The War on Cars
The War on Cars brings you news, commentary and stories about the worldwide battle to undo a century's worth of damage wrought by the automobile.
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TEASER: More Motonormativity with Marco Te Brommelstroet, aka "The Fiestprofessor."
03/25/2025
TEASER: More Motonormativity with Marco Te Brommelstroet, aka "The Fiestprofessor."
This is a preview of a . 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, . You may remember Marco te Brömmelstroet, also known as "The Fietsprofessor," from episode 65, Marco returns for this special bonus episode to discuss a new study he co-authored with , another former guest of the podcast. The study, takes a look at a phenomenon where people accept the harms and risks associated with cars in ways they wouldn't in other areas of life and asks where motonormativity comes from and examines the ways in which it manifests itself differently depending on factors such as where a person lives or their perceptions of the beliefs of their friends and family. The results are fascinating. Marco te Brömmelstroet holds the . He is the founding academic director of the and uses Dutch cycling culture as a lens to study the two-way relations between mobility, the city and society. He also the co-author, with journalist Thalia Verkade, of an excellent book, which challenges readers to radically rethink how we use public spaces and even the language to describe the change we want to see in the world. .
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Cars Bad, Tariffs Worse with David Zipper
03/18/2025
Cars Bad, Tariffs Worse with David Zipper
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. *** 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 . 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 with code WARONCARS at checkout. LINKS: Learn more about David and read his writing at . “Detroit killed the sedan. Trump’s trade war will make them wish they hadn’t” () “Why car companies should fear the golf cart” () “One of the Biggest Victims of Trump’s Metals Tariffs: The Ford F-150” () “Dealer Tells Fox Business ‘Nobody Is Gonna Buy’ Trucks Thanks to Tariffs”() Pick up . 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.
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Riding the UK's Cycle Network with Laura Laker
03/11/2025
Riding the UK's Cycle Network with Laura Laker
Laura Laker is a London-based freelance journalist who specializes in writing about cycling and urban transport. We talked with her about the year she spent riding around Britain on the United Kingdom’s 13,000-mile National Cycle Network—an enlightening and often hilarious odyssey that she documents in her , Potholes and Pavements: A Bumpy Ride on Britain’s National Cycle Network. We also got into her work in formulating and promoting the UK’s first Road Collision Reporting Guidelines, which detail best practices for the media and planning professionals to talk about road crashes and their prevention. *** and receive exclusive access to ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! *** This episode was produced with support from the Helen and William Mazer Foundation and . Listen to the episode for the latest discount on the best and most stylish rain gear for walking and cycling. Save . LINKS: Find out . Buy Laura’s book, , at our . Check out the that Laura helped write. Learn more about the UK’s and Sustrans, the nonprofit that promotes and maintains it. Pick up . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg.
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Trump v. Congestion Pricing
02/27/2025
Trump v. Congestion Pricing
Can you believe this is our about congestion pricing? This time, we’re responding to the Trump administration’s attack on the program, which has been , that policymakers had hoped for. Despite those early signs of success, on Wednesday, February 19th, Sean Duffy, the new US DOT Secretary, sent an email to New York Governor Hochul saying that he was rescinding approval of the tolling plan. President Trump gloated about the move on social media, writing “.” Hochul fired back that New York “hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years” and said she’d . And things have just escalated from there! With us to discuss it all is reporter Dave Colon, who has been covering the congestion pricing saga for and is known (to himself among others) as “America’s beloved congestion pricing expert.” *** and receive exclusive access to ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! *** If you’re in the New York area and are looking for a new e-bike, check out the . You’ll score deep discounts on e-bikes from all the major brands. Tell ‘em The War on Cars sent you. LINKS: Catch up on all the latest congestion pricing news from Dave and the rest of the team . See in which he explains why DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is wrong about congestion pricing. Pick up . Purchase books from podcast guests and support independent booksellers at . This episode was edited by Doug Gordon. It was recorded by Walter Nordquist at the . Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg.
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What's Happening with Federal Transportation Dollars?
02/25/2025
What's Happening with Federal Transportation Dollars?
The Trump administration has upended the entire United States government over the last several weeks, sending Elon Musk and his minions into the guts of pretty much every federal department in a crusade for what they’re calling “efficiency.” Funds that were legally appropriated by Congress have been frozen, and in some cases even clawed back. The battle to preserve all sorts of spending is now in the courts. What does this all mean for federal funding of public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and the transition to EVs? And what is DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s “Woke Rescission Memo”? We talked with Beth Osborne, executive director of the advocacy organization Transportation for America, to help us understand what’s at stake and how we can help defend projects we care about in our own communities. (Spoiler alert: It won’t be easy!) *** and receive exclusive access to ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! *** This episode was produced with support from the Helen and William Mazer Foundation and . Listen to the episode for the latest discount on the best and most stylish rain gear for walking and cycling. *** If you’re in the New York area and are looking for a new e-bike, check out the . You’ll score deep discounts on e-bikes from all the major brands. Tell ‘em The War on Cars sent you. *** LINKS: has to help you understand the federal funding picture . Some terms Beth mentions in the interview that might be unfamiliar: (pronounced ICE-T) is an acronym referring to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which fundamentally restructured the way federal transportation funds are disbursed. You can read more about it . (Brookings) refers to a Biden-era policy initiative aiming to direct 40 percent of federal investments in areas like climate, clean energy, and affordable housing to disadvantaged, disinvested communities that suffer disproportionately from pollution. Pick up . Purchase books from podcast guests and support independent booksellers at . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg.
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TEASER: Live with City Nerd!
02/18/2025
TEASER: Live with City Nerd!
This is a preview of a . 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, . Last month we had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Ray Delahanty, aka , for a live show presented by the Hunter College School of Urban Policy & Planning in New York. Our conversation with Ray covered everything from New York City exceptionalism to the latest data about congestion pricing. Plus, we surveyed the audience about their transportation choices and answered questions from Patreon supporters. We're big fans of City Nerd and were so delighted to work with Ray on this live show. We love partnering with local advocacy organizations, non-profits, and educational institutions for live events, so if you'd like to host The War on Cars in your city, please reach out! .
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Super Bowl Roundup with Rollie Williams and Nicole Conlan
02/11/2025
Super Bowl Roundup with Rollie Williams and Nicole Conlan
It’s the CXLIVth episode of The War on Cars, and just like in years past we’re taking a look at the ads that aired during the Super Bowl. This year, there weren’t a whole lot of ads specifically designed to sell cars and trucks, but there was still plenty of car-adjacent stuff to talk about—from ads highlighting the urban/suburban divide to an amazing halftime show from Kendrick Lamar featuring a Buick GNX. Rollie Williams (Climate Town) and Nicole Conlan (The Climate Denier’s Playbook, The Daily Show) join us to talk about some of the commercials that aired during the big game and what they say about the state of our culture, our climate, and our politics. *** and receive exclusive access to bonus content, ad-free versions of regular episodes, free stickers, merch discounts, early access to live shows, and more. *** Get tickets to our , presented by . This episode was produced with support from the Helen and William Mazer Foundation and . Listen for the latest discount on the best and most stylish rain gear for walking and cycling. LINKS: Watch . Listen to . Check out . Here’s how for his halftime show. (Wired) Missed this year’s ads? You can . an ad for Jeep. “Car Brands Have Been Pumping the Brakes on Super Bowl Ads” () Why . (CBS News) Read by Mike Davis and pick up other books in our . .
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RE-RELEASE: The High Cost of Free Parking with Donald Shoup
02/08/2025
RE-RELEASE: The High Cost of Free Parking with Donald Shoup
Donald Shoup, a towering figure in the world of urban planning and a distinguished professor emeritus at the UCLA Luskin School of Public affairs, died this week. He was 86 years old. As a tribute to such an influential, brilliant, and witty scholar, we are re-releasing this episode from 2023. ---- Parking is at the heart of every fight about how we build our cities and towns, with effects that go far beyond transportation. Minimum parking requirements — laws that dictate how many parking spaces are required for various types of buildings and businesses — make housing more expensive, raise the price of goods and services and exacerbate sprawl, making congestion and the climate crisis much, much worse. Thankfully, a movement is afoot to end parking minimums, inspired by the work of Donald Shoup. Shoup, the Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA’s Department of Urban Planning, is the author of the 2005 book The High Cost of Free Parking. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to understand the problems with parking. Professor Shoup — aka the Shoup Dogg — joins us for a spirited conversation about how to win what he calls “the war on parking subsidies.” You can find the full transcript of this episode . and receive exclusive access to ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! LINKS: Learn all about Donald Shoup at . Read . Join and end parking requirements where you live. Donald Shoup gets animated on . This episode was produced by Doug Gordon, edited by Ali Lemer, and recorded by Josh Wilcox of the . Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcripts are by Russell Gragg.
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TEASER: The Romance of the Automobile
01/28/2025
TEASER: The Romance of the Automobile
This is a preview of a . 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, . You’ve probably heard us talking about how we have written a book that will be coming out this fall. We are super excited to share more about that very soon. We’ve spent a lot of the last year in the research and writing process. And what became apparent very soon was that there were a lot of things that we weren’t going to be able to fit into the book, no matter how hard we tried. So we put together a little bonus episode for you on one of the fascinating things we found that just didn’t make the final draft. It’s a book called The Romance of the Automobile Industry: Being the Story of Its Development—Its Contribution to Health and Prosperity—Its Influence on Eugenics—Its Effect on Personal Efficiency—and Its Service and Mission to Humanity as the Latest and Greatest Phase of Transportation. Published in 1916, it’s essentially a 460-page ad, lavishly illustrated with pictures of bewhiskered white men and their inventions. And even after all the time we’ve spent thinking about cars, this book still had some surprises. (And yes, you read that right…he talks about eugenics. We’ll explain.) Subscribe on Patreon for access to the whole bonus episode!
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Biden's Transportation Legacy with Dani Simons
01/21/2025
Biden's Transportation Legacy with Dani Simons
As the new Trump regime begins, we talked with Dani Simons—who until recently led the Office of Public Affairs for the federal Department of Transportation—about the Biden administration’s legacy on transportation. What are the stakes as we go from Amtrak Joe and DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg to an administration made up of oil barrels disguised as people? What are the last four years’ biggest achievements on the transportation front? How do we communicate better about federal investments in active transportation? And how do we hold onto the hard-fought policies aimed at pedestrian safety and mitigating the climate crisis? This episode was recorded at the by Justin Fernandez. It was edited by Ali Lemer. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. *** and receive exclusive access to bonus content, ad-free versions of regular episodes, free stickers, merch discounts, early access to live shows, and more. *** , presented by . LINKS: The Wall Street Journal’s Dorothy Rabinowitz and the (original video ) New York City’s and Michael Bloomberg’s And if you were wondering what Dani meant when she said “NHTSA,” that’s the .
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Congestion Pricing Is Finally Here
01/14/2025
Congestion Pricing Is Finally Here
At last, New York City started its congestion pricing program on January 5. We knew that the local mainstream press would be out in force interviewing drivers and elevating the voices of those who were against the toll. We knew that because the New York press corps has a long history of putting the people who commute by car in New York above those who don’t. So we went out on congestion pricing’s first weekday morning and talked to some people who weren’t driving. Some of the people we talked with were random New Yorkers, but mostly we heard from advocates who knew we would be there and showed up in the freezing cold to talk about why they were so excited about the launch of this historic program. Thank you to all the people who spared some of their time on a cold morning to talk to us, especially Samir Lavingia, Charlie Todd, Chris Sanders, Alex Duncan, Rich Miller, Noel Hidalgo, Seth Solomonow, Kirby Kersels, Paul Krikler and Steve from Peekskill. This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. *** and receive exclusive access to bonus content, ad-free versions of regular episodes, free stickers, merch discounts, early access to live shows, and more. *** LINKS: The answers all your questions about congestion pricing. Check out this for collected data showing the program’s impact. TheWarOnCars.org
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Cities and Fashion with Derek Guy, The Menswear Guy
01/07/2025
Cities and Fashion with Derek Guy, The Menswear Guy
How do dense, walkable cities influence what people wear? Derek Guy has some thoughts. Otherwise known as The Menswear Guy, Derek rose to fame on social media for his takes on men's fashion, but he also dips his toes into urbanism from time to time, arguing that the ecosystems that support quality craftsmanship and expert tailoring are strongest in places where it's easy to get around without a car. Derek joins us to talk about what the great fashion capitals of the world have in common, why Tokyo is a hotbed of fashion enthusiasts and craftspeople, how the housing crisis is affecting style, and more. *** and receive exclusive access to bonus content, ad-free versions of regular episodes, free stickers, merch discounts and more. *** to get pre-sale tickets to our live show on April 24th in Minneapolis, presented by . This episode was produced with support from . Listen for the latest discount on the best and most stylish rain gear for walking and cycling. LINKS: Follow Derek Guy on , , and other social media sites. Read more from Derek Guy at . Read and , both by W. David Marx . Read
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TEASER: Your Best Things of 2024
12/31/2024
TEASER: Your Best Things of 2024
This is a preview of a . 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, . For our year-end bonus episode, we asked our Patreon supporters to tell us the best things that happened to them or in their communities in 2024. We heard from listeners around the globe about the many victories, from the political to the personal, that stood out to them in the past year and that give them hope for the future. There was a lot to celebrate, including lower speed limits, new bike commutes, and a string of victories at the local level that mean progress in The War on Cars.
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How Cars Change Us with Tara Goddard
12/17/2024
How Cars Change Us with Tara Goddard
Why do people behave so badly behind the wheel of a car? Why do reporters and the police use passive language to describe automobile crashes and traffic violence? How do the words we use make a difference in street safety? , one of the top scholars studying what it is that cars do to our brains and the way we treat each other in the world, has some thoughts — and she’s done the research. Tara is an associate professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University. Her work focuses on creating a just transportation system through safe roadway design and inclusive transportation planning. We talked with her about “motonormativity,” how race influences how drivers treat pedestrians, and why language matters if we want to change the conversation about whom streets are for. *** and receive exclusive access to bonus content, ad-free versions of regular episodes, free stickers, merch discounts, early access to live shows, and more. *** This episode was produced with support from and . Listen for the latest discount codes. on January 31, 2025, at Hunter College in New York City. LINKS: Follow . Some of Tara’s studies: “Racial Bias in Driver Yielding at Crosswalks” () “Does News Coverage of Traffic Crashes Affect Perceived Blame and Preferred Solutions? Evidence from an Experiment” () “Windshield Bias, Car Brain, Motonormativity: Different Names, Same Obscured Public Health Hazard” () Some other things we discuss in the episode: Dr. Ian Walker’s research and our interview with him ( Sarah’s piece, “How I Became an Urban Monster in Just 10 Minutes” () “Death of Cyclist in Paris Lays Bare Divide in Mayor’s War Against Cars” () “The glare of the sun caused the westbound vehicle to jump the curb” () Laura Laker’s new “” . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded at by Josh Wilcox. Our music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Our transcriptions are done by Russell Gragg.
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Changing Hollywood's Car Culture with Ed Begley Jr.
12/03/2024
Changing Hollywood's Car Culture with Ed Begley Jr.
From mockumentaries to dramas to situation comedies, Ed Begley Jr. has done it all. His truly one-of-a-kind acting career has seen him work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and more. But beyond his impressive resume, Ed Begley Jr. is also known for his environmental activism. He's probably the most famous person to have owned some version of an electric vehicle for a lot longer than most people have even been aware of EVs. Ed has been been committed to environmental conservation since at least the 1970s, and he’s designed his life so that it's as free of fossil fuels as possible, with solar panels on the roof, an e-bike in the garage, and a house chosen for its proximity to transit. Notably, he’s taken the LA Metro to the Academy Awards, making a statement in an industry and a city where fancy cars and conspicuous consumption are signs of success. In this fun conversation, Ed Begley Jr. invites us into his home to talk about his work, his activism, and his philosophy about life. *** and receive access to ad-free versions of all our episodes, special bonus content, stickers, merch discounts, and more. Plus, get pre-sale access to our upcoming live show in New York with CityNerd! *** This episode was produced with the generous support of the Helen & William Mazer Foundation. Check out the latest offerings from our friends at and . LINKS: Buy Ed Begley Jr.’s memoir, at our . Hayden Begley documented . The Actor Who Who Rides the Subway to the Oscars (s) Support by becoming a member. . This episode was edited by Doug Gordon. It was recorded by Avishay Artsy. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
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TEASER: Doug Ford and Ontario's War on Bikes
11/19/2024
TEASER: Doug Ford and Ontario's War on Bikes
This is a preview of a . 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, . Back in 2010, the notoriously pugnacious Toronto mayor Rob Ford declared that “the war on the car is over,” and vowed to halt the city’s expansion of bike lanes, transit, and anything that inconvenienced motorists even slightly. Fourteen years later, his brother — Ontario Premier Doug Ford — has continued the family crusade against bike lanes. The Ford government is pushing a bill that would require provincial approval of all bike lanes that repurpose car lanes. If it succeeds, it will have a chilling effect on the ability of cities and towns of all sizes to manage their streets and keep people safe. Plus, a handful of existing bike lanes could be ripped out. Journalist Sabrina Nanji, a veteran of the Queen’s Park Press Gallery and the founder of the Queens Park Observer joins us to talk about the politics behind Doug Ford’s war on bikes.
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Election Extra
11/15/2024
Election Extra
We’re not going to sugarcoat it. That election was tough. But there are some points of hope that can help us make our way forward. We got together in the studio to look at victories around the country for transit and safe streets, and to discuss how we can all hang in there together and continue making positive change in our communities. *** and receive access to ad-free versions of all our episodes, special bonus content, stickers, merch discounts, and more *** LINKS: The good news from Nashville () The good news from Seattle () wins Seattle City Council seat The good news from San Francisco () New York legalizes jaywalking () This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
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"Cars are Done" with Adam McKay
11/12/2024
"Cars are Done" with Adam McKay
Adam McKay is the Academy Award–winning screenwriter, director, and producer behind such movies as Don’t Look Up, The Big Short, Vice, Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and more. He is also the founder of Yellow Dot Studios, a nonprofit production studio that raises awareness and mobilizes action on the climate emergency. Adam joins us to discuss his career and the existential anxiety that led him to write and direct the star-studded Don’t Look Up, one of the most successful Netflix movies of all time. We also hear about the books, films, and music that inspired him, and why humor is a useful tool for tackling serious subjects. Plus: Adam's relationship with driving, the power of visual storytelling, and why he thinks the age of the car is already over… even if most people don’t know it yet. Thank you to and for their support. For the latest discount codes, listen to the episode. *** and receive access to ad-free versions of all our episodes, special bonus content, stickers, merch discounts, and more *** SHOW NOTES: Check out and all the excellent work from . () Books, movies, and music mentioned in this episode: by Britt Wray; by Neal Postman; by Rebecca Solnit; and by Scott Carney & Jason Miklian (1957); (1964); and (2009) ; ; ; ; and ***** Pick up . Purchase books from podcast guests at . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Kaden Pryor at in Los Angeles. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Sound effects from the © 2024 BBC.
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EXTRA: Cars as a Virus with Hermann Knoflacher
10/29/2024
EXTRA: Cars as a Virus with Hermann Knoflacher
***This is a bonus episode that was previously only available to . If you want to hear more bonus episodes like this, ! We’ll taking a very short break to work on our book and will be back with brand new episodes in November.*** Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of a person walking around in a large, wearable wooden frame meant to illustrate the space taken up by one person in a private automobile. That’s the gehzeug — or walkmobile — and it was invented by the Austrian civil engineer and professor Hermann Knoflacher. Professor Knoflacher, 84, is the head of the Institute of Transportation at the Vienna University of Technology. Long before the current global pandemic, he compared cars to a virus. Rather than searching for vaccines and other ways to fight this particular threat, humanity has actively helped the spread of cars, much to the detriment of the built environment, human health and safety, and even our future on this planet. It’s a provocative analogy, but Knoflacher makes a compelling case. SHOW NOTES: The Car Is Like A Virus, Says Urban Planner But This Is One Pandemic That Politicians Can Prevent () Excellent Uber Ad Distills the Problem With Uber in Crowded Cities () "Driving is worse than an addiction" (In German: ) "The driver is absolutely anti-social" (In German: ) "Vienna has been my patient for decades" (In German: ) Virus Auto (Hermn
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TEASER: Winnipeg Bike Mayor Patty Wiens
10/15/2024
TEASER: Winnipeg Bike Mayor Patty Wiens
This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, . is the Bike Mayor of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. We met Patty on our trip to Edmonton for the back in February and were really struck with her energy and drive as an advocate for people who ride bikes in her city. We talked with Patty about how she became a Bike Mayor and how people in Winnipeg are organizing to create better streets for people in a very car-centric place. She also told us about how the community has been protesting against recent traffic violence in the city, including one case in which an Indigenous woman named Tammy Bateman was struck and killed by police driving through a city park. Thanks to Ali Lemer for editing this episode. If you aren't yet a Patreon subscriber of The War on Cars, maybe now is the time! for $3, $5, or $10 per month. We’ll send you stickers and you’ll have access to ad-free episodes and bonus conversations like this one. We really appreciate the support, and we couldn’t produce the podcast without you.
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Key to the City with Sara Bronin
10/01/2024
Key to the City with Sara Bronin
Zoning is an invisible force that dictates how and where we can build housing, offices, factories, parks and more. It dictates how we access such places and can reinforce car dependency, often in ways that burden the communities that can least afford it, reinforce segregation, and exacerbate climate change and other environmental harms. In her new book, Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes our World, author Sara Bronin argues that zoning does not have to lead to negative outcomes, and that if we understand its power, we can use zoning to build the kinds of communities everyone deserves. Bronin dives into the history of zoning and tells the stories of the many activists and planners in cities such as Hartford, Baltimore and Minneapolis who have learned to harness zoning for good. *** for ad-free versions of regular episodes and access to exclusive bonus content. Plus, we’ll send you stickers. *** LINKS: Pick up and . Learn more about . Get . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
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TEASER: When Athletes Ditch the Car
09/24/2024
TEASER: When Athletes Ditch the Car
This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, . During the recent US Open Tennis Championships in New York City, top-seeded American player Jessica Pegula got some attention when she posted an Instagram reel showing her taking the subway from Manhattan to the event venue in Queens. “I don't like taking a car, and I like trains,” she said. “So I always try and take the train.” We can relate. Pegula’s post inspired us to have a discussion about other sports stars who, at least occasionally, like to skip the luxury SUV or Lamborghini in favor of non-car modes (LeBron!)—and why we should care about it. (As for Pegula, opting for the subway obviously didn’t hurt her tournament one bit—she made it to the final, her first time to do so in a Grand Slam!) If you aren't yet a Patreon subscriber of The War on Cars, maybe now is the time! Subscribe for $3, $5, or $10 per month. We’ll send you stickers and you’ll have access to ad-free episodes and bonus conversations like this one. We really appreciate the support, and we couldn’t produce the podcast without you.
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Project 2025 and the Stakes for Transportation
09/17/2024
Project 2025 and the Stakes for Transportation
There’s been a lot of talk this election season about Project 2025, the initiative from the Heritage Foundation to prepare for a potential second Trump administration. Understandably, much of the conversation about Project 2025 has been about the stakes for abortion access, rights for LGBTQ+ people, protections for civil servants, the Department of Education, Social Security and much more. But there’s also a 10-page chapter about the Department of Transportation, written by a former Trump administration official, that outlines a lot of ideas and plans that could spell doom for many vital progressive transportation projects, change how funding is distributed, and deeply harm the nation's ability to address climate change. Kevin DeGood, the director of Infrastructure Policy at the Center for American Progress, joins us to walk through what’s in this document and what’s at stake for transportation in this election. *** to receive access to ad-free versions of all our episodes, special bonus content, stickers, and more! *** This episode was sponsored by . Listen to the episode for the latest discount codes. * * * * LINKS: VOTE! . Learn more about . Project 2025 author: . Really? Subscribe to our . Follow The War on Cars on , , , and . . It helps people find us! * * * * * Pick up . Purchase books from podcast guests and support independent booksellers at . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the . Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
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What We Did on Our Summer Vacation, featuring Rick Steves
09/03/2024
What We Did on Our Summer Vacation, featuring Rick Steves
Why do Americans spend lots of money to visit walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly European cities, only to come back to the U.S. and oppose all those things where they live? Rick Steves has some thoughts. Countless people know and love the popular travel writer for his guidebooks and long-running television programs, which encourage people to explore Europe’s “backdoor” destinations—those off-the-beaten-path locations that have just as much or more to offer than its more touristy cities and sights. Rick takes a thoughtful and philosophical approach to travel and believes it offers people important lessons for becoming better global citizens. He is also an activist and philanthropist who believes in the power of local advocacy; he has funded affordable housing in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington, and is pursuing a one-man effort to turn a downtown roundabout into an Italian-style piazza. Please note: This episode was recorded before Rick announced his . We wish him all the best and many more years of inspiring people to explore the world. * * * * * *** and receive ad-free versions of regular episodes and exclusive bonus content. Plus, we’ll send you stickers.*** This episode was produced with support from and . Listen for the latest discount codes. * * * * * LINKS Learn more about . Pick up a copy of Rick’s book Travel as a Political Act and the 40th edition of his travel guide as well as books by other podcast guests at . “When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism.” () Rick Steves Wants to Set You Free () , the Norwegian movement Rick mentions in the episode. * * * * * . Follow The War on Cars on , , , and . . It helps people find us! This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Justin Fernandez at the . Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
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TEASER: Voices of Velo-city
08/20/2024
TEASER: Voices of Velo-city
This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, . In June, Doug attended Velo-city, an annual cycling summit hosted by the European Cyclists' Federation that brings the bike world together. This year's conference was held in the Belgian city of Ghent. While there, Doug wandered the exhibition floor talking with people from all over the world — including elected officials, city planners, advocates, industry representatives, academics and bike-curious regular citizens — about why it was important for them to attend Velo-city and what lessons and knowledge they hoped to take home. As you'll hear in this bonus episode, the fight to make cities safer, more sustainable and more equitable truly is a global effort. Thanks to the European Cyclists' Federation for having The War on Cars at Velo-City and to Ali Lemer for editing this episode.
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Listener Origin Stories (Patreon Bonus Re-Release)
08/06/2024
Listener Origin Stories (Patreon Bonus Re-Release)
Episode 133: Listener Origin Stories (Patreon bonus re-release) We’re taking a short break to work on our forthcoming book and some of our upcoming fall shows. We’ll be back with new free episodes in early September. In the meantime, please enjoy this re-release of our Patreon bonus episode from December 26, 2023. You can get all of our Patreon bonus episodes and more subscriber-only content – plus stickers! – by signing up to support us at . (A new Patreon-exclusive bonus episode will be released in two weeks.) * * * * * Last November we told you . Everything from early driving lessons to our experience living in car-dependent places has informed our journey to becoming radicalized, so to speak, into The War on Cars. Now it's your turn! We put out the call to our Patreon supporters for their origin stories, and — wow! — did you deliver. We heard from people all over the world about how they began to see the problems with car dominance, with stories ranging from gradual realizations to sudden epiphanies. Plus, we heard from a few friends and former guests of the podcast. (Not all heroes wear capes, but one you'll hear from at the top of the show .) Honestly, we were so impressed and inspired by everyone's stories. We often tell people that we have the smartest and most engaged audience in podcasting and this episode is undeniable proof of that. Thank you for all you do in your neck of the woods to fight for safety, sustainability, equity, and more. * * * * * Thank you to and for their support. For the latest discount codes, listen to the episode. *** and you'll be tipped off to listener participation episodes like this one, and receive access to ad-free versions of all our episodes, special bonus content, stickers, and more! *** * * * * * Pick up podcast tees and other merch in . Purchase books from podcast guests and support independent booksellers at . This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
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TEASER: Walking 4,000 Miles with Holden Ringer
07/30/2024
TEASER: Walking 4,000 Miles with Holden Ringer
This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, . This month’s exclusive Patreon bonus episode is an interview with Holden Ringer, who recently finished walking more than 4,000 miles across the country from the starting point of LaPush, Washington. Holden is a 26-year-old originally from Dallas, Texas, and he used his odyssey to fundraise for the organization America Walks, as well as to raise awareness about active transportation and meet with fellow-minded advocates along the way. As he says, “Advocacy is built into the activity.” Not long after he reached the Atlantic Ocean in May, we sat in New York’s Bryant Park and talked about what he saw and learned during his year-plus odyssey on America’s roads, pushing a stroller he named Smiley.
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Vehicular Cycling and John Forester, Part 2
07/23/2024
Vehicular Cycling and John Forester, Part 2
NOTE: This is part two of a two-part episode. To hear both parts right now and without ads, . In part two of our deep dive on John Forester and his 1976 book Effective Cycling, we take a look at the paltry data and research underpinning the alleged safety benefits of vehicular cycling and the long-term impact Forester had on cycling for transportation in the United States. Even though cities such as New York started building protected bicycle lanes in earnest in the late 2000s and early 2010s — and even though quality bike infrastructure has existed in places such as Davis, California for decades — John Forester's legacy continued well into the 21st century, with federal guides such as AASHTO's "Green Book" discouraging or even prohibiting things such as parking-protected bikeways until as recently as 2018. On top of that, many of Forester's disciples held positions atop major advocacy organizations and city bike planning departments for years, and used their influence to prevent the construction of protected bike lanes. In a lot of ways, we're still pedaling in the world John Forester created. This episode was sponsored by and . Listen to the episode for the latest discount codes. LINKS/SOURCES Read in conversation with John Forester, via . takes on John Forester. STUDY: . PAPER: Schultheiss, Sanders, and Toole, 2018 , Streetsblog 2016 , Streetsblog 2018 , by Carlton Reid in Forbes Read . Read . How the former Dallas bicycle coordinator held back cycling infrastructure for years, via Dallas' Former Bike Czar Tells Newbie Riders to Go Play in Traffic, via Access . If you're a glutton for punishment, . Grab some ! This episode was edited by Yessenia Moreno. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the .
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Vehicular Cycling and John Forester, Part 1
07/09/2024
Vehicular Cycling and John Forester, Part 1
NOTE: This is part one of a two-part episode. To hear both parts right now and without ads, . "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles." That quote is the core philosophy of John Forester, the father of vehicular cycling. Forester, who died in 2020, was a major figure in the the world of cycling advocacy and transportation policy, and his influence shaped street design and bicycle safety in the United States for decades. We take a deep dive into Forester's 1976 book, Effective Cycling. Part guidebook, part encyclopedia, part polemic, Effective Cycling explains why cyclists should not be afraid to ride not just in traffic, but as traffic. Throughout the book, Forester dismisses anyone who might be afraid of taking the lane with fast-moving cars and trucks as suffering from what he calls the "cyclist inferiority complex" and asserts that only a strict adherence to the principles of vehicular cycling can keep everyone safe. Who was John Forester? What is vehicular cycling? Why are we talking about a book that was published almost fifty years ago? It's all here in this mega episode. This episode was sponsored by and . Listen for the latest discount codes. LINKS/SOURCES Read in conversation with John Forester, via . takes on John Forester. STUDY: . PAPER: Schultheiss, Sanders, and Toole, 2018 , Streetsblog 2016 , Streetsblog 2018 , by Carlton Reid in Forbes Read . Read . How the former Dallas bicycle coordinator held back cycling infrastructure for years, via Dallas' Former Bike Czar Tells Newbie Riders to Go Play in Traffic, via Access . If you're a glutton for punishment, . Grab some ! This episode was edited by Yessenia Moreno. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the .
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Critical Mass Nairobi with Cyprine Odada
07/02/2024
Critical Mass Nairobi with Cyprine Odada
Cyprine Odada is the Executive Director of Critical Mass Nairobi and an urban planner specializing in active mobility. Ever since founding the Kenyan capital’s chapter of Critical Mass, the largest gathering of non-competitive cyclists in Africa, Cyprine has helped get more people on bikes from different neighborhoods, ages, and social and economic groups, changing the perception of who rides a bike in Nairobi and building more political support for bike infrastructure in a city where cars dominate. By focusing on the joy of cycling and the way in which the bicycle can connect people and create community, Cyprine is doing what she can to transform Nairobi into a cycling city, inspiring other African cities along the way. This episode was recorded on the floor of the in Ghent in June 2024. ***.*** LINKS: Watch Learn more about Follow Learn more about the Grab some . This episode was produced and edited by Doug Gordon.
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