The War on Cars What Makes a City a Cycling City?
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Jun 24, 2025 Dr. Ruth Oldenziel is a Professor at Eindhoven University, leading a research project on Cycling Cities, while Nthoki Dorcas Nyamai focuses on urban mobility in Africa. They discuss what transforms cities into cycling-friendly places, exploring the essential infrastructure and policies that make cycling viable. Delving into Nairobi's unique challenges and the socio-economic dynamics at play, they emphasize the need for advocacy and cultural shifts to promote cycling. Surprising insights reveal how social stratification affects biking culture, pushing for broader city planning that prioritizes people over cars.
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Family Embraces Cargo Bikes
- Kate, a mother of four, replaced a second car with electric cargo bikes, making errands and outings easier.
- Her kids love riding the bike, which improves family spontaneity and mental health.
Five Keys to Cycling Cities
- Becoming a cycling city depends on five intertwined factors, not just good infrastructure.
- These include urban form, alternatives, policymaking, cultural representation, and advocacy.
Sprawl Isn't a Dealbreaker
- Sprawling cities can still foster cycling by combining biking with public transit.
- People often travel in smaller neighborhood-based segments, not across the whole city.
