By: Ledger Wham, Contributing Writer
ledgerwham@gmail.com
Safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation has been an ongoing struggle for many Spartanburg communities. In a society that prioritizes cars as the primary mode of transportation, people who cannot drive or lack access to cars face transportation challenges. Some believe public transportation and more walkable cities can help fix this disparity. One native Spartanburg resident has been working towards fixing these issues.
The Walking Spartan is a blog and social media page run by Liv Hawkins that advocates for a “more walkable and livable Spartanburg for all.” Hawkins is a local Spartanburg resident and started The Walking Spartan in 2022. Hawkins says their efforts have contributed to increased awareness around safer, more sustainable transportation options that build community.
Hawkins stated during an interview that he was driven by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to create The Walking Spartan. The pandemic caused many people to drive less and spend more time outdoors. 2020 caused Hawkins and many others to reevaluate what community, sustainability, and safety really mean in Spartanburg.
Hawkins stated that the goal of The Walking Spartan is “ensuring that our cities, towns, and communities are built in such a way that they can accommodate all ages and abilities in terms of transportation.” Hawkins believes there are benefits to including a variety of better transportation methods beyond sustainability and climate change. The need to reunite with and reconnect to the community is one of the driving forces behind The Walking Spartan.
Many people in our society can’t drive, whether because of age, disability, affordability, or other reasons. This transportation disparity prevents large portions of our population from being able to “fully participate in their community.” Many Spartanburg residents feel isolated because they lack transportation to attend community events.
However, Hawkins advocates that by having more walkable cities, this barrier can be eliminated.
During an interview, Hawkins was asked how others can help advocate for a more walkable, livable Spartanburg. Hawkins challenged Spartanburg residents to go without driving for a week. Walking instead of driving can cause people to notice different infrastructure problems that would otherwise go unnoticed. Hawkins encourages reflecting on how factors like broken sidewalks can affect different demographics, such as parents with strollers or wheelchair users. Hawkins stated, “If more of us [bike and walk instead of drive], more of us will be able to positively change our community.
So whether you’re someone who is choosing that lifestyle or someone who is not, I think we can make it a more pleasant, safe, and comfortable experience for everybody.” Hawkins suggests that walking more can help residents better understand the struggles of those who cannot drive or use car infrastructure.
After identifying infrastructure or other problems within the community, Hawkins recommends becoming more civically involved. They remind us that “you are not voiceless in your community.” Hawkins emphasized that community involvement can lead to a safer Spartanburg for all.
The Walking Spartan dives deeper into transportation disparities, how we can advocate, and how to work towards a better Spartanburg. You can find The Walking Spartan blog on Substack (@sociallylivvy) and on Instagram (@thewalkingspartan).
