The War on Cars

Rick Steves, a renowned travel writer and advocate for sustainable tourism, joins the discussion on the fascinating contrasts between European and American urban experiences. He emphasizes the allure of off-the-beaten-path destinations and the benefits of car-free vacations. The conversation touches on how travel transforms perceptions of urban living and advocates for pedestrian-friendly spaces. Steves shares personal insights into fueling local advocacy and his efforts to create vibrant community spaces, urging listeners to rethink their approach to urban mobility.

A fascinating preview from a cycling summit reveals the global fight for safer, more sustainable urban spaces. Doug speaks with officials and advocates about local challenges in cities like Auckland, focusing on tailored solutions for better cycling. The discussion also highlights Glasgow's inclusive strategies that empower communities through active mobility, showcasing how personal stories can inspire ownership of cycling. Together, they demonstrate that making cities bike-friendly is a united effort across the globe.

Listeners share inspiring origin stories about their journeys from car dependency to advocacy for safer urban environments. Personal narratives reveal the burdens of car culture while celebrating the shift towards cycling and walking. Highlights include a luchador advocate from Mexico City and reflections on adapting to a car-free lifestyle in Minneapolis. The duality of car love and environmental responsibility is explored, along with practical solutions for promoting bike-friendly policies. These transformative experiences showcase a passionate community fighting for better infrastructure.

Holden Ringer, a 26-year-old from Dallas, has just completed an inspiring 4,000-mile walk for a charitable cause. He shares gripping tales from his journey, pushing a stroller named Smiley while raising awareness for active transportation. The conversation highlights his insights on vulnerability faced by pedestrians and the disparities in infrastructure, particularly regarding race and gender. Ringer emphasizes the importance of advocacy in every step, revealing the compelling narrative behind his epic quest and the urgent need for better pedestrian safety.

In this podcast, John Forester, author of Effective Cycling, is discussed in relation to vehicular cycling. The episode focuses on the lack of concrete data supporting claims about cycling safety and the influence of Forester on bike infrastructure design. It explores the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of painted bike lanes, the impact of Forester's legacy on federal guidelines, and the challenges faced by advocates of alternative cycling perspectives.

John Forester, the father of vehicular cycling and influential cycling advocate, is the spotlight in this engaging discussion. Forester's philosophy asserts that cyclists should navigate traffic like any other vehicle. The hosts explore topics from his groundbreaking book, 'Effective Cycling,' analyzing the challenges cyclists face on busy roads. They delve into the contrasts between modern bike advocacy and Forester's approaches, as well as the cultural shifts in cycling since the 1970s oil crisis, emphasizing the need for equal treatment for cyclists.

Cyprine Odada, an urban planner and Executive Director of Critical Mass Nairobi, shares how she's transforming Nairobi into a cycling city by organizing non-competitive cycling events, promoting joy and inclusivity in cycling, advocating for cycling infrastructure, and inspiring change in other African cities through the Critical Mass movement.

A professor of civil engineering challenges the notion that traffic engineering is based on science in the podcast. Topics include the historical influence on safety standards, the relationship between speed limits and road safety, and the conflict between safety and traffic flow efficiency. The guest calls for a shift towards prioritizing safety in transportation design and discusses the evolution of traffic engineering perspectives over time.

Explore the challenges faced by female cyclists in London, including verbal abuse and intimidation from drivers. Learn about the efforts of the London Cycling Campaign to make cycling safer and more accessible for women. Discover the benefits and empowerment of women's participation in cycling, alongside the ongoing push for improved infrastructure and societal perceptions.

In a surprising move, Governor Kathy Hochul suspends congestion pricing in NYC, sparking debates on transit funding, politics, and impact on the environment. The hosts discuss the repercussions and urge listeners to take action. The decision raises concerns about transit accessibility, economy, and potential effects on other cities considering congestion pricing programs. Listener support and advocacy efforts are highlighted as crucial in pushing for a reversal of Hochul's decision.