The War on Cars

In this intriguing discussion, Ed Niedermeyer sheds light on the rising Tesla takedown movement. He highlights community action and grassroots protests as powerful tools against corporate influence. The conversation dives into the concerning alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, emphasizing the societal impacts of such relationships. Niedermeyer argues that organized protests could effectively diminish Musk's power and influence. It's a thought-provoking exploration of activism in the face of corporate giants.

Join Ed Niedermeyer, journalist and author of "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors," and Laura Starr, organizer of the Tesla Takedown protests in California. They dive into the grassroots movement rising against Tesla dealerships, fueled by frustrations over Elon Musk's political connections. Niedermeyer shares insights on how these protests could impact Tesla’s bottom line, while Starr highlights the community mobilization and the deeply personal motivations behind the protests. It's a compelling conversation on reclaiming civic space and collective action.

Marco te Brömmelstroet, also known as "The Fietsprofessor," is the Chair on Urban Mobility Futures at the University of Amsterdam and an expert on cycling culture. In this riveting discussion, he presents a new study on motonormativity, revealing why society accepts the dangers of cars while questioning biases that favor them over cycling. He contrasts transportation cultures and examines the need for advocacy against car dominance, highlighting the delicate balance between radical and moderate strategies in social movements for urban change.

Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are causing chaos across the entire economy, but they’re hitting the auto industry especially hard. The big three U.S. automakers rely on an integrated supply and manufacturing process that sees raw materials and parts crossing international borders multiple times before each finished car rolls off the assembly line. The tariffs come at a time when the cost of car ownership is already sky-high, and when trying to find an affordable sedan from a domestic manufacturer is essentially impossible. David Zipper, a Senior Fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative, returns to the podcast to discuss the effects Trump’s economic “policies” (if you can call them that) are having on one of the nation’s most important industries. Needless to say, this isn’t how anyone should want to win the war on cars. *** Support The War on Cars on Patreon and receive exclusive access to ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, Discord access, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! *** This episode was produced with support from the Helen and William Mazer Foundation and Cleverhood. Listen to the episode for the latest discount on the best and most stylish rain gear for walking and cycling. Save 15% on the amazing Arclight Pedals and everything from Redshift Sports with code WARONCARS at checkout. LINKS: Learn more about David and read his writing at DavidZipper.com. “Detroit killed the sedan. Trump’s trade war will make them wish they hadn’t” (David in Fast Company) “Why car companies should fear the golf cart” (David in Fast Company) “One of the Biggest Victims of Trump’s Metals Tariffs: The Ford F-150” (WSJ) “Dealer Tells Fox Business ‘Nobody Is Gonna Buy’ Trucks Thanks to Tariffs”(Motor1.com) Pick up official podcast tees and other merch in our official store.  This episode was edited by Doug Gordon. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg.  TheWarOnCars.org

Laura Laker, a London-based freelance journalist and author of "Potholes and Pavements," shares her adventurous year cycling through Britain’s National Cycle Network. She discusses the myriad benefits of cycling, from health to community engagement, and emphasizes the importance of infrastructure for safer routes. Laker also tackles road safety, advocating for better media reporting to change public perceptions. Her experiences highlight grassroots efforts advocating for safer cycling, alongside a critical view of London's evolving transport policies.

Dave Colon, known as America's beloved congestion pricing expert, dives into the escalating battle over New York's congestion pricing amidst the Trump administration's backlash. He sheds light on the program's early successes and the political turmoil following the rescinding of its approval. The conversation uncovers the absurdities of transportation policy decisions, reflects on legal complexities, and emphasizes the importance of local advocacy in the face of federal opposition. Colon's insights reveal a dynamic intersection of urbanism, politics, and community engagement.

Beth Osborne, executive director of Transportation for America and former official at the U.S. Department of Transportation, shares insights on the chaotic state of federal transportation funding amid the recent government upheavals. She discusses the troubling impacts of funding freezes on public transit, biking, and EV infrastructure. Osborne highlights the critical need for equitable funding in rural areas and critiques current transportation policy shifts. She emphasizes grassroots advocacy as essential for defending vital projects in our communities.

Listen in as hosts chat with City Nerd about the quirks of New York City's transportation scene. They share hilarious insights on biking and compare the city to others, spotlighting the infamous Williamsburg Bridge. There’s a deep dive into NYC's unique sanitation systems and food culture, especially in Queens. Audience engagement adds spice, with questions answered live, revealing the community's thoughts on urban living and commuting choices. It’s a lively discussion celebrating the city's exceptional infrastructure.

Rollie Williams, host of Climate Town, and Nicole Conlan, writer for The Daily Show, dive into the world of Super Bowl ads and their cultural impacts. They analyze the notable absence of car commercials and how this reflects societal shifts toward urban and suburban divides. Their discussion includes a humorous critique of the narratives around oversized trucks and a look at Jeep's attempt to bridge political divides. The conversation touches on nostalgia, identity, and the evolving portrayal of cars in advertising today.

Urban planning expert Donald Shoup discusses the profound impact of parking policies on cities. He highlights how minimum parking requirements inflate housing costs and exacerbate urban sprawl. Shoup critiques the 'war on cars' narrative and advocates for reforming outdated parking mandates. He shares innovative approaches like parking benefit districts and tiered fine systems to promote fairness. The conversation reveals how transforming parking policy could ease congestion and enhance urban life, all while keeping the humor alive.