The Brake: A Streetsblog Podcast

StreetsblogUSA
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Jun 4, 2024 • 26min

Why 'Sustainable Transportaiton' Is Not Enough (Thalia Verkade and Marco te Brömmelstroet)

The Dutch are known around the world as global leaders in sustainable transportation. But as excellent as they are at designing cities to optimize the mobility experience, what about all the other reasons residents might move through their communities — and what other questions should the Netherlands and America be asking about what public space is really for? Those questions are at the heart of the new Dutch book “Movement: How to Take Back Our Streets and Transform our Lives,” which is now out in English for the first time. And on this episode of the Brake, we sit down with authors Thalia Verkade and Marco te Brömmelstroet to talk about how much of their country treats bikes as “cars on two wheels,” the good and bad ways that e-bikes are reshaping their landscapes, and how American communities can continue to learn from the Dutch example, while also joining them in the fight for even better streets.  
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May 21, 2024 • 27min

What All of Us Can Learn From the 30 Percent of Americans Who Can't Drive (Anna Zivarts)

Author Anna Zivarts discusses the movement of non-drivers in the US, focusing on inclusive transportation solutions and the challenges faced by those who can't drive. She explores the importance of addressing the needs of this significant population through alternative mobility options and collective action.
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May 7, 2024 • 27min

How to Fight a Texas-Sized Freeway Battle (Megan Kimble)

Author Megan Kimble discusses grassroots efforts in Texas to fight highway expansions, highlighting the campaign to remove I-345 in Dallas. They delve into the impact of highway projects on communities and the need to challenge auto-centric city planning, with a focus on envisioning cities without highways like Rochester, New York.
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Apr 23, 2024 • 23min

Why We Can't End Violence on Transit With More Police (Lindiwe Rennert)

Lindiwe Rennert, Urban Institute Senior Research Associate, discusses the root causes of violence against transit workers, highlighting the correlation with police brutality and income inequality. The podcast explores community-driven solutions to address violence on transit and challenges the role of armed transit police and elected officials in tackling this issue.
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Apr 9, 2024 • 22min

Bike Advocates and EMS Workers Don't Have to Be Enemies (Shelley Bontje and Chris Bruntlett)

Research paper co-authors Shelley Bontje and Chris Bruntlett discuss balancing traffic calming with emergency response times. They delve into the Dutch approach to street design for both cyclists and EMS vehicles. The podcast explores innovative governance models, cultural traits of Dutch engineers, and the importance of collaboration between bike advocates and EMS workers for safer cities.
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Mar 26, 2024 • 20min

How People on Bikes Can Come Together As Advocates — No Matter Why They Ride (Peter Flax)

Former Bicycling Magazine editor Peter Flax and guest host Gersh Kuntzman discuss the unity and joy of biking, advocating for collaborative efforts to improve biking infrastructure. They delve into promoting cyclist rights, transforming cities positively, addressing challenges in bike advocacy, and reframing the definition of a 'real cyclist' to foster inclusivity and safety in biking culture.
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Mar 12, 2024 • 24min

How Many People Does Car Culture Kill, Exactly?

In this podcast, they discuss the hidden health impacts of car culture, the societal injustices of auto mobility, and the need for sustainable transportation interventions. They delve into the negative impacts of automobility, including traffic crashes, pollution, and violence, and highlight the pervasive harm it inflicts on society. The podcast encourages shifting towards walking, cycling, and public transportation for safer and healthier cities.
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Feb 20, 2024 • 30min

Does Your City Need a Walkability Study? (Jeff Speck and Chris Dempsey)

Jeff Speck and Chris Dempsey discuss the importance of walkability studies for American communities, emphasizing the transformative impact of prioritizing pedestrian safety in urban planning. They explore low-cost strategies for improving walkability, such as replacing traffic lights with stop signs, and address the challenges and benefits of enhancing urban mobility through pedestrian-friendly designs.
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Feb 6, 2024 • 21min

What Are the Challenges — And Joys — Of 'Being Black in Public'? (Jay Pitter)

Urbanist Jay Pitter discusses the challenges faced by Black North Americans in public spaces and her 'Being Black in Public' survey. Topics include the impact of personal experiences on advocacy work, historical anti-black policies, policy recommendations for equitable spaces, and the unseen labor in advocacy.
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Jan 23, 2024 • 27min

Could a Single Law End Impaired Driving As We Know It? (Rana Abbas Taylor)

Technology expert Rana Abbas Taylor discusses the HALT Act and advanced sensors in vehicles to prevent impaired driving. She shares the emotional journey of her family's tragic loss and advocates for stricter laws. The podcast debunks misconceptions about drunk driving prevention technology and calls for urgent action to support passive technology in vehicles.

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