
The Brake: A Streetsblog Podcast
Covering the movement to end car dependency in the United States, one interview at a time
Latest episodes

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.

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.

Jan 9, 2024 • 22min
Are Boomers to Blame for America's Dirty Transportation System? (Lawrence MacDonald)
Exploring how Baby Boomers shaped America's car-centric transportation system, the podcast discusses their role in climate decisions and the need for sustainable solutions. From personal investment choices to collective action and civil disobedience in activism, the episode highlights engaging Boomers in climate conversations and advocating for change.

Nov 14, 2023 • 29min
Why 'Bike-partisanship' Is Our Secret Weapon (Rep. Earl Blumenauer)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer discusses the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law on sustainable transportation, emphasizing the benefits for cyclists and pedestrians. He advocates for safe streets programs, bike safety funding, and the importance of bipartisan support for cycling initiatives. Blumenauer believes bikes can bridge political divides and promote a more sustainable future.

Oct 31, 2023 • 17min
How Walking Can Help End the Climate Crisis (Bill McKibben)
Legendary author and climate activist Bill McKibben discusses the importance of reducing car dependency and promoting walking to combat the climate crisis. He highlights the benefits of pedestrian-friendly environments, policy changes for sustainable transportation, and the joy of choosing walking over driving. McKibben challenges audiences to embrace walking as a way to address the climate crisis and enhance well-being.

Oct 17, 2023 • 22min
How AI Could Transform Transportation — And Not Just When It Comes to AVs (Renee Autumn Ray)
In this episode, Renee Autumn Ray discusses her recent report on understanding AI & transportation. They explore the current applications of AI in transportation, including crash data analysis, parking enforcement, and creating human-centered streets. They also discuss the barriers for governments in utilizing AI and the risks and potential misuse of the technology. The episode concludes by exploring the ethical dilemmas and potential of autonomous vehicles.

Oct 3, 2023 • 17min
What Do 'Livable' Streets Look Like in an Era of Driverless Cars? (Dr. Bruce Appleyard)
Kea Wilson talks to Dr. Bruce Appleyard about designing livable streets in the era of driverless cars, prioritizing human travel and safety in autonomous vehicle design, and the challenge of creating livable streets. They also discuss Dr. Appleyard's book on the topic and the ongoing work to make streets more human-centric.

Sep 19, 2023 • 19min
Why Sustainable Transportation Advocates Need to Talk about Long COVID (John Bolecek)
John Bolecek, a former bicycle and pedestrian planner, discusses his battle with long COVID and how it impacted his active transportation lifestyle. The podcast explores the challenges individuals face with long COVID symptoms and the importance of inclusive transportation options despite accessibility barriers.

Sep 5, 2023 • 22min
Which Car-Cutting Strategies Really Work — And Which Ones Will We Accept? (Dr. Kimberly Nicholas)
Dr. Kimberly Nicholas, researcher and best-selling author, discusses effective car-cutting strategies in European cities and their potential for America. Topics include congestion-bracing, traffic limitations, challenges in achieving climate goals, transition management, successful strategies like congestion charges and free transit, and the importance of experimentation and collaboration.

Aug 15, 2023 • 26min
How to Take a Freeway Fight to the Next Level (Alex Burns and José Antonio Zayas Cabán)
Advocates Alex Burns and José Antonio Zayas Cabán discuss transforming highways into boulevards for community benefit, rejecting band-aid solutions. They share insights on encouraging communities to dream bigger and tackle racial harm inflicted by highways.