Reflections on Seattle’s #BlackLivesMatter Protest: How can we come together?

I’m often silent on #BlackLivesMatter. It’s not to say I don’t care; I care deeply. But what can I offer more than solidarity in sadness of lives unnecessarily lost? Then, on my bus ride home in Seattle last night, I stumbled upon a #BlackLivesMatter protest, in light of the recent tragic killings of Philando Castile, of Alton Sterling,… Read More Reflections on Seattle’s #BlackLivesMatter Protest: How can we come together?

08/07/2016 jenniferlenhartLeave a comment

Futuristic Peddle Power: Urban Cycle Innovations

In Amsterdam, I’m completely satisfied with my collection of “grandma bicycles” – or better omafiets. They get me around the city at a decent speed and there are usually spaces to safely lock my bike(s) when I proceed by foot. But Amsterdam is a cycle city, with plenty of bike parking (and/or canal bridges) to choose from. It’s… Read More Futuristic Peddle Power: Urban Cycle Innovations

25/01/201601/03/2016 jenniferlenhartLeave a comment

The “how to” of becoming an urban cyclist…

Having spent the last 10 years living (or regularly visiting) established or emerging European cycle cities (e.g. Budapest, Basel, Malmö, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Paris) it’s safe to say: bicycling is in my blood. This is not just a European thing. I’ve tested urban cycling infrastructure during visits to Abu Dhabi, Medellín, Seoul and Doha. While a city’s walkability and public transport… Read More The “how to” of becoming an urban cyclist…

01/10/201406/03/2016 jenniferlenhart3 Comments

Seattle: Good City, Good Nature

My love of “a good city” stems from a belief that high quality, mixed-use and dense urban living can ensure that the natural places I love endure. While I originally thought to write about Amsterdam in this regard, I will move that to Part Two of the Good City, Good Nature series (if I can call… Read More Seattle: Good City, Good Nature

05/02/201402/03/2016 jenniferlenhartLeave a comment

Seattle: hiking boots & high heels | bicycles & buses

There are certain cities I have avoided writing about; they are too intimate that it’s hard to conjure a simple observation – where to begin? Still, when I think of high-quality urban living, the cities I hold closest to my heart are among the first that come to mind. One of those is Seattle, my… Read More Seattle: hiking boots & high heels | bicycles & buses

27/02/201321/03/2016 jenniferlenhart8 Comments

Street Music

I’m not a musician; nor do I follow many bands religiously. I love the occasional concert, but rarely justify the money. Let’s just say I was never a groupie. Still, I consider myself a music lover – especially when it completes a particular scene. I have always been a fan of street music,… Read More Street Music

10/04/201215/04/2013 jenniferlenhartLeave a comment

The Urban Observer

The everyday life & surprises of living an urban existence

Tag: Seattle