Local transportation partners join in renewed commitment to safe public spaces and in solidarity against structural racism and police violence

As leaders in transportation-related work in Tompkins County, we condemn the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and so many Black and Brown people whose suffering and deaths were fueled by racism. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the protests here in Ithaca and across the country calling for systemic change that addresses racism and supports justice and equality.

We are a predominantly white group who are re-committing to serious self reflection and critical thinking to learn more about how Black and Brown people are affected by transportation, in Tompkins County and nationally and how we can do more, here and now, to change this long term issue.

We know transportation policies and infrastructure decisions have reinforced racism in the United States, historically and still today. Transportation infrastructure has segregated and destroyed communities and disproportionately harmed people of color. Interstate highway construction frequently razes Black and Brown neighborhoods, and Robert Moses’ bridges near New York City were designed low enough that public buses could not pass under, keeping those without the wealth to own a car out of the suburbs. We also know transportation and public space create opportunities for protest: Rosa Parks changed history in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat for segregationist bus policies, sparking a boycott that lasted 381 days before a change.

We commit to re-convening an active, accountable and effective Transportation Equity Task Force, as part of work to center the voices and concerns of Black and Brown people in our work.

We also commit to helping lead a stronger culture of actively interrupting violence and micro-aggressions in public space. Our streets, sidewalks, parks, buses and events must be safe for everyone, no matter skin color or mode of travel.

Signed,
TCAT, Gadabout, Ithaca Carshare, Bike Walk Tompkins, Cornell Cooperative Extension Way2Go, Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council, Recycle Ithaca’s Bicycles (RIBS), and GO ITHACA