Rural communities face unique mobility challenges—limited public transit options, longer distances between destinations, and fewer infrastructure investments. These issues often leave residents with few options for reliable and affordable transportation, impacting their ability to access jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services. In this session from the BikeWalk NC 2024 Summit, author and environmental advocate Megan Kimball from the Southern Environmental Law Center, along with Omega Wilson, Ayo Wilson, Dawna Ledbetter, and Karyl Fuller, dive into these critical challenges and explore innovative, practical solutions to enhance access and connectivity in rural areas.
The panelists discuss a variety of strategies to address the lack of transit options, such as building partnerships with local governments, implementing cost-effective transportation programs, and utilizing technology to create more efficient, accessible routes. They also explore the importance of infrastructure investment, like adding safe bike and pedestrian paths and improving rural roadways, to ensure that rural residents can move around their communities more easily.
This discussion offers valuable insights for anyone looking to bridge the transportation gap in rural communities. You’ll learn about creative solutions that focus on making rural areas more accessible, from improving existing infrastructure to developing community-driven transit initiatives that leverage local resources and meet the specific needs of rural populations. Whether you’re a policymaker, community leader, or transportation advocate, this session provides actionable steps to promote equitable and sustainable transportation in rural North Carolina.
