When we talk about discrimination in transportation, most people think about getting pulled over by police. And while that’s absolutely a serious issue, especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ folks, it's not the whole story. Discrimination doesn’t only happen in cars, it shows up in plenty of other places too, like airports, sidewalks, bike paths, and even while jogging through a neighborhood. To create truly fair and safe communities, we need to start thinking beyond cars.

Airports

Airports are supposed to be places where people from all walks of life pass through. But for many BIPOC travelers, especially Black, Muslim, and Latino folks, air travel often comes with extra stress - and not just about missing a flight.

People of color are more likely to be "randomly" selected for extra screening at airport security. They might be followed by airport staff, asked additional questions at customs, or treated like they don’t belong in certain lounges or first-class areas. Muslim travelers, in particular, report being unfairly targeted and interrogated because of how they look or what they wear.

Even once on the plane, discrimination can follow. There have been numerous cases where passengers had someone say they feel "uncomfortable" around them - often for reasons tied to race or language. It’s another example of how BIPOC individuals are often seen as threats instead of travelers. It is important to note that the United States of America Department of Transportation has a document for Passengers’ Right to Fly Free from Discrimination. 

Cycling 

Riding a bike seems like a simple, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around, though even this can come with its own risks depending on who you are.

Black and brown cyclists are more likely to be stopped by police than white riders. Sometimes it’s over small things like not having a light or riding on the sidewalk, but these stops can escalate quickly and dangerously.

There’s also the issue of infrastructure. Bike lanes and safe streets are often missing in lower-income neighborhoods, which are more likely to be home to BIPOC communities. This creates a situation where people are encouraged to bike for health or environmental reasons but aren't given the same safety or support to do so. Some people even face harassment from drivers while riding, simply because of their identity.

Running 

Going for a jog should be a peaceful activity. But even something as simple as running has become a safety issue for people from marginalized groups.

We all remember the story of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was chased and killed while jogging in a neighborhood in Georgia. That tragedy reminded the world that everyday activities aren’t always safe for everyone.

Transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals also face dangers when exercising in public. Some are verbally harassed or threatened just for being themselves, especially if their appearance doesn’t conform to someone else’s expectations. The fear of violence or judgment keeps many people from being active outside - which isn’t fair, and isn’t healthy.

What can we do about it?

We can’t solve a problem we don’t talk about, the first step is simply paying attention. Notice who gets followed in airports, who’s missing from your local bike paths, or who seems nervous jogging in your neighborhood. Listen to the experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks who face these challenges. 

We also need to make sure our cities are designed for everyone. That means investing in sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit in all neighborhoods - not just the wealthy ones. It means making sure laws are applied fairly and that safety measures don’t become tools for racial profiling.

Organizations and advocates around the country are already working on these issues. From groups that promote biking in Black communities to those fighting for better airport policies, there’s real momentum for change. But we all have a role to play, whether that’s speaking about unfair treatment, voting for better policies, or just supporting someone who’s been affected.

Final thoughts

Mobility should be a right, not a privilege. Everyone deserves to feel safe while moving through their community, whether they’re driving, flying, biking, or just going for a walk. Thinking beyond cars means looking at the bigger picture of how discrimination affects people in every space, and then doing the work to build something better.

Get involved

• Spokane Reimagined - their mission is freedom to travel safely, efficiently, and comfortably.
• Spokane Regional Transportation Council - check out their Equity Working Group.