The War on Cars

Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and former City Council member, shares insights on bike lanes and urban advocacy. He reflects on his political journey, particularly his defense of the Prospect Park West bike lane, as a pivotal moment in his career. Lander discusses how courage and coalition-building are essential not only for urban safety but also in the broader fight against fascism. He touches on the Reckless Driver Accountability Act and the need for community solidarity in improving road safety.

In a thought-provoking discussion, the hosts delve into studies revealing how cars contribute to social isolation and decreased life satisfaction. They argue that car-centric communities exacerbate loneliness and hinder connections, particularly in marginalized areas. The conversation highlights the importance of walkable neighborhoods and public gathering spaces as antidotes to this epidemic. Additionally, they touch on the paradox of car ownership as a freedom symbol, while advocating for better transportation options like bike lanes and public transit.

Yonah Freemark, a researcher at the Urban Institute, dives into the hot topic of free bus service in New York City. He explores the implications of eliminating fares and discusses how it could impact ridership and public safety. The conversation navigates through successful examples from other cities and examines potential public health benefits. With a focus on accessibility and equity, Freemark addresses the complexities of making transit systems more inclusive. It's a thought-provoking discussion on shaping urban transportation for the future.

This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, plus ad-free versions of regular episodes, merch discounts, presale tickets to live shows, and more, become a Patreon supporter of The War on Cars. While we were researching and writing "Life After Cars" last year, we read and pulled information from dozens upon dozens of books. There were also a handful of books that caught our attention but that, try as we might, didn't quite warrant inclusion in our own. In this Patreon exclusive, we talk about two of these books: "Road Safety: How to Reduce Accidents" by T.S. Skillman (1965) and an anthology called "He Rides Beside You" (1957). For very different reasons, both are fascinating examples of the mindset of people who knew a life before cars and, more than halfway into the 20th century, were grappling with the reality of life during cars. Become a Patreon supporter of the podcast for access to the entire episode. Pre-order our new book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, coming in October from Thesis, an imprint of Penguin Random House. And catch us on tour this fall and beyond. Tickets for live shows are on sale now!

Eleanor McMahon, Chair of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, shares her inspiring journey after a personal tragedy led her to advocate for cycling safety. During the Velo-city conference, she discusses how bicycles can create solidarity, connect communities, and promote democracy. The conversation highlights Gdansk’s cycling transformation and explores the historical significance of cycling in social movements. McMahon emphasizes the role of cycling in combating climate change and enhancing urban lifestyles, showcasing its power to build relationships and bridge divides.

The discussion dives into the online behavior of cyclists and its surprising effects on bike lane advocacy. It reveals how sensational media headlines can distort public perception, painting cyclists as overly aggressive. By critiquing this narrative, the conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate journalism in promoting cycling infrastructure. Listeners will find an insightful reflection on public discourse challenges and the dynamics of online campaigning, unraveling stereotypes and encouraging more constructive engagement in cycling advocacy.

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.

Alissa Walker, a journalist and public transit advocate from Torched.LA, engages in a lively discussion sparked by comedic stars John Mulaney and Natasha Lyonne about the contentious issue of bike lanes in urban spaces. She tackles common misconceptions about cycling and urban planning, highlighting why even intelligent individuals often express NIMBY sentiments towards cyclists. With humor, Alissa navigates the complexities of transportation advocacy and the need for a more informed dialogue on urban infrastructure, emphasizing the role of bike lanes in improving city life.

This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, plus ad-free versions of regular episodes, merch discounts, pre-sale tickets to live shows and more, become a Patreon supporter of The War on Cars. And don't miss our new book, "Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile," now available for pre-sale wherever you purchase books. Enjoy this preview of our live show, recorded before a sold-out crowd at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis and presented by Our Streets on April 24th, 2025. Our guests included Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley, State Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura, filmmaker D.A. Bullock, and John Edwards of Wedge Live.  Patreon subscribers can hear the entire episode. Sign up today and help support our independent podcast.  

Charles T. Brown, founder of Equitable Cities and adjunct professor, joins to discuss his groundbreaking book, 'Arrested Mobility.' He delves into the systemic barriers that hinder Black mobility, highlighting the impacts of policing, public policy, and urban planning. Charles emphasizes the need for meaningful Black leadership in addressing these issues and the importance of community. He advocates for equitable urban spaces where love and support for neighbors can flourish, underscoring that mobility is a fundamental human right.