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: kea@streetsblog.org or kwilson.52 on signal. Opinions are my own.
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.
Last day to do this, transportation advocates!
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 20, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Last day to do this, transportation advocates!
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 18, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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.
Yes, this Washington Post opinion piece was particularly bad (and just factually wrong at a few points) but also: I think there's a lot of misunderstanding even in the street safety community about driver's ed and how much of a difference it can realistically make in an ultra car-dependent country.
No, Washington Post, Driver's Ed Isn't The 'Main Cause' of Our Road Violence Crisis — Streetsblog USA
A recent Washington Post article blamed bad driver's ed for America's dismal roadway safety stats — and gets a lot of facts wildly wrong.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 15, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Yes, this Washington Post opinion piece was particularly bad (and just factually wrong at a few points) but also: I think there's a lot of misunderstanding even in the street safety community about driver's ed and how much of a difference it can realistically make in an ultra car-dependent country.
Appreciate seeing senators like @edmarkey.bsky.social pursue bold transportation policies even in times like these. Because at the end of the day, things like complete streets, unpolluted air, affordable buses and lots of trains aren't really radical propositions — the deadly, dirty status quo is.
Four Policies Progressives Are Backing for the Next Big Transportation Bill — Streetsblog USA
Progressives are refusing (at least at this point) to water down their ambitions in the face of a deeply divided Washington.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 13, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Appreciate seeing senators like @edmarkey.bsky.social pursue bold transportation policies even in times like these. Because at the end of the day, things like complete streets, unpolluted air, affordable buses and lots of trains aren't really radical propositions — the deadly, dirty status quo is.
"Weird" moment might be more accurate than "big" moment, but I really enjoyed talking to Jim Mathews of @railpassengers.org about this super pivotal and confusing moment for train travel in America and what it will take to bring this mode into the 21st century.
Is U.S. Passenger Rail Having a Big Moment? — Streetsblog USA
We brought in an expert to unpack some of the biggest rail headlines of the day — and a few you might have missed.
usa.streetsblog.org
August 12, 2025 at 9:23 PM
"Weird" moment might be more accurate than "big" moment, but I really enjoyed talking to Jim Mathews of @railpassengers.org about this super pivotal and confusing moment for train travel in America and what it will take to bring this mode into the 21st century.