S02E08: Re-Thinking Mobility

Urban mobility must tackle an over-reliance on automobiles, which has led to both sprawl and inequity of access to amenities and opportunities, if it is to re-invent itself. Like other utilities such as water, what may have suited cities to date will not be sustainable in the face of growing populations and a changing climate. Swapping out private fossil fuel cars with electric and autonomous ones is not viable.

While digital technology can make transport systems safer and more efficient, we are also updating 200 year-old technology. Electrified micro-mobility to transport people and goods could play a significant role, as we are starting to see in the global north, as long as it is supported by high quality, segregated cycling infrastructure.

Citizens, particularly in the global south, are already spending on informal, often unregulated private transport. Governance - the public sector taking accountability - could divert this into integrated mass transit systems. Governments should also enable safe, inclusive spaces and allow urban residents to have access to all the benefits of the city.

Speakers:

• Laura Fox, General Manager, Citi Bike, Lyft Bikes and Scooters
• David Zipper, Visiting Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
• Dorina Pojani, Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland

Links:

• Hustle & Bustle podcast: Ep.18 Dorina Pojani - Brisbane's car-free community on Apple Podcasts
• Micromobility podcast interview, New York Times "Popularity of Ebikes Isn't Slowing Down", TED Talk
• What's Up With That: Building Bigger Roads Actually Makes Traffic Worse | WIRED