Anti-Police-Terror Project Reimagines Traffic Safety in Oakland

The Anti-Police-Terror Project's recent report, “Decarcerating Transportation,” presents a compelling case for transportation justice in Oakland, focusing on the need for a shift away from car-centric systems. The report illustrates how the existing transportation framework disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), advocating for alternatives that promote equity and safety. Key recommendations include eliminating public transit fares and transferring traffic enforcement roles to community volunteers or mental health professionals, aiming to dismantle the traditional reliance on policing for traffic safety. Cat Brooks, the executive director of APTP, underscores the report's challenge to conventional traffic safety measures, which have often failed to create safer environments. Local advocate Carter Lavin highlighted that Oakland is at the forefront of the mobility justice movement, emphasizing the interconnectedness of transportation and the carceral system.

The report also critiques historical infrastructure decisions that have marginalized communities of color, urging for a redesign that prioritizes their needs. Through its comprehensive analysis, the report seeks to inspire a broader conversation about the future of transportation in Oakland and beyond. Ultimately, it offers a roadmap for creating a more equitable and just transportation system for all residents.