Join us for an engaging and informative presentation that explores the intersection of active transportation and Austin’s rich Black history. This session, led by Alberta Phillips and hosted by Lauren Simcic, AICP, highlights how biking, supported by active transportation infrastructure, can illuminate African American cultural and historical sites often overlooked in mainstream narratives. In Austin and other cities, African American history has been undervalued or unrecognized as a vital part of the urban fabric. This presentation illustrates how biking tours can bridge these gaps, connecting communities, promoting health and well-being, and fostering education about Black cultural heritage. With Black cultural tourism on the rise—evidenced by a flourishing of Black history museums and sites across the South, as noted by the PEW Center, and the economic value of African American travelers growing to $63 billion in 2018, per Globe News Wire—this session offers innovative approaches to integrate cultural heritage into urban planning and active transportation initiatives.

Participants explore a 17-mile citywide bike tour curated by Alberta Phillips, showcasing hidden gems of Austin’s Black history, from freedmen communities to iconic landmarks like the Texas African American History Memorial. The session draws on Phillips’ expertise as an award-winning journalist and community leader, alongside Simcic’s urban planning insights, to provide actionable strategies for achieving equitable outcomes. Attendees learn how to design similar tours in their own cities, leveraging biking to connect neighborhoods, preserve cultural heritage, and promote inclusive urban development. This is a unique opportunity to discover how active transportation can serve as a win-win-win for community engagement, cultural education, and public health.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the historical significance of African American cultural sites in Austin and their relevance to urban development and planning.
• Learn how to integrate active transportation infrastructure, such as bike routes, to promote equitable access to cultural heritage sites.
• Explore strategies for preserving and promoting Black historical landmarks in the face of gentrification and urban change.
• Gain insights into designing community-focused bike tours that educate the public about local Black history and foster community connections.
• Develop approaches to incorporate cultural tourism trends into urban planning to enhance economic and social benefits for diverse communities.