

VS from Intelligence Squared: Cars VS Bicycles
Jun 17, 2023
Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a writer and former racing car engineer, faces off against Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer known for her work on London's Shard. The duo explores the riveting debate between cars and bicycles, diving into their historical evolution and societal impacts. They discuss the rise of electric bikes, changing urban transportation dynamics, and personal stories that reflect our emotional ties to these modes of travel. Ultimately, the conversation challenges listeners to consider the future of mobility and their role in it.
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Yasmin's Love for Driving
- Yasmin Abdel-Magied rented a Mini Cooper and drove for eight hours straight.
- She found the experience meditative and loves the freedom of driving long distances.
Future of Driving
- Roma Agrawal agrees that driving is enjoyable.
- However, she questions if future generations will even learn to drive, given the rise of sustainable alternatives and changing urban landscapes.
Bicycles' Societal Impact
- The introduction of bicycles enabled daily postal deliveries and expanded the reach of vicars and nurses.
- A biologist even suggests that bicycles improved the gene pool in Britain.