Active Towns

Decade of the Cargo Bike w/ Jos Sluisjmans (video available)

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jos Sluijsmans, who ten years ago, started what would evolve into the International Cargo Bike Festival in The Netherl...

Engaging with Data feat. David Wasserman & Samuel Zneimer (video available)

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect and talk with two data,  GIS, and planning experts, David Wasserman and Samuel Zneimer, with Alta Planning + Design, about...

Be Courageous for Quick Results w/ Lior Steinberg (video available)

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Rotterdam-based Lior Steinberg, co-founder of Humankind and author of the delightful children's book The Car That Wa...

London: A City for All Ages & Abilities w/ Will Norman (video available)

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Will Norman London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner under Mayor Sadik Kahn for a conversation about the advances t...

Delivered By Bike w/ Dave Edwards, COO of nrbi.co (video available)

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dave Edwards in Toronto, Canada for a discussion about his journey from an occasional recreational cyclist to a passio...

Walkable City Updates w/ Jeff Speck (video available)

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jeff Speck author of Walkable City and Walkable City Rules for a conversation talk about some important reflections, l...

Promoting Cycling Worldwide w/ Jill Warren, ECF, CEO (video available)

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I chat with Jill Warren the CEO of the European Cyclists' Federation about two international events coming up in June, her personal j...

A Parent's Journey to Safer Streets Advocacy w/ Tom Flood (video available)

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Tom Flood, as known as "tomflood1" on Twitter, who shares his story of transformation from advertising and marketing f...

Streets For People w/ Kathryn King, NZ Urban Mobility Mgr (video available)

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Kathryn King, Urban Mobility Manager of New Zealand's Transport Agency for a discussion about the progress the country...

Propel Forward w/ Chris Nolte (video available)

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Chris Nolte, an entrepreneur with a passion to help get more people riding more often by providing practical solutions...

Master's of Cycling w/ Dr. Meredith Glaser (video available)

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am delighted to reconnect with Meredith Glaser, Director of the University of Amsterdam's Urban Cycling Institute, for a brief disc...

Oslo: First Impressions w/ Professor Daniel Piatkowski (video available)

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Professor Piatkowski, who recently moved his family from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Oslo, Norway, to help launch a new gr...

A View of Vélo Québec w/ Jean-François Rheault (video available)

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Jean-François Rheault, Président-directeur général at Vélo Québec, for a deep dive into all the amazing progra...

Return of American Fietser aka Brandon Lust (video available)

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Brandon for a chat about his new home, Carmel, Indiana, a location famously known as the roundabout city in North Am...

Oonee: The Future of Bike Parking w/ Shabazz Stuart (video available)

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am honored to have Shabazz Stuart on to tell us all about Oonee: A innovative secure, and equitable bike solution for cities. Brown...

The Bicycle Dutch Journey w/ Mark Wagenbuur (video available)

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Mark Wagenbuur the creative genius behind the BicycleDutch YouTube Channel and blog. Mark has a unique perspective o...

E-Cargo Bike Empowerment w/ Tatiana Sales Lust (video available)

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Tatiana Sales Lust for a discussion about what it was like to learn how to ride a bike as an adult, how e-assist has g...

Hiding in Plain Sight w/ Jason Slaughter of Not Just Bikes (video available)

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Jason Slaughter, the creative genius behind the fantastic Not Just Bikes YouTube Channel, for deep dive into understan...

Reclaiming Public Space w/ Scott Epstein (video available)

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Scott Epstein a candidate for Los Angeles City Council District 5 for a discussion about his vision for a more livable...

Designing Healthy Communities w/ Dr. Dick Jackson (video available)

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm honored to welcome Dr. Richard J (Dick) Jackson to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about designing healthy communitie...

All Aboard the Bike Train (video available)

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Megan Ramey, a mom and safer street advocate in Hood River, OR for a conversation about what it takes to make a differ...

Returning the Streets to Kids w/ Tim Gill (video available)

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Tim Gill, author of the book, Urban Playground: How Child-Friendly Planning and Design Can Save Cities for a discussio...

Autonorama: Do We Really Want High-Tech Car Dependency? (video available)

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome Peter Norton back to the Pod for a conversation about his new book Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving an...

Getting the Details Right w/ Lennart Nout (video available)

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Dutch Mobility Network Design: Lennart Nout with Mobycon and he likes to say the "Devil is in the Details" when it c...

A Sense of Urgency in Planning w/ Dale Bracewell (video available)

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Vancouver, BC's Transportation Planning Manager, Dale Bracewell, for a discussion about how an "All Ages & Abili...

Talking About A Safe Systems Approach w/ Sarah Abel (video available)

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Sarah Abel, an architect, and planner who has become a subject matter expert in complete streets design and promotion ...

Florida to Delft: Ditching Car Dependency w/ Dr. Natalia Barbour (video available)

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I return (virtually) to Delft in The Netherlands to connect with Natalia Barbour, Assistant Professor in transport and energy at TU D...

Celebrating 1,000+ Streetfilms w/ Clarence Eckerson, Jr. (video available)

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this, our 100th episode, I am delighted to welcome a very special guest, Clarence Eckerson, Director of Streetfilms, for a discussion about reachin...

Bike More, Worry Less w/ Arleigh Greenwald aka Bike Shop Girl (video available)

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Arleigh Greenwald, Product Market Manager for Tern Bicycles and also known as Bike Shop Girl, for a conversation abo...

The Transformative Indy Cultural Trail w/ Sarah Frey

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Sarah Frey, Development and Marketing Director with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn ...

Moving from Pilots to Permanence w/ Mike Lydon of Street Plans (video available)

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Mike Lydon for an 18-month update from our last episode in the early days of the pandemic. We discuss some of the am...

Starting with the Green Parts w/ Victor Dover (video available)

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back Victor Dover of South Miami's Dover, Kohl & Partners Town Planning for an in-depth discussion about why starting w...

Demystifying Edge Lane Road Bike Facilities w/ Michael Williams (video available)

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I speak with Michael Williams about Edge Lane Roads, also commonly referred to by some people as Bicycle Advisory Lanes - a name you'...

Active People, Healthy Nation w/ CDC Branch Chief, Ken Rose (video available)

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Ken Rose, Chief of the Physical Activity and Health Branch, within the Division of Nutrition, Physic...

All Ages, Abilities, and Identities w/ Cara Seiderman

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Cara Seiderman, Transportation Program Manager with the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to get an update on the ne...

A 10 Minute Walk w/ Bianca Shulaker

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Bianca Shulaker, Associate Director of National Programs at The Trust for Public Land, for a discussion about their Pa...

Connecting to Meaningful Destinations w/ Jeffrey Bagg

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jeff Bagg, the City Planner for Easthampton, MA, for a discussion about how this historic mill town is striving to con...

Confessions of a Recovering Engineer w/ Chuck Marohn (video available)

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Charles Marohn, Founder of Strong Towns and author of the new book Confessions of a Recovering Engineer: Transportat...

The Cognitive Impacts of Design w/ Ann Sussman

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Ann Sussman, co-author along with Justin B Hollander, of the intriguing book Cognitive Architecture: Designing for How...

Upzone the City w/ Abby Kinney

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Abby Kinney, a Kansas City-based Urban Designer with Gould Evans and the host of the Strong Towns Upzoned Podcast, for...

Riding in Houston Gets a Boost w/ Doogie Roux

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Doogie Roux, a micro-mobility consultant, brand ambassador, and bicycle advocate based in Houston, Texas for a discuss...

Studying Activity and the Built Environment w/ Professor Jennifer Roberts

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Jen Roberts, an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, in the Department of Kinesiology, within the Sc...

Reflections On Our Urban Experience w/ Robin Mazumder

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Robin Mazumder, Ph.D., for a discussion about how we as humans respond to our built envir...

Providence in Active Mobility w/ Martina Haggerty

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Martina Haggerty, Director of Special Projects in the Planning Department for the City of Providence, Rhode Island, fo...

Fewer Vehicles, Not Just EVs w/ RMI's Ben Holland

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Ben Holland, Senior Associate at RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute), for a conversation about why we need fewer motor vehi...

Not Just Bikes w/ Jason Slaughter (video available)

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jason Slaughter the creator of the incredibly popular Not Just Bikes YouTube Channel. He shares what led him to become...

Welcome to the Future of Slow Cities w/ Paul Tranter

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we head down under, for a chat with Professor Paul Tranter, Honorary Associate Professor in Geography in the School of Science at the...

MOTHERLOAD: Kid tested. Planet approved. w/ Liz Canning

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with documentary filmmaker Liz Canning for a candid conversation about MOTHERLOAD, a movie and a movement. MOTHERLOAD capt...

The Compelling Why for Low-Car Cities w/ Melissa & Chris Bruntlett

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I catch up with Melissa and Chris Bruntlett "on the eve" of the release of their much anticipated second book, Curbing Traffic - The ...

Livable Streets 2.0 w/ Bruce Appleyard

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this extended episode, I have a detailed conversation with Bruce Appleyard, Associate Professor of City Planning & Public Administration, at Sa...

Redefining SLC's Wide Open Street-Spaces w/ Jon Larsen, Transportation Division Director

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jon Larsen, Salt Lake City, Utah's Transportation Division Director, for a conversation about how he and his team are ...

Exploring Pocket Neighborhoods w/ Ross Chapin

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I catch up with Ross Chapin, an Architect who literally wrote the book on Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small-Scale Community in a L...

A FUNctional Ride w/ Brandon Lust aka @AmericanFietser

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Brandon Lust, also known as @AmericanFietser, on Twitter for a conversation about how a pickup truck-driving guy from ...

Rolling into Resilience w/ Professor Billy Fields

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Billy Fields, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science at Texas State University, for a discussion that address...

Ride Every Street w/ David Nuttall

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Huntsville, Alabama-based cartographer and artist David Nuttall for a conversation about his recent adventure riding e...

Engaging the Community w/ Ghisallo's Briana Cohen

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Briana Cohen, who serves as the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative's Austin Lead and Community Educator. We discuss the many ...

Accelerating Austin Active Mobility w/ Council Member Paige Ellis

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome Austin's District 8 City Council Member, Paige Ellis, onto the Podcast.  We talk about her biggest learnings from a 2019 P...

KC: A City of Opportunity w/ Laura Steele & Michael Kelley from BikeWalkKC

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Laura Steel and Michael Kelley with BikeWalkKC about how the city is making progress in active mobility education, pol...

A Big Jump for Bikes in the Big Easy w/ Dan Favre & Jennifer Ruley

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Jennifer Ruley, the Mobility & Safety Lead Engineer for the City of New Orleans (Moving New Orleans), and Dan Fa...

Inspired by Cities w/ Zach Vanderkooy

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Zach Vanderkooy, a veteran study tour organizer and principal of the firm Inspired by Cities for a discussion about th...

A Bicycle Policy Briefing w/ Ken McLeod

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Ken McLeod, Policy Director at the League of American Bicyclists, for an in-depth discussion about the current federal...

Cycling in Paris: Past & Present w/ Mark Cramer

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Mark Cramer, who is an American living in a northern suburb of Paris, France, for a discussion about how many years ag...

Active Mobility Momentum is Building in Memphis w/ Nicholas Oyler

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Nicholas "Nick" Oyler, Manager, Memphis Bikeway & Pedestrian Program for a discussion about the exciting recent ...

Ignite Your Life w/ Fireman Rob

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this special bonus episode, an Activity Ambassador profile, I connect with Rob Verhelst from Madison, Wisconsin, who is also known as Fireman Rob. ...

Promoting Biking & Walking in Provo w/ Austin Taylor

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with the newly appointed Executive Director of BikeWalk Provo, Austin Taylor, for a discussion about the current status of ...

Magic Hand of the Bike in Dutch Transit Success w/ Roland Kager

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with the Bike Train Guru of The Netherlands, Roland Kager, with the consulting firm Studio Bereikbaar One of the very fi...

Fight for Our Lives w/ Doug Gordon

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Doug "Mr. BrooklynSpoke" Gordon, one of three co-hosts of The War on Cars Podcast, for a conversation about the battle...

Deep Freeze in the Heart of Texas

20 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this shortie, I check in after finally getting our power, heat, and internet service restored after the big winter storm of 2021 thumped Austin big...

Shifting Lanes to Support Activity w/ Ryan Hale

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Ryan Hale, founder of Laneshift, a consulting firm in Bentonville focused on helping other communities become more bic...

Safer Streets Research w/ Wes Marshall

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with University of Colorado Denver Professor Dr. Wes Marshall for a fun and fascinating discussion about some of the safer ...

A Plain Bike Revolution w/ Erin Riediger

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Erin Riediger for a dive deep into the details of how and why there's a surprising Dutch bike culture bomb exploding i...

Restorative Natural Areas w/ Katherine Howard & Jo Fitzgibbons

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we head back up to the province of British Columbia, Canada for a conversation about Restorative Natural Areas with Vancouver-based K...

Becoming Streetsmart w/ Kelly Rodgers

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Kelly Rodgers, a Ph.D. doctoral candidate in Urban Studies at Portland State University and the founder of the non-pro...

Electric Assist Cycles w/ Darnel Harris & Jamie Stuckless

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the first of a new year and new season, I head up to Ontario, Canada (virtually) for a discussion with Jamie Stuckless and Darnel Har...

Season One Wrap-Up, Good Bye 2020!

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this, the final day of the crazy year that was 2020, I look back and reflect on the 52 episodes in Season One, giving thanks to our guests and you,...

Taking Action w/ Jonathan Fertig (video available)

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Jonathan Fertig, who is no stranger to the world of tactical urbanism, as he is compelled to do something to make the ...

How We Get Around w/ Andy Boenau

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Veteran podcaster Andy Boenau from Richmond, VA, for a discussion about the power of storytelling and persuasion when ...

America Walks w/ Mike McGinn

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome Mr. Michael McGinn into our virtual studios for a wide-ranging conversation about creating cities for people.  Michael McG...

Talking Fietsstraats or Bicycle Streets w/ Matt Pinder & Justin Jones

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Matt Pinder and Justin Jones for a detailed discussion about the ubiquitous Dutch Fietsstraats or Bicycle Priority Str...

Rolling Down Santa Barbara's Car-Free Main Street w/ Frank Peters (video available)

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I catch up with bicycle and clean air advocate extraordinaire Frank Peters of Santa Barbara, CA. The primary topic is the city's tran...

Human-Scaled Accessibility w/ Meredith Glaser

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Meredith Glaser, a Ph.D. doctoral candidate within the University of Amsterdam's Urban Cycling Institute, for a disc...

Up For Anything w/ Pam LeBlanc (video available)

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I catch up with Pam LeBlanc, a freelance writer based in Austin, TX, who is constantly creating content about adventure, fitness, and...

Reclaiming the Right of Way w/ Angie Schmitt

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Angie Schmitt, the author of the new book Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in A...

Bikepacking w/ Ryan Van Duzer (also available in video)

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome back a good friend to the Active Towns Podcast, Mr. Ryan Van Duzer, to talk about his recent bikepacking adventures and hel...

Parking Reforms w/ Donald Shoup

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Donald Shoup, a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Urban Planning at UCLA for a fascination discuss...

The Joy of Riding Again w/ Lennard Zinn

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion with Lennard Zinn, a Boulder, Colorado-based former elite-level bike racer, journalist, author, and...

A Wish For Wheels w/ Brad Appel

29 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Brad Appel, the Founder and Executive Director of this amazing initiative about how the simple gift of a bicycle can h...

Lovable Places & People Habitats w/ Kaid Benfield

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Kaid Benfield, a veteran urbanism professional and published author who tirelessly advocates for the creation and ce...

Seville's "Overnight" Bike Network Success w/ Manuel Calvo

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Manu Calvo of Seville, Spain for a discussion about the extraordinary feat the city achieved in dropping down a near...

Rolling Down the Road w/ Commissioner Ellis & Fernando Martinez

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Rodney Ellis, Commissioner, Harris County, Precinct 1, and the Precinct 1 Bike Program Director, Fernando Martinez for...

A Bike Friendly Episode w/ Bill Nesper

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with the Bike League's Executive Director, Bill Nesper, to learn what's new in the quest to create a more bicycle-friendly ...

Make a Difference w/ Charles Brown

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Charles Brown of Rutgers University for a dive deep into the inequities inherent in our transportation networks and ...

All Aboard w/ Mike Christensen

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mike Christensen of Salt Lake City, Utah tells us about his new venture the Utah Rail Passengers Association and describes how he's a...

Local Innovations w/ Kyle Wagenschutz & Sara Studdard

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I catch up with the Director, Kyle, and Sara, Deputy Director, of the Local Innovations initiative to see how the cities they are wor...

Discussing Our Transport Future w/ Todd Litman

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI) for an in-depth discussion about the exciting connecti...

Live Your Gold Medal Life w/ Susanne Menge

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I catch up with Susanne Menge, a dear friend from Boulder, CO, who helps people live their best lives. Susanne helps people discover...

Exploring Every Street w/ Janelle Naess

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Janelle Naess of Laguna Beach, CA, one of our podcast listeners who just happens to have an inspiring story to tell ab...

A Session w/ Transportation Psychologist Bryan Jones

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Bryan Jones, City Manager of Eastvale, CA. Eastvale, CA is the second-youngest city in the state of California and as ...

Induced Demand Innovations w/ Curtis Rogers

04 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I connect with Curtis Rogers, Co-Founder & COO of Parkade, for a discussion about innovative ways that communities can flip the c...

Run This World w/ Nicole DeBoom

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reconnect with Nicole DeBoom, a former professional triathlete, Ironman Triathlon champion, founder of Skirt Sports and the non-pro...