Mobility, Cities and Social Entrepreneurship - Ep22: Robin Chase
Dec 9, 2020
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Social entrepreneur and Zipcar co-founder, Robin Chase, discusses smart mobility, sustainable cities, and societal impacts. Topics include gender challenges in transportation, 15-minute cities, curbside pricing, bike lane implementation, and the need for cultural reevaluation for a sustainable future.
Private sector shaping markets for social good, importance of transportation in life connections.
Shared mobility principles promoting sustainable urban development and asset utilization.
Challenges of community resistance to bike lanes and congestion pricing, overcoming through pilot projects and engagement.
Deep dives
Robin Chase and Zipcar's Origin
Robin Chase, the co-founder of Zipcar in 1999, emphasized the positive impact of the private sector shaping markets in a socially beneficial way. She realized the pivotal role of transportation as a gateway to opportunity, connecting various aspects of life. Her experience with Zipcar triggered her lifelong devotion to studying transportation's significance and its link to environmental impact.
NUMO: Shared Mobility Principles
NUMO, an alliance focusing on urban transportation, established 10 shared mobility principles for livable cities. The aim is to unite cities, businesses, and NGOs towards sustainable, fair, and just urban development. These principles cover efficient asset utilization, prioritizing moving people over cars, and integrating buildings and transportation planning.
Challenges of Introducing Bike Lanes and Congestion Pricing
Implementing bike lanes and congestion pricing face challenges due to community resistance and political sensitivity surrounding issues like parking removal and traffic management. Local politicians often struggle with unpopular changes that prioritize sustainable transport options. Initiating pilot projects and community engagement could help overcome resistance and showcase the benefits of innovative urban mobility solutions.
Overcoming Resistance Through Pilot Projects and Community Engagement
Addressing community resistance to bike lanes and congestion pricing requires a strategic approach involving targeted pilot projects and comprehensive community engagement initiatives. By offering tangible experiences through pilots, demonstrating immediate benefits, and engaging with residents block by block, local governments can navigate political sensitivities and promote sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Navigating Political Challenges and Balancing Stakeholder Interests
Navigating the political challenges surrounding urban mobility transformations requires striking a balance between stakeholder interests, public perceptions, and long-term sustainability goals. Implementing innovative solutions like curbside pricing, dynamic lane allocation, and pedestrian-oriented infrastructure calls for diplomatic engagement, effective communication, and gradual cultural shifts towards embracing diverse transport options.
Examining Cultural Shifts in Mobility Perspectives
Acknowledging the need for cultural shifts in mobility perspectives, especially post-pandemic, to realign societal expectations with sustainable urban futures. Encouraging community-led cultural transformations towards embracing equitable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport options demands visionary leadership, adaptive policy frameworks, and proactive societal engagement to redefine urban living experiences.