Tech Won't Save Us Why We Need a War on Cars w/ Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear
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Nov 6, 2025 
Doug Gordon, a TV producer and co-host of The War on Cars podcast, and Sarah Goodyear, a journalist and co-author of Life After Cars, delve into the detrimental effects of car dependence on society. They explore how cars have reshaped urban landscapes and societal interactions, leading to isolation and political polarization. The duo argues that technology won't solve these issues, advocating for local actions like bike shares and congestion pricing to reclaim urban spaces. Their insights shed light on a movement to challenge car culture and promote more sustainable living.
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Rural Move Sparked Transit Awareness
- Sarah Goodyear became aware of car dependence after moving from New York to rural Maine and struggling with costs and winter driving.
- That personal experience propelled her to investigate city design and transit when she returned to New York.
Car Breakdown Led To City Move
- Doug Gordon describes a failed transmission on his Subaru that cost months of his income and pushed him to move to New York.
- The switch freed hundreds of dollars monthly and improved his social life, driving his interest in advocacy.
Cars Were Once Viewed As Public Menace
- Early cars were seen as dangerous interlopers that killed many pedestrians, especially children.
- Cultural figures like Superman originally responded by condemning reckless driving, showing early resistance to cars.
