Ahisha Bakayoko
Research Mentor: Juliett Knight
Mentor Department: Not Available, Not Available
Author(s): Ahisha Bakayoko, Juliett Knight
Session: Session 3 (11:00 AM – 11:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 2
Abstract
The Trucks Off Our Streets (TOOS) initiative is a community-led effort focused on reducing harmful industrial truck traffic and improving street safety in Detroit neighborhoods. As part of the TOOS Storytelling Project with Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV), this research centers on supporting residents in sharing their lived experiences with truck traffic and traffic-related safety concerns. While data and policy discussions often focus on statistics, this project highlights the importance of personal stories in understanding how transportation decisions affect everyday life. This project uses guided interviews with Detroit residents to help participants shape their experiences into meaningful narratives. Residents are invited to reflect on how industrial truck traffic impacts their safety, health, and sense of community. These conversations aim to capture perspectives that are often missing from traditional research or policy spaces. Early observations show that storytelling allows residents to express concerns about street safety, neighborhood well-being, and the emotional impact of living near heavy truck traffic. These stories provide context that strengthens existing data by showing the human side of the issue. By amplifying community voices, this project helps connect residents’ experiences to decision-makers, advocates, and the broader public. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how storytelling can support advocacy efforts and contribute to creating safer, healthier, and more equitable streets in Detroit.
