ATS-16: Words Matter: What We Talk About When We Talk About Transportation, Leslie Carlson

Encouraging new modes

Oregon Active Transportation Summit

March 14, 2016

project overviewoverview

A balancing act

Talking Transportation

Oregon Active Transportation Summit

March 14, 2016We’re all multi-modal

getting results

• An everyday activity

• Encouraging and inclusive

• Address barriers

• Emphasize the benefits to people

Talking Transportation

Oregon Active Transportation Summit

March 14, 2016We’re all multi-modalMake it common and

everyday

an everyday thing• “People walking, biking and riding

transit.”

• “How do you get around?”

• No tall bikes

• Kids are the gateway drug

Talking Transportation

Oregon Active Transportation Summit

March 14, 2016

Make it common and everyday

Make it attainable/address barriers

positive, regular language• “Try taking the bus”

• “Today is a good day for walking”

• “Riding a bike is an option”

know & overcome barriers• Safety• Infrastructure• Equipment• Life station• Habit

Language that includes

inclusive• Avoid judgment (“Smart” “Easy”)

• Use neutral words/facts (“Convenient” “Save time”)

• Don’t shame

• You’re here to help

• You are not the target audience

• Casual use can lead to regular use

better wordsWorse Better

Accidents, Incidents Crashes, collisions

The car hit the… The person driving hit…

Cyclists People riding/on bikes

Drivers People driving

Pedestrians People walking

Alternative transportation Travel option

Mode Walking, biking, taking transit, sharing a ride or driving

Commuters People traveling to work

Citizens Residents

Cycle tracks Protected bikeways

use the benefits

• Saving money and time• No parking hassles• Outlook/health• Experiencing your community first hand• Interactions with people• Time with friends/family• No traffic jams

Thank youLeslie@brinkcomm.co

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