pedaler of change

Media plays a role in shaping perceptions of traffic violence. If it's not victim-blaming, it's killer-downplaying. Here’s how journalists tend to report on traffic violence: 📰 "The pedestrian, who may have been distracted by their phone, died at the hospital." 📰 "The cyclist, who was wearing a helmet, will be buried Friday." 📰 "The driver, who remained at the scene, fears they will suffer nightmares." 📰 “Police officers, who tried to console the driver, said drugs and alcohol did not appear to be factors.” Anyone who considers themselves a safety advocate needs to understand that details like bike helmets, earbuds, flip-flops, and dark clothing aren’t the issue. Motorists are the issue. People are slamming their cars into people who are walking and bicycling, and the societal response sounds like an Eeyore whimper, if that. It’s not a journalist’s fault that someone drove too fast, lost control, and clipped a bike. But the reporting—the story framing—makes all the difference in how people react to the tragedies. Maybe if we start categorizing public safety reporting as a culture war issue, it’ll get the attention it deserves.