In this episode, I connect with Anna Zivarts, author of When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, a new book by Island Press, available on May 9, 2024. We discuss her journey as a visually impaired person unable to drive to her role as an advocate for other non-drivers and for safer, more inviting environments for all ages and abilities. We also discuss what inspired her to write this beautiful text that tells the personal stories of several of the 30% of our population that does not or are unable to drive a car. Not surprisingly, we discuss how important it is to have access to convenient and efficient transit, have sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in good condition, as well as protected and separated cycle paths and multi-use trails.

Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for more video content.

Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
- When Driving is Not An Option by Anna Zvarts in the Active Towns Bookshop or on Amazon
- Empower Movement Washington
- Week Without Driving
- America Walks
- My episode with Darcy
- My episode with Cathy Tuttle
- Ian Mackay - Ian’s Ride
- Safe Routes Partnership
- Kimberly Huntress Inskeep  ~ Transit Trekker

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1. Join our Patreon community. Contributions start at just $1 per month
(Note: Patron benefits include early, ad-free access to content and a 15% discount in the Active Towns Merch Store)
2. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"
3. Pick up some Active Towns #StreetsAreForPeople Merch at my store

Credits:
- Video and audio production by John Simmerman
- Music via Epidemic Sound

Resources used during the production of this video:
- My recording platform is Ecamm Live
- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
- Equipment: Contact me for a complete list

For more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:
- Active Towns Website
- Active Towns on Twitter
- Periodic e-Newsletter

Background:
Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I’m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.

Since 2010,  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."

The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.

Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.

Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2024