When Driving Is Not an Option: A Virtual Panel on Steering Away from Car Dependency

One third of people living in the United States do not have a driver license. The majority of involuntary nondrivers are disabled, lower income, unhoused, formerly incarcerated, undocumented immigrants, kids, young people, and the elderly. They are also largely invisible due to a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers.  

When Driving Is Not an Option shines a light on the reality for non-drivers and explains how improving our transportation system with nondrivers in mind will create a better quality of life for everyone. This book is written by a low-vision mom, disability advocate, and fellow non-driver Anna Letitia Zivarts.  

Alongside local advocates Dillon Mader and Elizabeth Fryseth, Zivarts will explain during this virtual panel that when the needs of involuntary nondrivers are viewed as essential to how we design our transportation systems and our communities, not only will we be able to more easily get where we need to go, but the changes will lead to healthier, climate-friendly communities for everyone. 

All are welcome. If you need accommodation for any reason, please call the library at (608) 789-7122 or email libraryhelpdesk@lacrosselibrary.org.

Anna Zivarts is a low-vision parent, nondriver, and author of When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency (Island Press, 2024). Anna created the #WeekWithoutDriving challenge and is passionate about bringing the voices of nondrivers to the planning and policy-making tables. Anna sits on the boards of the League of American Bicyclists, the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium and the Washington State Transportation Innovation Council. She also serves as a member of TRB's Committee on Public Health and Transportation (AME70) and the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center Coordinating Committee.

Dillon Mader is an Instructor at Western Technical College who bridges correctional, campus, and community spaces. Dillon primarily serves currently and formerly incarcerated learners, teaching employment, community resources, English, and adult basic education courses as well as providing one-on-one re-entry support. Leadership Group, a course that Dillon has facilitated for three years, is a space for justice-involved individuals and their allies to identify community-wide challenges and develop policy changes and programs to solve those challenges. Recently, Leadership has been exploring options to make public transit more affordable and accessible. In addition to his work at Western, Dillon serves on the La Crosse County Board and chairs the Health and Human Services Committee.

Elizabeth Fryseth is a fierce transit, pedestrian and disability advocate within the community. She serves on multiple committees and boards, dedicated to reduce barriers, be proactive for positive change, and equitable outcomes for all who walk, bike, and roll.