Brent Toderian

“Electric cars are no more dangerous for pedestrians than petrol and diesel models, researchers find.” They’re also no safer. Which reminds us that “better cars” aren’t the main answer to the consequences of cars. The main answer is fewer (and smaller) cars driven less frequently in better cities.

EVs 'just as safe for pedestrians' | University of Leeds

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no more dangerous to pedestrians than traditional petrol or diesel cars, according to a new study.

NEW/LISTEN! Been really looking forward to this one — my interview with Jason from @npub1z7xt...q5jf is LIVE on many podcast platforms plus YouTube! We cover a LOT of really important ground on how to ACTUALLY ACHIEVE BETTER CITIES IN REAL PRACTICE; how city planners can and should be a lot better, a lot less boring, and much more effective (and NOT Neutral!); and how to actually transform the public and media conversation out there about better city-making!

Never forget, if you design a city for cars, it fails for everyone, including drivers. If you design a multi-modal city that makes walking, biking & public transit attractive options, it works better for everyone, including drivers. INCLUDING DRIVERS. The “war on cars” has always been a lie.

ICYMI: "Paris started with periodic, strategic closures of key streets, then day-long closures of the entire city center, always in the context of the conversation about air quality, livability & noise…It's a very smart way of doing it." — @Brent Toderian in BlogTO. #Paris

blogTO

People on board with new solution to Toronto traffic that would limit cars on city streets

Fixing Toronto

WATCH: If you REALLY want to understand a BIG reason why cycling [aka riding a bicycle] is so dangerous in North America, and one of the biggest villains in the origin story of our unsafe status quo, invest some time watching this one, by NOT JUST BIKES (@npub1z7xt...q5jf). Then share it.

It's a goal of mine to help make this the most famous, well-known and UNDERSTOOD quote about cities in history. Please share it as much as you can.

“Once rare, 7-year car loans are fast becoming the norm. They’re often the only way buyers can afford new rides, with average sale prices surging 28% in 5 years to approach $50k.” Designed-in car dependency, surging car prices, longer loan periods with more interest. Sound like “freedom” to you? https://www.seattletimes.com/business/cars-are-so-expensive-that-buyers-need-7-year-loans/

NEW: “Toderian says it’s easy to be distracted by futuristic innovations like electric cars, drone delivery networks & hyperloops. ‘The real solutions are a lot less sexy and a lot more common sense… Tech won’t save us if we get the fundamentals wrong.” I was 1 of 3 urban experts asked to weigh in.

The Globe and Mail

A world without traffic? Three urban experts rethink how cities move

Gridlock is costing us billions, but bold solutions like bus-only lanes, congestion charges and flexible work hours could get cities moving again

You can be a “car guy” and not like car dependency. You can be a “car guy” and get that too many cars in cities is bad for everyone, including drivers. You can be a “car guy” and be tired of lies & manipulations like “the war on cars.” You can be a “car guy” and know more choice means more freedom.

“We can’t all be expected to bike.” Fair. But that’s not the point. “Not everyone can or wants to bike. But some people can & do—and they deserve a safe, efficient, affordable way to move through the city. It’s about freedom of choice.” This & other useful comebacks, in Momentum Magazine.

Momentum Mag

Your Comeback Guide to all the Anti-Cycling Arguments You’ll Hear This Year

Anti-bike arguments aren’t just frustrating—they’re outdated, inaccurate, and often repeated without a shred of evidence.