Dutch Cycling Culture: Oh How I Miss Thee…
Sometimes a photo is enough. Or in this case, a compilation of photos by @monsieurballard
Bicycling and free beer in Bologna – a winning combo?
The Italian City of Bologna has found a fun way to incentive more sustainable transportation in cities – offering free beer, ice cream or cinema tickets to citizens who opt out of their cars and into the bus, on the bike or walking. Urban planner Marco Amadori designed the Bella Mossa scheme in 2017, which makes… Read More Bicycling and free beer in Bologna – a winning combo?
Cities must move to fossil-free and car-free for a healthy future
Clean air and clean water are the main things citizens want for their health and well being as residents in a sustainable city, according to a recent global survey conducted by WWF-Sweden. Clean air, however, has become a scarce commodity in our world as recently reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Reduce pollution in cities… Read More Cities must move to fossil-free and car-free for a healthy future
Mexico City: bicycle brigades to the rescue
**This is a guest blog post, written by Cynthia Menéndez, manager of WWF’s Sustainable Cities programme in México, including México’s participation in WWF’s One Planet City Challenge (or in Spanish: Desafío de Ciudades de WWF). Color, culture and diversity in Mexico’s largest city As one of the biggest cities in the world, Mexico City is full of… Read More Mexico City: bicycle brigades to the rescue
Climate change communication needs to move beyond the science
“People don’t care about how much you know; until they know how much you care.” One of the best videos on climate change communication I’ve seen in a while! How to craft a message that resonates, beyond just presenting scientific fact? Featuring Pope Francis, Tea Party Republicans keen on energy independence to challenge the fossil… Read More Climate change communication needs to move beyond the science
Stockholm’s Monday morning cycle commute: the joys of being car-free & carefree
To be stuck in (car) traffic is stressful and annoying: running late to a meeting, to family, a concert or a conference. Argh! Yes, one could leave earlier; but why plan your life around a traffic report?! Driving does not offer independence or the joys of the open road in such circumstances. On the contrary, it… Read More Stockholm’s Monday morning cycle commute: the joys of being car-free & carefree
Stockholm: reflections & opportunities of living in an emerging cycle city
I love Stockholm life on a bicycle: for the exercise; for interactions with my city and fellow citizens; for the opportunity to witness ongoing changes in transport infrastructure – and improvements to cycle lanes. Not least for the chance to reflect on the splendour of autumn evenings. Below are a few thoughts from a recent… Read More Stockholm: reflections & opportunities of living in an emerging cycle city
Budapest swinging city
Budapest (population 1.7 million) is one of Europe’s most charming cities. It is divided by the Danube River, separating the city into the Buda hills and the Pest lowlands; eight bridges weave the two cities into one. It is home to lively city squares, walking streets, public markets, parks and gardens – becoming ever more common… Read More Budapest swinging city
Copenhagen: Rooftops as an extension of the public space
The Danish capital Copenhagen (population 760,000) offers numerous inspiring examples of how to create a sustainable city. Currently it is developing a new waterfront city district, Nordhavn, transforming an industrial port into a modern residential and business district. While still under development, interesting parts of the district are nearing completion, for example the district parking garage, Lüders P-hus.… Read More Copenhagen: Rooftops as an extension of the public space
Quito: mountains, history & a giant conference about cities
In October 2016, 40000 people gathered in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III Conference. Unlike other UN processes that focus on national government engagement, “H3” also saw 5000 city leaders make their voices heard, meeting in Quito and Bogotá (Colombia) at related local government events. They did so to ensure the final document adopted, the… Read More Quito: mountains, history & a giant conference about cities
The Urban Observer 