsblog.org
September 17, 2025 at 1:43 PM
We'll have a lot more on this soon but for now, the big takeaway is this: the mask is fully off, and USDOT is straight up telling grantees that they are taking their bike trail money back and using it to "promote vehicle travel" instead. Wild, unprecedented shit.
If I am a little quiet on here, it's because we recently found out my dad has terminal cancer and I am taking care of him. Not a lot of overlap with this + what I write about every day, except that light walking is one of the only things that helps his pain and he lives in a place without sidewalks.
September 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
If I am a little quiet on here, it's because we recently found out my dad has terminal cancer and I am taking care of him. Not a lot of overlap with this + what I write about every day, except that light walking is one of the only things that helps his pain and he lives in a place without sidewalks.
Reposted by Kea Wilson
Thinking of New Orleans this week. Amazed by its assets but also its inequities that many "rebuilding" efforts deepened. @keawilson.bsky.social wrote about our research @annalivia.bsky.social on NOLA inequity via streetcars for (exclusionary) economic development usa.streetsblog.org/2020/10/26/s...
STUDY: Streetcars Symbolize the Dangers of 'Colorblind' Transit Planning — Streetsblog USA
Transit can be a powerful tool for mobility justice — but if we're not deliberate, it can be a tool for reinforcing white supremacy, too.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 27, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Thinking of New Orleans this week. Amazed by its assets but also its inequities that many "rebuilding" efforts deepened. @keawilson.bsky.social wrote about our research @annalivia.bsky.social on NOLA inequity via streetcars for (exclusionary) economic development usa.streetsblog.org/2020/10/26/s...
*Loved* this breakdown from BanksRail on why the urbanism YouTube universe is so overwhelmingly white, male, and gen X, why that's a problem (with zero shade to the folks who fit that profile doing great work!), and a low-lift experiment he did to try to give new voices a platform.
Friday Video: The Problem With ... 'Friday Video'?! — Streetsblog USA
The urbanism YouTube sphere is thriving — but who's getting the views?
usa.streetsblog.org
August 22, 2025 at 3:21 PM
*Loved* this breakdown from BanksRail on why the urbanism YouTube universe is so overwhelmingly white, male, and gen X, why that's a problem (with zero shade to the folks who fit that profile doing great work!), and a low-lift experiment he did to try to give new voices a platform.
Comment period extended until September 8!
Did you know that you can weigh in *right now* on what our next big federal transportation bill should look like? You've got until August 20 — and if you're struggling to figure out what to say, these orgs have some great ideas you're welcome to steal.
Advocates: Here's What to Tell The Feds You Want From the Next Big Transportation Bill — Streetsblog USA
You only have two more days to comment on the next surface transportation bill (the biggie!). So here are some thoughts about what you should say.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 22, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Comment period extended until September 8!
Fascinated by the idea of evaluating city streets not just based on car crash hot spots, but also how bored, joyful, stimulated, depressed, valued, or safe people *feel* when they move through them, and how radically that might change them way transportation planners operate.
Study: Boring Roads End Up With More Injuries For People Outside Cars — Streetsblog USA
And beautiful roads report fewer.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 21, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Fascinated by the idea of evaluating city streets not just based on car crash hot spots, but also how bored, joyful, stimulated, depressed, valued, or safe people *feel* when they move through them, and how radically that might change them way transportation planners operate.
Did not think I would ever have to research nuclear power plants on the moon for my job reporting on (*checks notes*) sidewalks and bike lanes and stuff, but this administration is full of surprises
Advocates Beg DOT Sec. Duffy to Give Up Space and Fix Transit On Earth — Streetsblog USA
Transportation Secretary/acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy wants to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. But a lot of Americans just want the bus to come on time.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Did not think I would ever have to research nuclear power plants on the moon for my job reporting on (*checks notes*) sidewalks and bike lanes and stuff, but this administration is full of surprises
Just watched the Biggest Loser docu series and gotta say: it is wild how little we STILL talk about the structural drivers of the obesity epidemic in this country like car dependency and food/medical deserts, even when we're (rightly) critiquing awful, masochistic shows like this.
August 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Just watched the Biggest Loser docu series and gotta say: it is wild how little we STILL talk about the structural drivers of the obesity epidemic in this country like car dependency and food/medical deserts, even when we're (rightly) critiquing awful, masochistic shows like this.