

Radio Free Urbanism
Alex Williams | Ethan Meyers | Nic Laporte
The voice of the urbanist! Join Alex, Nic, and Ethan as we discuss the optimistic future of urbanism, city planning, and transit in North America!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
Ep.80 Two New Transit Extensions!
In this new episode of Radio Free Urbanism, Ethan and Sully catch up on what they have both been up to this month. Covering the main topics of the two new transit openings in the southwestern part of the United States.Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoor

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ep.79 Insights from the Strong Towns Convention
In this episode of Radio Free Urbanism, Nic and Sully discuss their recent experiences at the Strong Towns convention and their reflections on urban planning in cities like Boston and Providence. They explore the implications of e-bikes in urban environments, the criminalization of cyclists in NYC, and the impact of historical urban renewal projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative infrastructure, community engagement, and a balanced approach to urban mobility. In this conversation, Nic Laporte and Sully discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding e-bikes and urban infrastructure. They explore the importance of separating different modes of transportation, the role of local governance in shaping public perception, and the need for innovative solutions in bike infrastructure. The discussion also touches on personal experiences with e-bikes, comparisons between cycling infrastructure in Copenhagen and Amsterdam, and the ongoing fight for car-free streets in their communities.Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoor

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 15min
Ep.78 Can We Build Cheaper Transit? (feat. Hayden @thetransitguy)
In this episode of Radio Free Urbanism - we are joined by Urban Planner and and social media influencer Hayden Clarkin. They explore Hayden's path to urbanism and discuss some of the interesting ways on how to build more transit and for cheaper.Hayden Clarkin (@thetransitguy) • Instagram photos and videos Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RadioFreeUrbanism Sully @Sullyville Nic @nicthedoor Ethan

May 22, 2025 • 1h 22min
Ep.77 Architecture and Urbanism (feat. Alexander Rotmensz)
In this episode of Radio Free Urbanism - we are joined by YouTuber and urbanism enthusiast Alexander Rotmensz. They explore Alex’s path into urbanism, the power of beautiful design, and the role of community in shaping cities. The conversation covers the impact of architectural styles on identity, debates between modern and traditional architecture, and the influence of NIMBYism. They also highlight the transformative potential of e-bikes, cultural attitudes toward mobility, and the importance of infrastructure in supporting biking and walking. The episode wraps with a look at Hampstead as a model for thoughtful urban planning.Alex: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderrotmensz Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoor

May 16, 2025 • 1h 5min
Ep.76 New York City's Worst Drivers
In this episode of Radio Free Urbanism, speeding enforcement in New York City and Paris’s transformation into a leading child-friendly cycling city. They discuss North America’s contrasting approach to school safety, the challenges of adapting European urban models, and the need for community engagement in planning. The episode also highlights Seattle’s light rail expansion, innovations in transportation, and strategies to improve child mobility. Other topics include the cultural role of street vending, urban transit developments, and listener feedback on events like Bike to Work Day. The episode closes with research on reducing car dependency and promoting sustainable transportation.Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoor

May 8, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep.75 Automated Bike Lane Enforcement?
In this episode of Radio Free Urbanism, hosts Nic, Sully, and Ethan cover Sacramento’s automated bike lane enforcement and Vision Zero funding battles in Pierce County, to the challenges of designing roads for both emergency access and pedestrian safety. They discuss transit developments in Los Angeles, bike infrastructure standards, and housing regulations in California, while also reflecting on jaywalking’s cultural history and a tragic incident in Vancouver that underscores the urgent need for safer, more equitable urban design.Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoor

May 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep.74 Fighting Traffic (feat. Peter Norton)
In this episode Sully talks with Peter Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City.Peter Norton: https://bsky.app/profile/norton.bsky.social Fighting Traffic: https://amzn.to/431jI48 Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoor

Apr 26, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep.73 Bollards Cannot Exist!
In this episode Ethan, Nic, and Sully discuss the closure of Pike Place Market to cars, LA Metro’s light rail expansion to LAX, and the idea of Freedom Cities. They explore housing challenges in cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, the HLA lawsuit in Los Angeles, and the difficulty of making public transit profitable. The conversation highlights the importance of headways, accountability in urban planning, and balancing the roles of cars, transit, and AI in city governance.Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoorLinksBest Side Cycling - Car Free Pike Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVCvnZnqyEIFreedom Cities: https://tinyurl.com/2z8carjbHLA Lawsuit: https://www.streetsforall.org/blog/first-hla-lawsuit

Apr 19, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep.72 Politics in Urbanism (feat. The Goose)
Today Nic, Ethan and Sully are joined by Aaron of The Goose to discuss various pressing topics such as climate change, and the political landscape in Canada. Aaron runs a YouTube channel focused on climate issues from a Canadian perspective. The conversation explores the intersection of climate change and housing, the challenges posed by neoliberalism, and the complexities of development regulations. They also delve into the concept of carbon tax, its implications, and the externalities associated with environmental policies. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of carbon tax implementation, discussing its economic implications and the challenges of consumer acceptance. They also explore the contentious issue of parking fees, particularly in urban settings, and how these fees intersect with social equity and accessibility. The discussion shifts to transportation infrastructure in Texas, highlighting the stark contrast between funding for highways and public transit initiatives, ultimately questioning the priorities of government spending. In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding bike lanes in Toronto, highlighting the political implications and community responses. The Goose: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Goose_Media Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoorLinks: Vancouver Paid Parking: https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-beach-parking-free-paid TxDOT HSR Grant: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/transportation/2025/04/14/518800/houston-to-dallas-high-speed-rail-loses-64-million-amtrak-grant-in-cost-cutting-measure-by-feds/ Doug Ford Bike Lane Update: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-open-to-compromise-toronto-bike-lanes-1.7505724

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep.71 Transit Led Developments
Today Ethan and Nic are joined by Sully of Sullyville who is now a regular host! The guys talk about Gaps in SEPTA funding, Translinks plans to build and own their own housing and commercial hubs and the worst urbanist article of the week. Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzSully: https://www.youtube.com/@SullyvilleEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoorLinks: Translink TOD: https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-coquitlam-central-station-park-and-ride-transit-oriented-development-update SEPTA: https://www.rideprt.org/siteassets/inside-the-pa/media-center/press-releases/2025/03202025release.pdf We need sprawl: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/magazine/suburban-sprawl-texas.html


