Active Towns

In this episode, I'm delighted to share my conversation with Jessie Singer the author of the new book There Are No Accidents: The Deadly Rise of Injury and Disaster - Who Profits and Who Pays the Price. We examine how the word "accident" has morphed into meaning that nothing could have been done to prevent it, but when the events are examined, they are the inherently predictable and preventable re...

In this episode, I go behind the scenes of the Oh The Urbanity! YouTube Channel with Jasmine Steffler and Patrick Murphy, Ottawa-based content creators, who have a passion for understanding all things urbanism, including access to affordable housing, active mobility, and transit. Video version of the episode The "dynamic duo" behind the amazing Oh The Urbanity! Channel is none other than Jasmine a...

In this episode, I connect with Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy, Communications and Marketing Manager and Piep van Heuven, Director of Government Relations at Bicycle Colorado to discuss the challenges ahead and some of the encouraging progress being made at the state and local levels. Video version of this episode A series of pro-bicycle and safer streets legislation coupled with commitments to divert f...

In this episode, I reconnect with Erin Riediger, a Winnipeg-based architect, active mobility advocate, and the producer of the Plain Bicycle podcast series. We discuss the status of the city's underground Dutch bike takeover effort also affectionately referred to as a Culture Bomb. Video version of this episode There has been a proliferation of old used Dutch bikes showing up on the streets of Win...

In this episode, I connect with George Liu with the Urban Cycling Institute and the Designing the Cycling City - Master Class Video version of this episode Wrapping up a Ph. D., starting a new bike company, helping lead a Dutch cycling summer school program, as well as the Designing the Cycling City - The Master Class, all while also churning out YouTube videos for the Urban Cycling Institute, yea...

In this episode, I go for a virtual ride on the fabulous off-street All Ages & Abilities cycle path network in Oulu, Finland with local active transportation professional Pekka Tahkola Video version of this episode A comprehensive, cohesive, and connected off-street network of bike and pedestrian facilities appropriate for All Ages & Abilities makes this city of 200,000+ residents built in...

In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Maud de Vries, CEO, and co-founder of BYCS, the Amsterdam-based global NGO behind the Bicycle Mayor Program that is spreading around the globe. Video version of this episode In addition to chatting about the Bicycle Mayor Program, we also discuss their Bicycle Citizens Network, the Bicycle Heroes initiative to bring the voices of the youth, the COP26...

In this episode, I welcome back Darcy Kitching for a conversation about her research on creating more kid-friendly communities, safer, more inviting, and even joyous streets for people, and the upcoming Boulder Walk360 event she'll be leading once again this year. Video version of this episode So excited to welcome back Darcy Kitching for an update on her doctoral dissertation research on the topi...

In this episode, I speak with Steve Wright about the applying the concepts of Universal Design to streets, sidewalks, and public spaces to promote dignity in mobility for All Ages & Abilities Video version of this episode Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel): - This stuff works, I'm living proof - Strong Towns article - Growing Stronger Toge...

In this episode, I catch up with Jocelyn Vande Velde, North America Marketing Director of Bosch eBike Systems for a discussion about how she got into the business, the empowering nature of electric-assist bikes, and the importance of high-quality components and battery-based systems. Video version of this episode The e-bike revolution is here! Having a little assistance to smooth out a steep hill,...

In this episode, I connect with Jos Sluijsmans, who ten years ago, started what would evolve into the International Cargo Bike Festival in The Netherlands, and he provides the details on this year's event and why this coming decade will be the most important for cargo bikes. Video version of this episode Cargo bikes are not new, but with innovation, in lightweight, powerful electric assist motors...

In this episode, I connect and talk with two data,  GIS, and planning experts, David Wasserman and Samuel Zneimer, with Alta Planning + Design, about the innovative steps they are taking leverage data for more effective project delivery. Video version of this episode Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel): - Alta Planning + Design website - Digita...

In this episode, I reconnect with Rotterdam-based Lior Steinberg, co-founder of Humankind and author of the delightful children's book The Car That Wanted To Be A Bike. Lior shares how the idea for the book came to him and we talk about some encouragingly fast transformations he has been involved with. Video version of this episode It seems like every day Lior notices the improvements happening al...

In this episode, I connect with Will Norman London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner under Mayor Sadik Kahn for a conversation about the advances the city has been able to make and where they are headed. Video version of this episode London, England is striving to become a city that promotes and supports walking, cycling, and transit use for the normal utilitarian trips that Londoners take on a...

In this episode, I connect with Dave Edwards in Toronto, Canada for a discussion about his journey from an occasional recreational cyclist to a passionate advocate for everyday utilitarian riding and an executive with an electric cargo bike delivery company. Video version of this episode Cargo bikes are not new, but with advancements in electric-assist technologies, they are fast becoming a common...

In this episode, I connect with Jeff Speck author of Walkable City and Walkable City Rules for a conversation talk about some important reflections, learnings, and updates featured in a new 10th anniversary version of Walkable City which will be out soon Video version of this episode Walkable City which came out ten years ago was a breakout success as a book about the why and how of creating walka...

In this episode, I chat with Jill Warren the CEO of the European Cyclists' Federation about two international events coming up in June, her personal journey to her role, and how the organization is promoting cycling of all kinds throughout Europe and beyond. Video version of this episode The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) has these two very important cycling gatherings and events taking place...

In this episode, I connect with Tom Flood, as known as "tomflood1" on Twitter, who shares his story of transformation from advertising and marketing for the automobile industry to becoming a parent who is now keenly aware of just how hostile our streets are, especially for our youngest and oldest community members. Video version of this episode Tom first turned to Twitter to vent his frustrations...

In this episode, I connect with Kathryn King, Urban Mobility Manager of New Zealand's Transport Agency for a discussion about the progress the country is making and the plans ahead for creating more streets for people to address the significant challenges we are facing globally. Video version of this episode After living in The Netherlands, Japan, and London, England, Kathryn King returned home to...

In this episode, I connect with Chris Nolte, an entrepreneur with a passion to help get more people riding more often by providing practical solutions and entertaining, educational videos. Video version of this episode Electric-assist bikes and e-cargo bikes have in many ways supercharged the bike industry and provided much-needed practical utilitarian solutions to many households worldwide. Ten y...

In this episode, I am delighted to reconnect with Meredith Glaser, Director of the University of Amsterdam's Urban Cycling Institute, for a brief discussion about life as a parent and ex-pat in The Netherlands, freedom of mobility for children there, her recent dissertation defense/research, and we end with some exciting new education opportunities being developed at the University and Institute,...

In this episode, I reconnect with Professor Piatkowski, who recently moved his family from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Oslo, Norway, to help launch a new graduate program in Smart Mobility and Urban Analysis at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), so I wanted to get his first impressions of his new home, how the family is adjusting, and better understand why they decided on Norway. Video of this epis...

In this episode, I reconnect with Jean-François Rheault, Président-directeur général at Vélo Québec, for a deep dive into all the amazing programs, events, initiatives, and services provided by this versatile organization.   Video version of the episode Landing Page - for access to photos and videos We talk about the community favorite rides Tour de l’Île de Montréal and Tour la Nuit as well as th...

In this episode, I reconnect with Brandon for a chat about his new home, Carmel, Indiana, a location famously known as the roundabout city in North America. We discuss the amazing transformation of the Monon Trail into Monon Boulevard and the establishment of a new city center.   Video version of the episode Additionally, we cover Dutch bikes, Dutch-inspired cycling infrastructure, cargo bikes, ro...

In this episode, I am honored to have Shabazz Stuart on to tell us all about Oonee: A innovative secure, and equitable bike solution for cities. Brown in Brooklyn and about to go global. Video version of this episode Show Notes: Finding a safe and secure place to park your ride is increasingly a huge challenge and with the relative value of bikes rising with many more people riding electric-assist...