EPISODE 61, SEASON 2:
Talking about the fight for our lives with Brooklyn’s
Doug Gordon
In this episode, John and Doug, who is one of three co-hosts of The War on Cars Podcast, talk about our battle to create safer streets for everyone
Show Notes:
You can pretty much count on it – anytime there’s a proposal to install a bike lane or pedestrian crossing that might inconvenience or slow down motor vehicle traffic in any amount, no matter how small, there’s a chorus of screams from a vocal minority of haters that this is clearly evidence of a vicious “A War on Cars” most likely being waged upon an unsuspecting and helpless public by the “All-Powerful Bicycle Lobby”.
It would be such silly laughable bluster if it wasn’t so important and serious that we take immediate strides in this fight to create safer more vibrant environments for everyone, including our most vulnerable roadway users, those walking, cycling, in wheelchairs, or even on scooters.
So in typical, “tongue-in-cheek” New York style, when Doug and his co-hosts, Aaron Naparstek and Sarah Goodyear decided to launch a podcast, The War on Cars was a natural moniker to poke fun at the ridiculous rhetoric.
John and Doug dive “deep into the weeds” that these challenges represent, the progress being made, and how advocates make an impact in their own communities.
Additional & Helpful Links:
Landing Page for this Episode – access to photos
Doug’s Twitter Account – BrooklynSpoke and the original blog
The New Republic article by Doug about changes to our streets due to the pandemic
A recent The Daily News opinion piece by Doug about stopping the carnage on our streets
Transportation Alternatives – Streets for People organization
Brooklyn Bridge bike lane story
Oakland Slow Streets and Essential Places Program
Slower Speeds article, AAA-CO Study
AARP Livable Communities Program
Streetfight book by Janette Sadik-Khan
Designing for “All Ages & Abilities” – NACTO Guide
Protected bike lanes/facilities via NACTO and from City of Austin
Vision Zero NYC and the National Network
Show Credits:
Audio Production by Active Towns
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping communities create a Culture of Activity.
Creative Commons License: Attributions Non-Commercial No Derivatives 2021
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You can reach John Simmerman by email at john@activetowns.org
