@carothetourguide urges greater protection for micro-mobility users and wheelchair accessibility
Carolina Isabela aka @carothetourguide, a prominent and influential advocate for walking and micro-mobility transit solutions in Miami, has taken to social media with a powerful message after being struck by a hit-and-run accident in a Porsche. In a heartfelt Instagram reel, Isabela detailed the traumatic incident and made an impassioned call for changes to the city’s infrastructure to better protect pedestrians, micro-mobility users, and wheelchair-bound residents.
A shocking hit-and-run incident and its immediate impact
The incident occurred while Isabela was riding a scooter. She was struck by a driver who fled the scene, leaving her with sprained ankles and confined to a wheelchair. Fortunately, nearby good Samaritans helped her to the sidewalk, but the trauma of the experience remains vivid. Adding insult to injury, Isabela described receiving a disapproving “look” from police officers, seemingly for using a scooter.
In her Instagram Reel in her @carothetourguide account Isabela said, “People demonize micro modes of mobility like scooters or e-bikes, and that’s not fair. They deserve equal space and safety as much as cars.” Her frustration highlights a broader issue that plagues Miami’s urban planning and transportation culture – the tendency to marginalize non-car modes of travel, even though they offer eco-friendly, congestion-relieving benefits.
@carothetourguide on the need for equitable and accessible mobility
Isabela’s reflections extend beyond her personal experience, emphasizing the broader societal issues at stake. While she recovers from the hit-and-run, her inability to walk has made her acutely aware of the barriers faced by wheelchair users. “Our cities are ableist,” she remarked. “They need to be safer for everyone, especially for those of us who are wheelchair-bound.”
Europe, she noted, offers an example of inclusive design, where wheelchair-bound individuals and micro-mobility users can navigate freely and safely. In contrast, Miami’s car-centric design puts vulnerable populations at risk daily. Isabela highlighted the need for systemic change, urging both the city and county to collaborate on making Miami a city that prioritizes people over cars.
Personal experience illuminates broader systemic issues
Ironically, just one week before the hit-and-run incident, Isabela attended a traffic symposium where Commissioner Higgins discussed infrastructure improvements in Brickell. But her experience demonstrates how much more work remains. “This wheelchair community is one that anyone can possibly become part of at any time, regardless of gender, age, or race,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of creating safer streets.
Isabela’s message goes beyond her own pain to call attention to a culture that puts convenience for drivers above safety for others. In her Instagram caption, she wrote, “If there’s a scooter or bike parked on the sidewalk and it’s blocking the way… you can move it. But can you move a car when it’s blocking the sidewalk?” Her words reflect a broader frustration with city design that privileges cars over everything else.
Advocating for a new urban design
Isabela’s reel laid out a clear vision for what a more equitable and inclusive Miami could look like. She called for protected bike lanes to ensure the safety of cyclists and scooter riders, pointing to Coral Way as a successful example of traffic calming through environmental design. “On this street, you will not find speeding drivers because of the large Banyan trees. Psychologically, this makes drivers slow down due to the possibility of impact,” she explained. Such measures, Isabela argued, could be replicated across the city to enhance safety for all.
Addressing the fundamental problem, she stated, “If you hate traffic, remove the cars.” This provocative assertion is grounded in her belief that micro-mobility modes are inherently more sustainable and reduce congestion without contributing to pollution. She urged Miami’s leaders to stop demonizing these modes and instead embrace them as part of the solution.
Community support and a call to action for @carothetourguide
Since sharing her hit-and-run experience, Isabela has been overwhelmed by messages of support. In her post, she expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I am truly shocked at the amount of love I’ve received. Seriously, you guys are the best community.” Her courage and determination have turned a personal tragedy into a rallying cry for change, resonating deeply with those who share her vision for a more inclusive and pedestrian-friendly Miami.
A path forward for Miami’s streets
Isabela’s experience underscores a pressing need for Miami to reconsider its approach to urban planning. Her plea to redesign the city and return spaces to people, rather than cars, is both timely and vital. The hope is that policymakers will heed her call, taking decisive action to make Miami a safer, more inclusive city for everyone – regardless of their mode of travel.
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