Active Towns

The Civic Brand with Ryan Short

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this on-bike interview, I connect with Ryan Short, founder of CivicBrand, for a tour around Boulder while we discuss his new book, The Civic Brand:...

Growing Up Boulder with Mara Mintzer

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I finally connect with Mara Mintzer, co-founder and executive director of Growing Up Boulder, for a conversation about the power of e...

Parks and Fiscal Responsibility with Jamie Sabbach

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jamie Sabbach from Salida, CO, and the 110 Percent organization for a very Strong Towns-esque conversation about parks...

Week Without Driving Challenge Recap with Anna Zivarts

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Anna Zivarts for an update on the Week Without Driving Challenge and her new venture, The Non-Drivers Alliance. Natu...

Mobility For All - Urban & Rural Experiences from Pennsylvania with Sam Pearson

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Sam Pearson, Healthy Communities Program Manager at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, to discuss active mobility imp...

No Accident Why We're Inactive w/ Dr. Tepi Mclaughlin

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Matthew "Tepi" Mclaughlin from Perth, Australia, for a conversation about the institutional subsidization of moton...

Understanding City Finances and Mobilizing Action w/ Michel Durand-Wood

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Michel Durand-Wood, the Elmwood Guy behind the popular blog Dear Winnipeg, for a conversation about his efforts to eng...

CARGOB: A Conversation with Co-Founders Dot and Zack

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dorothy "Dot" Fennell and Zack DeClerk, co-founders of CargoB, a cargo bike-sharing scheme based in the Boston area. I...

Dutch Cycling Manifesto w/ Researcher Michela Grasso

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Michela Grasso, a researcher and writer with the Urban Cycling Institute in Amsterdam, for a discussion about some of ...

Women Changing Cities w/ Melissa & Chris Bruntlett

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect once again with Melissa & Chris Bruntlett from Delft, NL, for a conversation about their beautiful and inspirational ...

Cycling Cities: Minneapolis w/ Researcher Peter Bird

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Peter Bird, a resident of Heidelberg, Germany, and a doctoral researcher at the Technical University (TU) Eindhoven in...

Loving Life Unfolded w/ Brompton USA President Juliet Scott-Croxford

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with the President of Brompton USA, Juliet Scott-Croxford, for a discussion about some exciting new developments 50 years a...

Life After Cars w/ Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am joined by Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear to discuss their new book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the A...

The Cycling Cities w/ Prof. Ruth Oldenziel

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Prof. Ruth Oldenziel from the Technical University in Eindhoven for a discussion about the global Cycling Cities Ini...

Love Where You Live (Boulder Edition) with Michael Lovato

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Michael Lovato, a former professional triathlete and champion at the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 distances, for a convers...

Reclaiming the Road w/ Prof. David Prytherch

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with David Prytherch, Professor of Geography at Miami University in Oxford, OH, for a conversation about transforming our s...

A Framework for Combating Motonormativity w/ Dr. Catherine Elliot

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Catherine Elliot, an American living in Winterthur, Switzerland, just outside of Zürich, for a discussion about s...

Why Are Dutch Employers Subsidizing Driving in 2025?

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Peter Nouwen from 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands for a discussion about the productivity benefits of having healt...

Adapting Dutch Cycle Network Design Principles to the North American Context w/ Nick Falbo

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I finally connect with Nick Falbo to nerd out on the history of protected bike lanes and protected intersections in the United States...

Car Free Parks & Trails with Paul Steely White

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I finally connect with Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, for a ride down memory lane, reminiscing...

Exploring the Joy of Bicycle Travel with Jennifer Hamelman

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jennifer Hamelman, the Former Director of Routes at the Adventure Cycling Association, for a conversation about the US...

A Bold Mobility Vision Plan for a Dutch Village w/ Christian Ratering

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we'll head back to the Netherlands for a somewhat surprising conversation with Christian Ratering, a Senior Policy Maker with the vil...

Reflecting on the Dutch Cycling Embassy in China with Chris Bruntlett

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Chris Bruntlett to the podcast for a chat about his reflections on his recent visit to China representing the Dutch Cy...

Families for Safe Streets feat. Amy Cohen and Patty Avery

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off Season 10 of the Podcast, I have a conversation with Amy Cohen and Patty Avery, two dedicated volunteers with the Families for Safe Street...

Restoring Mobility Freedom for Children w/ Tim Gill

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Tim Gill, the author of the book Urban Playground, for an encore conversation about the need for more family friendly ...

Recovering Our Neighborhoods with Seth Kaplan

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Seth Kaplan, author of the recent book "Fragile Neighborhoods" and a recent article "The Real User Interface: Recoveri...

Design for Safety Over Speed w/ Beth Osborne

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I finally connect with Beth Osborne with Smart Growth America for an in-depth conversation about the Transportation For America Progr...

Creating a Critical Mass for More Livable Communities w/ Cyprine Odada

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Cyprine Odada Mitchell, the former Director of the Nairobi Critical Mass and a passionate advocate for more livable co...

Chalk Riot Traffic Calming w/ Chelsea Ritter-Soronen

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, owner and principal artist at Chalk Riot, a mural company specializing in vibrant pavement art...

Car-Lite Living in Indigo w/ Scott Snodgrass & Clayton Garrett

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I speak with Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garrett, founders of Meristem Communities, the developers of Indigo, a people-first communit...

Wheels for Wellbeing w/ Isabelle Clement, MBE

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, a UK-based charity with a mission to enhance disabled people’s l...

AMPing Up Active Mobility Infrastructure Installations w/ Zoe & Kyle from City Thread

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we reconnect with Kyle Wagenschutz and Zoe Kirkos with City Thread for an update on the new cohort of cities engaged in their Acceler...

Bike Streets: Unlocking the City by Bike w/ Avi Stopper

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Avi Stopper, Founder of Denver's BikeStreets.com, for an update on their new mobile app, routing tools, community adve...

Streets For People w/ Cllr James McAsh

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Cllr James McAsh for a conversation about a series of safer streets initiatives London's Borough of Southwark has impl...

Psychology & Transportation Engineering w/ Patricia Tice

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Patricia Tice, Ph.D., for a conversation about the role of psychology (or lack thereof) in transportation engineer...

Motonormativity w/ Prof. Ian Walker & Prof. Marco Te Brömmelstroet

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is a "can't miss" discussion featuring Professor Ian Walker from Swansea University in Wales and Professor Marco te Brömmelstroet from the Unive...

Accelerating Seattle's Mobility Options w/ Greg Spotts

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Greg Spotts for a conversation about his tenure serving the city of Seattle, WA and the active mobility projects his t...

Building Optimism w/ Coby Lefkowitz

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Coby Lefkowitz, author of Building Optimism, for a conversation about creating people-oriented communities, some of th...

NACTO and It's New Bikeway Design Guide w/ Executive Director Ryan Russo

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn all about National Association for Transportation Officials (NACTO) and their new Urban Bikeway Design Guide from Execut...

Shoup's Legacy of Parking Reform w/ Tony Jordan

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🅿️ Parking Reform Network founder, Tony Jordan shares how PRN is continuing Prof Donald Shoup's work and more.Cities around the globe, inspired b...

Human Transit w/ Jarrett Walker

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jarrett Walker, author of Human Transit, revised edition. This book, aimed at a nontechnical reader, explores the chal...

Creating People-Centered & Nature-Based Cities w/ Reena Mahajan

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Reena Mahajan, founder of Paris-based Studio Divercity, to discuss creating people-centered and nature-based cities an...

Car Free Challenge in Los Angeles w/ Phil Burns

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Phil Burns, Managing Principal of the Pasadena-based Arroyo Group, for a discussion about his six-week trial of going ...

Bike Bus & A Culture of Activity with Jessica Tillyer

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm honored to connect with Jessica Tillyer, one of the volunteers who jumped in to start the Montclair bike bus efforts that provide...

Shifter: A Chat w/ Tom Babin

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I finally connect with Tom Babin, the creative genius behind the Shifter YouTube Channel about everyday cycling. Tom shares what insp...

Sacred Roots and Mobility Freedom w/ Ronnie Harris

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Ronnie Matthew Harris, founder of Sacred Roots, to discuss his active mobility backstory, including a pivotal cycle ...

Introducing The New AASHTO Bike Guide w/ Bill Schultheiss

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Bill Schultheiss, a partner with Toole Design Group and one of the key contributors to this much-anticipated rewrite o...

Potholes and Pavements with author Laura Laker

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with London-based journalist and author Laura Laker to discuss her brilliant new book Potholes and Pavements: A Bumpy Rid...

A Major Shift To Bikes w/ Becca & Adam Denley

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with the Denleys to discuss how living abroad in Denmark inspired them to bring utilitarian cycling and cargo bikes to thei...

Shoup Dogg Doctrine w/ Prof. Donald Shoup

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Season 9 Premiere of the Podcast, I reconnect with Professor Donald Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, affectionately known as "S...

Talking Induced Demand and much more w/ RMI's Miguel Moravec

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode of Season 8, I connect with Miguel Moravec, a Senior Associate with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), for an in-depth discussi...

Introducing Rachel Leonardo with Strong Towns

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Rachel Leonardo, a Pamplona-based video producer who has recently taken over the role of creating video content for th...

Are Dutch Streets Really Safe for Children? w/ Geert Kloppenburg

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Geert Kloppenburg, a Dutch urban mobility expert and filmmaker who has been documenting some of the serious safety c...

Key to the City w/ Sara Bronin

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Sara Bronin for an in-depth discussion about her new book Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World. We discuss how...

Meet Winnipeg's Bike Mayor w/ Patty Wiens

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Patty Wiens, the Bicycle Mayor of Winnipeg, for an update on the everyday cycling scene in this emerging bicycle-frien...

Can LA Go Car-Free for the Olympics? w/ Alissa Walker

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with journalist Alissa Walker, founder of the new newsletter Torched.LA for a discussion about the forthcoming major even...

Barcelona Superblocks w/ Jordi Honey-Rosés

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Prof. Jordi Honey-Rosés for a conversation about the amazing street transformations taking place in Barcelona, the em...

Kids Are Just Walking & Biking Radicals w/ Tom Flood

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Tom Flood, the brilliant mind behind the fantastic meme generation machine, the Rovelo Creative agency, for a conver...

Heidi Across America w/ Heidi Beierle

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Heidi Beierle, author of the fabulous self-discovery/adventure book Heidi Across America: One Woman's Journey on Bicyc...

The Happy Urbanist w/ Jon Jon Wesolowski

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with The Happy Urbanist, Jon Jon Wesolowski, in Chattanooga, TN, for a discussion about his journey to urbanist activism,...

Celebrating Talking Headways w/ Jeff Wood

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Jeff Wood of The Overhead Wire, a subscription news curation service and the Talking Headway Podcast, in acknowledgmen...

Inspiring Engagement w/ Laura Mitchell

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Laura Mitchell from Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a conversation about her journey to becoming an accidental safer stree...

A Look Inside the @nicthedoor Urbanism Channel w/ Nic Laporte

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Nic Laporte, the Vancouver, BC-based creative force behind the fast-growing @nicthedoor urbanism and active mobility...

Bicycling with Butterflies w/ Sara Dykman

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Sara Dykman, author of the book Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201 Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration, fo...

Cascade Bicycle Club w/ Tina Castillo & Paul Tolme

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Podcast Episode, I connect with Tina Castillo and Paul Tolmé for a wide-ranging discussion about the Cascade Bicycle Club in the State...

Live Near Friends w/ Phil Levin

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Phil Levin, founder of the Live Near Friends organization and movement to talk about the benefits and logistics of fin...

All Bodies on Bikes w/ Marley Blonsky

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Marley Blonsky, Founder of All Bodies On Bikes, for a discussion about her personal journey, the joy of riding bikes, ...

Protect Our Winters w/ Graham Zimmerman

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Graham Zimmerman, an elite-level alpinist, author, and the Director of Athlete Alliances for Protect Our Winters (POW)...

Let Grow ~ Free-Range Kids w/ Lenore Skenazy (Season Eight Premiere)

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the first of Season Eight, I connect with the "Worst Mother in America," Lenore Skenazy, author of the book Free-Range Kids: How Pare...

Streets For All w/ Michael Schneider (Season Finale)

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with the founder of Streets For All, Michael Schneider. We discuss the recent huge win, Measure HLA, in the March 2024 Los ...

Escaping the Housing Trap w/ Chuck Marohn (A walk 'n talk on the OTR streets of Cincinnati)

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Chuck Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, and I discuss the new book he co-wrote with Daniel Herriges, Escaping the Housing Trap: A Stro...

Killed By A Traffic Engineer w/ Wes Marshall

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Professor Wes Marshall for a discussion about his new book Killed By A Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion tha...

NYC's Cargo Bike Momma w/ Maddy Novich

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Maddy Novich, NYC-based mother of three, professor of criminology, and an accidental cargo bike influencer on Instagra...

How to Throw Car Culture Under the Bus w/Dan Hendry

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dan Hendry, the driving force behind Canada's youth transit revolution and the Get On The Bus campaign, for an in-dept...

Bicycle City, A new book by Dan Piatkowski

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Dan Piatkowski, Associate Professor of Integrated Land-Use and Transportation Planning at OsloMet University, for a ...

Oceano Bike Posse w/ Jim DeCecco

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jim DeCecco, who has come out of retirement to help resurrect the Oceano, CA bike posse ice cream runs and restore the...

Stop Laughing Urbanism is Serious Stuff w/ Nate Hood

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with my good friend, Nate Hood from Saint Paul, MN, to discuss his hilarious suburban engagement photos, his stand-up com...

Amtrak: Updates & Tips for Touring the USA w/ Mike Christensen

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Mike Christensen, train travel expert and the Executive Director of the Utah Rail Passengers Association, for a disc...

Happily Car-Free in Detroit w/ Kristin Fehrman

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Kristin Fehrman of Walking Detroit for a conversation about how she profiles the beauty and simple pleasures of car-fr...

Driving Not An Option w/ Anna Zivarts

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Anna Zivarts, author of When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, a new book by Island Press, ...

A Freeway Fighting ER Nurse Running for Texas Senate w/ Molly Cook

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special election bonus episode, I connect with a dedicated Houston-based freeway fighter and ER Nurse, Molly Cook, who is running to fill the ...

Bikeway Builder Running for City Council w/ Timur Ender

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Timur Ender, who is running for city council in Portland, Oregon's newly created East Portland District. Timur has a...

Live to Ride w/ Peter Flax (New Book Profile)

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Peter Flax, author of the fabulous new book Live To Ride: Finding Joy and Meaning on a Bicycle. We discuss the fact th...

E-Bike Benefits Calculation w/ Bryn Grunwald

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I speak with Bryn Grunwald on RMI's Carbon Free Transport Team about their new tools and calculators for measuring the benefits and i...

Making Walkable, Bikeable Cities w/ Jeff Speck & Chris Dempsey

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll meet the duo behind the newest urbanism super-firm, Speck Dempsey, Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City, and Chris Dempsey, for...

North America's Transportation Prodigy Petru Sofio

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Petru Sofio, a passionate young transportation prodigy who is currently a high school senior in Arlington, MA, a small...

Dutch Values Reflected in Public Space w/ Cathy Tuttle

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the episode, I welcome back Cathy Tuttle, an anthropologist and planner, currently living in Utrecht in The Netherlands, to discuss her recent work...

Ethics in Transportation Engineering w/ Jeanie Ward-Waller

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ethically, we should reduce highway lane miles, not expand them. In this episode, I chat with Jeanie Ward-Waller, who made national news last fall whe...

City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America's Highways w/ Megan Kimble

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Austin-based journalist and the author of the new book City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of Amer...

A Dutch Bike Quest w/ Mike West

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Mike West about his quest to import proven Dutch sustainable safety mobility design concepts into his home state of Utah....

The Fietspad Book w/ Roy Symons

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Burnaby, BC-based transportation engineer Roy Symons, for a chat about his beautiful book fietspad: A Journey Through ...

Stoicism & Active Mobility Infrastructure w/ Prue Oswin

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Prue Oswin, founder of Sidelines Traffic from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, for a deep conversation abo...

Places for People Pilgrimage w/ Darcy Kitching

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Darcy Varney Kitching with Boulder Transportation Connections is back on the pod to talk about her new role in transportation demand management (TDM),...

Taking Strong Towns to New Levels on YouTube w/ Mike Pasternock

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Michael "Mike" Pasternock, who has catapulted the Strong Towns YouTube Channel to new heights in the past year. We d...

Creating Paradise in Our Own Communities w/ Todd Litman

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Todd Litman, Founder and Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI) for a discussion about...

Rethink35 Sues TXDOT w/ Kelsey Huse & Gregory Bertrand

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rethink35 is suing TxDOT: Why this action has global implications. In this special, bonus episode, I connect with Kelsey Huse and Gregory Bertrand, vo...

On the Frontlines in the Safer Streets Battle w/ Lucy Maloney

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Lucy Maloney, an advocate and frequent spokesperson in the battle for safer streets and safe cycling routes in Vancouv...

Going Beyond Greenways w/ Robert Searns

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Robert "Bob" Searns, the author of Beyond Greenways: The Next Step for City Trails and Walking Routes, a recent book p...

Fighting for Safer Streets w/ Peter Norton

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Professor Peter Norton of the University of Virginia for a continuation of our discussion about the long legacy of par...

The National Youth Bike Movement w/ Joshua Funches

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Joshua Funches for a conversation about the National Youth Bike Council and the Youth Bike Summit happening in June in...