Declaring a War on Cars

Join us as we bike around New York City with Doug Gordan, the co-host of The War on Cars Podcast. We explore a wide array of fascinating topics about reshaping our communities and reclaiming our public spaces. From his passionate advocacy work and the undeniable social benefits of choosing bikes over cars, this rider story is a thought-provoking journey into the world of urban mobility and sustainable transportation.
Whether you are an urban planner, cycling enthusiast, or simply interested in reshaping the way we move and interact within our cities, this interview offers valuable insights and inspiring ideas for building a more sustainable and vibrant future.
So, what do you think about starting a starting war on cars?
Timecodes:
0:00 What is The War on Cars?
0:55 Bike advocacy work in Brooklyn, NY
1:50 Cars banned in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
2:10 Reclaiming our public space
2:35 Freedom of having transportation options
4:05 Why people are afraid of change
5:15 You can’t make everybody happy
5:45 Most people in NYC do not own a car
6:45 Streets going car-free
7:10 Traveling by car is anti-social
8:05 Living in a city fosters community
9:00 Not everybody benefits from every amenity
9:50 Did we go too far with automobiles?
10:50 Public transportation brings people together
11:40 Power dynamics of bikes vs cars
13:25 Prospect Park West bike lane fight
15:15 The war on pedestrians
15:55 American Love Affair with the Automobile Brainwashing
17:05 Having a variety of transportation choices
17:50 Why become a local advocate
19:20 Bike people are the best type of people
20:20 The struggles of parallel parking in New York City
Musicbed Sync ID: MB0116U0XDT36HF

[@aaronfrazierhughes]

Considering the war on bicycles, pedestrians, trains and trams by the auto industry the last 100 years, it doesn't seems preposterous to return fire on occasion.

[@Propelbikes]

We agree! Let's not just lay down and take it!

[@leonpaelinck]

That war is far from over

[@nunyabidness3075]

The atrocities of that war seem to be WAY overrated in my opinion. There was no secret virus released that made most Americans want cars. The overwhelming majority of people in this democracy wanted them. Everyone should remember this is STILL a democracy. Fighting a “war” with drivers and suburbanites is plain stupid. Better to sell than tell. Also, I doubt very much you can trace very much anti transit support back to Detroit in the last twenty years if you can find much at all. This channel is likely seen as propaganda by some nuts who for some reason hate e-bikes. Focus on the positives.

[@hilldoggydogg635]

@@Propelbikes I'm all for positive Urban Development and transit, but I'm against the Malthusian Climate Scam Hoax & Agenda 2030. Recently our cities are being destroyed by needless bike lanes (while ripping out needed car lanes who could of just merged to avoid bikes before) and idiotic cookie cutter planning promoted by large oligarch foundations meant to reduce mobility. The attack on Private Vehicles is also very disturbing, in many cities across NA they have horrendous transit, people don't have other options. The working class is being taxed to death over a scientific hoax (man made CO2 causing global warming) and can no longer afford mobility. This must end! Not everyone can bike, in Edmonton it gets down to -40. Seniors or disabled people can't always bike in -40. It's time to put an end to this Malthusian anti-working class nonsense!

[@Iri5hman]

It doesn't have to be a war against anything... its too reductive and ends up pushing people away that would otherwise be on board for better infrastructure. Like the anti-public transit idiots its not, only cars or no cars what-so-ever. So lets not push people away needlesly...

[@liamboyd6882]

When I tell my dad we should allow cities to build things without designing purely for cars he says “ why do u want the government to tell everyone how to live”. He has worked construction my whole life and knows that there are parking minimums and zoning regulations and he still doesn’t see that the government forces a car centric development. I don’t understand how Americans are so dense when it comes to city design.

[@Propelbikes]

These ideas are so engrained in American culture. I was just listening to a podcast about how coach change their formula and many people saw it as challenging American ideals. It’s very interesting how we can become so attached to things, sometimes even if they hurt us or others.

[@Kanadabalsam]

I’ve found that framing the entire thing around freedom works wonders. As in “why should we all be forced to drive and live in suburbs? shouldn’t people have a right to be free to choose on how they want move around? or where they live?” Or “everyone should be able to free to chose how to move in the city, either cars, or bikes or buses or trains” Genuinely seen people come around when it’s said like that.

[@edwardmiessner6502]

Americans - my fellow citizens - are so bloody minded carbrained, that they equate automobility with freedom. But when automobility is basically compulsory due to the way roads and suburbs are engineered and built, this freedom is _slavery._ Likewise the lack of automobility in these placeless areas is dependency and imprisonment.

[@JohnFromAccounting]

The government literally told everyone how to live by forcing every city to be car centric.

[@jasonriddell]

@@Kanadabalsam IMHO that is the thing "war on cars"="war on the way they know" and few people see a NON car option as a "viable" one so the "war on cars" is an attack on them and there "choices"

[@Sythemn]

As a car driver, we need to stop subsidizing cars, especially large ones, over every other form of transit. It's absolute nonsense to prioritize the least efficient way to get people around.

[@1776SOL]

In principle, I'm against all government subsidies, period. But since we're never going to remove rent seeking nor curb politicians' love for paying off interest groups with the public treasury, we could at least add in public profit sharing. For every $1 in government subsidy X% in profit sharing is returned to the public treasury. But on to your subsidized large vehicles point. The Light Truck category isn't subsidized. While still ridiculously regulated the light truck category isn't regulated to the degree of reductio ad absurdum like the standard automobile. Frankly, I would recommend we reduce the amount of absurd regulations on all vehicles.

[@user-zj9tl5tr2o]

​​@@1776SOLLight trucks are heavily subsidised. They should be banned in US cities.

[@mylesg7278]

Because public transport is definitely a viable, cheap, reliable and all round great alternative. Don't worry we'll all be in a 15 minute city soon 👍

[@AnotherDuck]

@@1776SOL I'd increase the safety regulations. Regulate how safe they have to be to people other than the ones inside the car.

[@Coffeepanda294]

@@mylesg7278 lol. Like a pizza cutter. All edge and no point. Also, soon? What CTers call "15 mInUtE CiTiEs" is how cities have always been built. They've been around for thousands of years without (((((globalist WEF Space Reptiles)))) taking over the world.

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

I find it amazing how less than half the people in New York own a car yet all we are shown is consistant gridlock on every NYC street.

[@Propelbikes]

Pretty ironic

[@edwardmiessner6502]

Constant gridlock discourages car ownership or at least it should!

[@janeblogs324]

Less than a qtr

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

​@@Propelbikes I some how doubt children we part of that survey though, I wouldnt be surprised if it was even less if they asked kids. They need to get around too as your friend pointed out

[@jasonriddell]

and what % of those cars in the GRIDLOCK are LOCAL VS "foreign" IMHO a big part of the "issue" is we are MORE concerned about people NOT LIVING somewhere having easy access VS the LOCALS THAT LIVE THERE

[@jayjackson5705]

A large group of Americans can't stand subsidies but there's such a huge subsidy on auto infrastructure that flies into the face of people who supposedly hate government subsidies. I always find that remarkable. Also, a highway doesn't have to make money, it's a public utility but somehow transit or the benefits of a bike lane must be justified? I think the tides are changing in all levels of government, even at the federal level.

[@tyren818]

ikr, so many of the urbanists don't make this point often, it's like they pleading to cars drivers, f that, just advocate for ending subsidies for driving and let's see how many people still wanna drive cars when they have to pay their fair share for once.

[@NiamDennegar]

@@tyren818 ^^

[@beckpack2400]

92% of American own a car and 8% use public transport/walk/bike. HIghway doesn't have to make money because it's used by everyone, and if it collapses everyone will be effected. If public transport collapses, nobody but few cities in NE would care

[@tyren818]

@@beckpack2400but the problem is how do you susidize 92% of these population and their inefficient habits. If the 92% of the population enjoys these subsidies and dont want pay for them fairly, they should absolutely have no right to complain about the financial future of the country, but often they have the strongest opinions and will blame anything, everything except the real cause of the issue, that is their subsidized driving which is the root primary cause of so many societal and financial issues in north america

[@Catlover664]

Want to take your pet on a trip using public transportation ?No way! For example, you can not take pet on Amtrack

[@RemnantCult]

I consider myself a motorist and I totally want more space for other modes of transportation. If I could drive less, that'd make driving more of a special occasion for Sunday drives or vacations. That's when car ownership is the best. When you have to drive every damn day and every other hour, it takes away your life. Car ownership should not be a requirement to live.

[@Propelbikes]

I think many share this feeling, we just need to elevate this conversation

[@fallenshallrise]

Right. If you love driving why would you want MORE people to have to drive who don't want to? Why would you want more goods hauled in trucks instead of by rail? Why would you want buses pulling out in front of you instead of having them in their own lanes or having transit on rails? When the roads open up then driving becomes a pleasure.

[@jasonriddell]

I believe every " petrol head" / car lover / ETC they LOVE cars and driving them ON OPEN ROADS not COMMUTING in traffic with them IMHO look at the "best drivers cars" and all of them are the WORST for commuting by having manual gearboxes and NON power steering and other "raw" / "connected to the road" tires ETC and "good commuter" cars are the opposite and the very models "car fans" hate like "CUVs"

[@BotsisAnargyros]

​@@jasonriddella manual gearbox is fine on a city. I drive manual everyday for 20 years in Athens with heavy traffic and still prefer it against automatic transmission. If you know how to drive a manual you just do and you enjoy it. An automatic car is like a city rental bike without gears limited and neutered you feel less Connect to the road. In this regard a manual transmission car is safer for bike riders due to more controlled driving

[@Koen030NL]

Im from the netherlands and I use my car in the way you discribe. I cycle to my work, walk to the supermarket and take my bike to go for a drink in the city centre. However when my girlfriend an I need to go to my parents or some friends that live 100km (60 miles) away then i take the car. My sunday drives i do while riding a bike. Its very safe here and it connects me more to the surroundings and gives me some excersize.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Also, when cars have tinted windows, I’ve had the experience some of the drivers would wave me across the street and I hesitated because I could barely see what they meant and then they would seem like they would get annoyed because I didn’t understand them the first time. Or else when drivers have tinted windows, you can’t make contact with them at all or they with you.

[@Notabot1310]

Car driver here, I want tinted windows to be more heavily regulated (No tinting at all unless it's for a specific use case). I can't see through the car (Seeing what the driver in front is seeing, why are the slowing down?), can't see what the driver is doing (Is the driver distracted? Doing head checks, preparing a lane change?). Limits visibility when the car is parked on the street as well. Is there a pedestrian about to cross the road? Is there a driver in the parked car maybe they'll might open the door? Maybe they are actually doing a U-turn but forgot to use the indicators? The more information I'm given, the better I can plan and react.

[@crassirus]

Wait until you run into someone with blacked out windows. Just this featureless machine driving like shit (they always do, why do you think they had to do such a deep tint?)

[@dominiccasts]

@@Notabot1310 in British Columbia, at least, you can't tint the front side windows, and can only tint the very top of the front windshield. Not true in all provinces (had to have a razorblade taken to my first car's windshield because it was from Alberta), but at least it's precedented.

[@Peter_Scheen]

That is why in the Netherlands you must be able to see the driver for this kind of interactions.

[@danieldaniels7571]

Considering that the car is a deadly weapon, I’m not walking in front of it no matter how much the person in control of the weapon insists.

[@tay-lore]

As someone who very rarely is inside a car, the discussion of the modal bias inherent in cars is still very real. Even if they can see me, I can't see a person inside of a car! Either due to tinting, glare, or just inherently poor visibility through the windshield. All I see is a steel death machine that will explode me if I dare get in its way. It doesn't really matter if there's a human inside of it who raised two fingers as a signal for me to go... as far as I can see, it's not a person (is a metal monster), and I don't want to die

[@johnfowler4820]

Great organisation in the UK called " not just a cyclist"

[@999spot5]

i been hit by a car n im still not this much of a pu$sy

[@kevinm.n.5158]

Considering how stupid the average driver is, they are absolutely giant weapons.

[@Yay295]

This just reminded me of a crosswalk I used to use on a small side street. I always hated it when I would be waiting for a car to pass, and instead they would stop and wave me across. Like, just go. It will take you two seconds to get across. I don't want to have to walk in front of your running vehicle. It would actually be faster for both of us if the car would just keep going.

[@delftfietser]

The crosswalk is there because in the past there were too many people waiting too long to cross. It's there to break the stream of traffic. Be cautious rather than fearful and use the crosswalk. If you ever make it to Amsterdam, you'll never leave the train station because the bicycle traffic stops for nearly no one.

[@magshubbard]

I moved to Brooklyn in 2020 and Prospect Park became my safe haven when the pandemic hit. I can't imagine the loop ever being full of cars. I think the whole borough would riot if anyone proposed bringing them back.

[@Propelbikes]

It is such a beautiful space which can easily be ruined

[@janeblogs324]

@@Propelbikes you should look at newyork or Paris before man built there.

[@foodbag312]

I grew up next to the park and it was scary when my dad and I would do laps around the park on bikes or skates having to share what is now the running path with every other person while cars whizzed by.

[@Thelastairbendy]

for the people excluded from driving, how would they get to in the park 🤔

[@paulmentzer7658]

How would people excluded from driving get to the park???? Walking is still a form of transportation and most car drivers WALK from wherever they park they car to where they want to go..I do not drive into my doctor's office, I walk to his office. Other walk from where they park they cars to they Doctor's office. The same with places of employment, schools, stores and other places people need to go to. The same with this park, which is in a large walkable city, people will just have to walk to this park, like most other people.

[@Dopedude44]

It’s hard being a disabled person especially in NYC and the e-bike community is just starting to embrace disabled riders… there’s along way to go .. I am hoping to help !!

[@Propelbikes]

Do ride currently? I'd love to know more? Is there a way we can help you?

[@Dopedude44]

@@Propelbikes I don’t ride a typical e-bike due to my disability.. I am from Brooklyn but live now in the Bronx, I use a E-trike I want to show that anyone who would like to ride should and can !! We just want to be included in the revolution!!

[@Dopedude44]

@@Propelbikes I am grateful!! I would love to help you guys in anyway possible!!

[@Propelbikes]

@@Dopedude44 maybe you can shoot us an email on our site. I would love to connect

[@Dopedude44]

@@Propelbikes absolutely I follow you on Instagram!!

[@MichaelSalo]

The war of automobiles vs pedestrians and bicyclists has more fatalities and injuries than many other wars, and all of the casualties are on one side.

[@kevinm.n.5158]

Automobiles? 36,000 drivers kill themselves and/or others with their stupidity every year.

[@Theroha]

The few casualties on the car side are so friendly fire too

[@delftfietser]

The War of people vs heart attack and stroke has even more deaths.

[@Theroha]

@@delftfietser Whataboutism is a logical fallacy.

[@delftfietser]

@@Theroha That's context, nothing else.

[@brayvdb2191]

I'm from Belgium (right below the Netherlands) and I agree to the fact that we took cars too far. It's supposed to be used for trips that would otherwise take a day on foot or by bike or half a day by public transport. But instead people are using them to get food around the block. And 80% of the cars are only occupied by 1 person while it takes up the space for 5 people + bagage. That's why I bought a motorcycle in the past, and that's why I ride a Load75 everyday to work and to the store.

[@justcommenting4981]

So is that like... further down than Mexico?

[@SergioAlbertoRomero]

I like the mention how you transformed from a bike friendly advocate to a safe streets advocate. I think thats an important evolution

[@choreomaniac]

I want safe streets for my children. And for me. Bikes are 1 million times safer than cars. We live in a walkable neighborhood by North American standards and yet we have to drive most places.

[@stevegelman7838]

I don't understand how people can be so against safe bicycle Lanes, I Go Everywhere by bicycle, and I love it.

[@Propelbikes]

Same here!

[@jasonriddell]

you are doing what VERY FEW people actually consider to do and see a "war on cars" = a war on there lifestyle/freedom/choices ETC

[@TheBrazilRules]

I can't understand how anyone can be so against anything. But here we are with activists claiming cars have every inch of flat space in cities.

[@hithere5553]

@@TheBrazilRules… that’s true though?look at a map of a typical American city and look at what percentage of it is dedicated just to parking.

[@vekaras2667]

Coming from south of France, small village, I only had the option to move around by car, be it driven by my parents or my own when I was 18. Since 2017 I live near Paris and have sold my car 6 months after arriving. Never have I needed any more. I use public transport daily, sometimes bikes, and have the ability to reach intercity/high speed trains or airports with the public transport network

[@Propelbikes]

The progress Paris is making is impressive

[@independentthought3390]

@@Propelbikes Very few people would agree with you, very few..

[@malteb.9585]

@@independentthought3390 How come? From what i've heard, Paris is actually investing in alternatives to car centric policy, and has had decent success with it

[@independentthought3390]

@@malteb.9585 "Violent crime and sexual assaults skyrocketed more than 30 per cent only in 2022 in Paris, break-ins increased almost 10% in the French capital. Domestic violence shows even more impressive numbers, soaring 36% in the last few years. Gang violence is also haunting Paris." 2023 is on a whole new level altogether. If you haven't yet fled Paris, now is probably the best time to.

[@Mostacherino]

​@@independentthought3390how is it related to bike infrastructure in Paris?

[@mrmrlee]

There was a huge war on streetcars by the bus manufacturers, sadly the streetcars lost.

[@Propelbikes]

The sad reality of our history

[@eatpigsnot]

I thought that war was waged by automakers and Goodyear. PBS did a special about it years ago. It has been a while since I watched Who Killed The Electric Car but I am certain it is discussed in that documentary

[@Enderrock424]

@@eatpigsnotyeah it was more of automobiles then busses, these days busses and trams work side by side

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Back when I lived and worked in , Germany, I rode a bicycle, almost everywhere to work for example to the grocery store, I had saddlebags on my bicycle for my groceries, and they were nice fresh bakeries everywhere My friends, and I often on the weekends and good weather would bicycle from village to village, stopping at the river or the ice cream parlor, or the café for a coffee or lunch and from Village to Village, there was a path near farmers land, just for bicycles, paved just for bicycles. It was a wonderful life, but my job closed and now, unfortunately I’m back in the United States in a suburb. . I hope you have some of the United States changes to more bikeable and walkable before I get to old to enjoy it. !!! All the biking and even walking and sometimes spontaneously running into my friends while out on the town really helped me have a good mood. Of course sometimes it was bad weather and I rode the street car instead but I still got some walking done. . And I could eat chocolate croissants, and still not be fat. !! And it was quite usual to see 80 year old bicycling because I guess they never gave it up.

[@Gaga4Aussy]

So true. My mom in Germany is 89 and rides an ebike since she turned 84. She was on just a regular 3speed before that. Doesn't own a car, walks, takes the bus or train. She says she'll get an electric trike if her balance becomes an issue.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@Gaga4Aussy ihre Mutter ist sehr Fit und gesund. Good for her.!

[@gur262]

I am German and can't fully agree. When you bomb down a hill n get nearly thrown into the field cause there's bumps versus a smooooooth road you think. When there's a parking new where it's dangerous. When you wanna do 45 km Home cause you should be able to do that n come across a bicycles forbidden sign and literally no other way to go. Germany still sucks for bicycles. On purpose.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@gur262 Depends on what area of Germany you’re talking about. It tends to be in University cities that there’s many bicycle paths but also. From to village, there’s even guides to the bicycling paths around lakes and other areas. Of course, there are some cities where it’s not as good for bicycling in Germany

[@djgolf3256]

Shifter the youtube channel, just made a great video yesterday about how montreal changed their citizens' mentalities from pro car to more pro bike/walking. Overtime people started to see how great walkable cities are and now montreal made a large portion of their downtown core car free with almost no pushback from their residents.

[@Propelbikes]

I love that channel! He's great!

[@jasonriddell]

the video made a GREAT point that IMHO NEEDS to be spread wide and it is NOT to be frames as a "war on cars" but making a BETTER CITY for EVERYBODY Amsterdam (DING DING) still HAS cars but chose to HIDE them and give the reclaimed space to PEOPLE

[@housekeepah]

Live in a small town in the middle of sweden (20k inhabitants), a typical small town in Sweden I would say. If you draw a 5km circle around the city center you cover an absolute majority of all shops/schools/companies. Sold the car 5years ago, getting around with an electric cargo bike. We have pretty good bike paths here, feels safe. And they are slowly getting better. I have 2 kids that, still ride in the cargo bile even though they are definately old enough to ride by themselves 😂. I cant tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, especially when going to the beach in the summertime - I wish every parent could experience this! I cant think of a single car trip with the kids that was pleasant, worth remembering, just trying to ”get there” and enjoy the destination. I know many places are not safe for bikes or some people have very long distances but many likely live like us and if it is safe could give it a try. Maybe you are inspired to try one. Peace and love from Sweden ❤.

[@Propelbikes]

Super cool! As a new parent I know I don't want to live another way

[@AnotherDuck]

I live in Stockholm (~1M inhabitants), no car, no problem. Lived in Västerås (120k inhabitants), no car, no problem. Been all over the country. In smaller towns and villages, a lot of the time you don't even need proper bike paths, since there aren't that many cars on the roads, which makes it much safer on the occasions you meet one. More importantly, I find drivers to be relatively respectful to others. We share the road; not compete for space. But that might just be my opinion.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I have been put in great danger several times when I was in Orlando, Florida, and some other cities where, in the small walkable part, I had a green signal and a crosswalk, but I had to walk across three lanes and a car driver who is still allowed to turn right on red almost hit me I wish in most cities that they would have a law against turning right on red. It is very dangerous to walkers.

[@VixLeu]

I've been actively grazed and yelled at by bikers crossing on my green signal and crosswalk because they're running red lights just because I'm crossing into the bike lane on MY light. But I'm the one that gets cursed out when they're running red lights. Bikes are very dangerous to walkers too. My friend needed stitches on her leg from a biker hitting her when she was crossing on her green light.

[@edwardmiessner6502]

@@VixLeu They cursed and swore at you and your friend probably because there were so many motorists probably a lot of them endangered, cursed and swore at the cyclists, even when they were in the right and the drivers were in the wrong! The only solution is to CUT DOWN ON THE NUMBER AND DANGEROUSNESS OF MOTORISTS.

[@janeblogs324]

Genius, now we just need laws against school shootings

[@crassirus]

Right on red was a mistake that is begging to be corrected.

[@TheBrazilRules]

It has nothing to do with cars. the drivers should give right of way to pedestrians who are already crossing.

[@garyharty1902]

I'm a member of the War on Cars. I'm a loyal member.

[@ashpunting]

Doug speaks a lot of sense. I like what he stands for I wish we had someone like him in the uk, then maybe things would move a lot quicker, and we get more bike lanes 🚴‍♂️

[@Propelbikes]

The good news is these ideas can spread across borders easily now with the Internet

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

I think there's a large, pent up desire to make our cities and streets healthier, more livable, more socially connected, and less car dependent. As for myself in Los Angeles, let's bring it on!

[@tripisco3730]

Great video! Recently started riding to work again a few times a week. There’s a tiny bit of bike infrastructure going up on my route. Anything makes me happy! People are scared for me and even my supervisor has me text him when I make it home. I think we all know how not safe it’s to be a cyclist in anytown, USA. Slow change is coming, but it’s coming, and I’m here for it! Your videos make me happy!

[@Propelbikes]

I definitely respect those that go out despite the lack of infrastructure, my willingness to do so varies. Please be safe out there.

[@steverobinson3900]

I’ve recently changed jobs and my new employer doesn’t provide staff parking, but they do offer a lockable bike cage in the basement. There are parking lots close by but they cost upwards of $25 per day. I am lucky enough to own an e-bike and am in one of the few parts of Auckland, New Zealand that has bike lanes, pretty much the whole way from where I live, all the way to work. The combination of these carrots and sticks made the decision to bike to work an easy one. Keep up the great work guys!

[@garthy4u]

That's $500 a month + gas that you're not spending. That's a win in my book. You could take a nice long weekend vacation every quarter with that savings.

[@alcubierrevj]

Two bike guys helping someone parallel park their car was sooo wholesome!

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

"Bike people are the best people." Amen to that, brother!

[@delftfietser]

Always easy to label as second best those one excludes and de-equifies by definition.

[@raulingaverage]

Loved this episode, with rich NYC Transportation history added to it. That's why in transportation & housing space, the diversity and abundance of options is what' going to help us out of the respective Climate & Housing Crisis.

[@Propelbikes]

For sure! Thanks Raul! Hope you're well!

[@Lurch685]

There is still no climate crisis.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Also, there’s many people that have poor vision who are older or otherwise or people that have to take medication and shouldn’t be driving, but are forced to since there’s not another choice

[@Propelbikes]

I think we will eventually do a video on this. There was recent study about the elderly being unwilling to give up their license and all they associate with it

[@madfx8058]

Yup, we are a stroke/heart attack away from a tragic car accident. Driving a car should be seen as a privilege not as a necessity! Thank you for pointing this reality out.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@Propelbikes thank you that’s a great idea and we need it !!

[@SNeaker328]

A friend of mine moved from the city to a suburb to buy a house after getting married and soon after developed a seizure disorder. She is not allowed to drive. The notion that being dependent on cars is "freedom" is so contrary to reality. She has lost her independence and needs to rely on other people to drive her around because nothing is walkable from where she lives and there is no transit.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Meanwhile, here in Los Angeles, unfortunately, if motorists could drive on sidewalks many would. Culver City's recent return back to car lanes at the expense of bicycle lanes is an unmitigated disaster. After recently spending money to create more bicycle lanes and better access for non motorized people, they did a reverse turn and removed them for yet more cars. Cyclists and pedestrians be damned. Totally sad. The contract that you mention, cycling lanes are just for the purview of people living in the city, should apply to the suburbs as well. It should be everywhere.

[@jasonriddell]

I wonder how much it was the anti "war on cars" movement Doug ford of Toronto ran campaigns to REMOVE bike space for MORE car space and reverse the "war on cars"

[@keeblebrox]

Thank you, Doug! You're an inspiration. Two cyclists helping a driver parallel park is a perfect display of the casual empathy that's encouraged by truly sharing spaces. I'm sure some of the drivers passing by would also help if they were walking by, but they're unable to be part of the community while isolated in their cars.

[@morganboutwell8231]

I’ve come to terms with not seeing a lot of meaningful change happening in my lifetime and it often leaves me very discouraged. Small steps lead to big change, and the small stuff matters! This was so motivating. Thanks y’all.

[@jackc1196]

Thanks for this terrific video. I had a love affair with cars for 45 years! Loved the designs, mobility, mechanicals, variety, and freedom. Now I live in Europe. Have not driven a car for 4 years and LOVE it. Take public transport everywhere, ride bikes, ride a tandem bike, and walk everywhere. I'm fitter than ever, (have saved tons of money not having a car) ... have no problem getting things I need. Really really wish I had moved to a bikeable city and country sooner. Anyone considering moving to a bike-friendly city or town, JUST DO IT! :😄

[@flowcharts7987]

8:17 any time I bike to school, I always see this one buff guy walking down my avenue, always wearing headphones, and always in a tank top. It's the funniest thing ever and even though we haven't even acknowledged each other once, it always puts a smile on my face to seem him walking by.

[@tomreingold4024]

I’ve been a bike advocate all my life, educating whenever I can.

[@danieldecastro7325]

Great episode and love seeing your advocacy continue! I live in West Chester, PA and find it intimidating to be fighting for this kind of stuff in a smaller town. Seeing these types of videos makes me more hopeful for the future.

[@Propelbikes]

It's definitely a challenge and can be disheartening at times, but go at your own pace and contribute how and when you can.

[@snowstrobe]

Cycling in my city is so stressful and dangerous that the 'little dopamine moments' are lost on me.

[@Propelbikes]

I know the feeling. Hopefully it Will improve

[@NeverTooTiredToRideTwoTyres]

thats rough, here in melbourne I see some wildlife, yes, kangaroos, birds too. definitely get what he means by little boost. parts of melbourne are scary tho, good luck!

[@fabrice14637]

what city?

[@snowstrobe]

@@fabrice14637 Bristol

[@stretchoxford7835]

I loved this. Also - so many cool repostes; Cars are like the internet comments section of the the real world!

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks! I really liked that quote too

[@trafficispeople5750]

It takes consistent, vocal support for biking improvements. This includes showing up for city meetings, telling your mayor and city council as well as the city/ town manager. The vocal opponents often use fear and misinformation so the proponents need to spend time and energy to counteract that.

[@goprohellfish0922]

Sydney is getting better very slowly. My route from Bondi to the CBD now has dedicated bike lanes (self contained) which suddenly made the ride fun. Some sections are still terrifying but thankfully that will be further reduced in the years to come. Aus is still fascinated with the car and sadly from 2023 they are getting larger again (F150, RAM)

[@Propelbikes]

🤞for more progress

[@neckenwiler]

We're making progress. It's slow, but American cities are much better today than they were two decades ago. That progress is thanks to folks like you.

[@Propelbikes]

Yes yes!! Definitely agree. Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement. :)

[@ActiveTowns]

LOVE IT! Go Team 😀

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks! Hope you're well!

[@ActiveTowns]

@@Propelbikes Yes, all is well here in Austin. Let me know when you'd like to come for a visit... wait until it cools off. hehe 😂

[@dfk09]

I wish I could live in an area where I can ride my bike to work. I live in an area in FLA where there is a mountain bike trail less than 5 miles from where I live but they designed the roads so where it's impossible to ride a bike to get there. So sad.

[@emmyb05]

Even those of us who aren’t privileged or fortunate enough to live in a city, we deserve safe streets also if we choose to get around via bike or our own legs. We live in a suburb and our errands and schools and activities are almost all within a 5 mile radius. We choose to ride our e-bike as much as we drive our car. And we deserve infrastructure that allows us to be safe on the bike as we are in the car… to conveniently get to our destination on bike just as conveniently as in the car. (Backstory: I lived in SF for a decade so I understand life in a city. AND I was just in Brooklyn and enjoyed the path thru Prospect Park via Citibike!)

[@emmyb05]

Very inspirational. Thank you for this interview!

[@johnorellana9864]

It's great how much prospect park has changed since the 70s. Bike lanes and running lanes.

[@terminhaider9695]

Cars should be an option. Not a requirement. If everyone truly commuted the way they wanted to, us enthusiasts would be dealing with less traffic. And more opportunities for us to save gas by not driving when it's unnecessary.

[@stevekrahn8808]

I just found your channel. Watching the first few minutes, what occurred to me was the contradiction of cars giving people the idea of freedom, while actually creating a mobile prison for their lives, separating people from reality, and taking us away from a natural way of life.

[@JeromeAHorne]

Excellent video! We absolutely need more biking infrastructure in this country.

[@robertkribs9513]

Thanks guys, you are both advocates in your own way. Chris, I live in Syracuse NY and we obviously are faced with more severe winter weather than NYC. I wonder if you would consider content addressing solutions to overcome weather challenges in developing bicycle infrastructure?

[@Propelbikes]

Great idea! I have been meaning to! I'll bump it up on the list. it is interesting that some of the places where people bike most have some of the harsher climates. I think perhaps it’s because people are a bit more hardy.

[@bobalinga]

There's a great video on a place in Finland, Oulu which has good infra for riding a bicycle in the winter and loads of people do.

[@MegaLokopo]

If you will never use public transit or walk anywhere, you should be the biggest supporter of better public transit. More people using public transit, is less idiots driving.

[@MartinWenzelYT]

Amen

[@bernd2244]

That last part was hilarious. Quick fix for the congestion issue, revoke all US driver licenses and make people pass a meaningfull diver test to get it back. Nothing fancy like the finnish test, just a mediocre one like german or so.....

[@Erintii]

I used to live in Toronto and now in a small, Swiss town. I am absolute hostile towards car dependency. If someone prefer own car fine, but I don't like to be forced to drive. Have no car, no driving license and feel no need to have one. Prefer trains to cars.

[@jakenguyen7463]

Wild that people still don't get that providing alternatives methods to get around means there will be drastically fewer people driving. That means less car traffic. Diversifying the means to get around is exactly how you make driving enjoyable again. It's a win for everyone. Glad to see more and more people are seeing it for what it is and stop fighting against our own interests.

[@Propelbikes]

It is pretty amazing how that works. I've learned that even though there is loads of infrastructure and public transit in the Netherlands driving is actually quite enjoyable there

[@chrisstrider]

I love my car for certain journeys but I prefer to use public transport Walk and cycle😊

[@Propelbikes]

Same here for sure!

[@itomg]

I'm really grateful how things turned out here in the Netherlands (ring the bell) , even more so now I'm aware of your struggles. Keep going for that more evenly spread freedom and enjoy biking!

[@hahafalseflag5090]

I wonder if most in the Netherlands know how good they have it?

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I noticed in the last decade that more and more people in the United States, and I think Canada also have bought bigger and bigger cars such as SUVs because they feel more protected. I don’t think that’s the way to go. I count it one time the number of cars passing me and seven or eight out of 10 are those big SUVs

[@VulcanLogic]

It's also part of a deliberate plan to put you in bigger, more expensive cars. Ford only makes trucks and SUVs and the Mustang; they make no other cars. When you add that weight to the weight of the typical EV, we're now doing 10 times as much damage to the roads as we were 40 years ago when the best selling car was the Ford Escort. This is something that cost money money on the back end, too.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@VulcanLogic I’m happy in my 60mpg Corolla, although I’d be happier if I had a choice that I could use a bike lane or a walkable city

[@kcdiazWTV]

I don't like to interact with strangers too much but I like to ride my bike to work. So we need a similar movement in California. Cars are expensive.

[@Propelbikes]

Some progress being made in California for sure. Hopefully it will continue!

[@Digital.Done.Right.]

Thanks for introducing me to Doug. Very clear in his mission. We need more Doug's.

[@jonathonalsop2120]

Toronto's trying to make permanent what it did during the pandemic by cutting parking in half in High Park, and limiting car access. The first 'man on the street' I heard on the radio was an elderly man saying it would hurt seniors and young families who could no longer get into the park. When I was there in the spring I saw 0 cars, but dozens of seniors and hordes of toddlers.

[@Propelbikes]

Pretty cool!

[@gregorymalchuk272]

I am guessing that the seniors who can't walk can no longer access the park in the same numbers. It happens at the margins.

[@jonathonalsop2120]

@@gregorymalchuk272 I agree, but that's where the focus should go, addressing access for those at the margins.

[@thund3rh4wk]

Thanks for making this great video with Doug Gordon! I’m a fan of the War On Cars!

[@schermnaam5811]

This is most balanced, comprehensive, astute discussion/explainer of both how N American transportation infrastructure became dysfunctional and why we must reclaim public spaces to serve people within communities. Kudos to you both! (Helping that driver parallel park at the end perfectly demonstrated that “the war” is with [prioritizing] cars, not the people that drive them 😊)

[@BoulderHikerBoy]

Doug is great at framing the equities of the bike-car dynamic just right. It gives me hope that we'll get this right, but I hope we get it right in time to really make a dent in fossil fuel emissions before it's much, much too late.

[@MalachiWhite-tw7hl]

Hardly. No one who views the situation as "cars versus us" has a reasonable perspective.

[@user-zj9tl5tr2o]

If we can just get half of those single occupancy trips that are less than 5km, onto bikes, on protected lanes, cities would be transformed.

[@Propelbikes]

For sure!

[@letsgoOs1002]

All I want in the suburb of DC, is just options. Want to go be able to bike that day or take a bus or a car. I also want to easily get into DC via public transit. Just give people options is the best way. After giving up 1 car for a cargo bike, it just so much better. We now have options on how to pick up the kids and do grocery and get to the metro. I also want safe streets. Safer streets makes it better for everyone, weather in car or pedestrian

[@Propelbikes]

This is the way!

[@letsgoOs1002]

@@Propelbikes I am trying down here to get an ebike rebate program. The Fairfax supervisors love the idea. Just waiting on the budget to be approved so the can move money around for it

[@tay-lore]

This was such a wonderful conversation! The War on Cars podcast is a good one!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

It might be a good idea to say on a KZbin video that you don’t always need to bicycle on one of those drop handlebars bicycles Many people, for example the Netherlands and Germany bicycle on upright handlebars and so then the image is not necessarily on a racing bicycle or strong bicycle fan but a regular comfortable bicycle that could have the image of sort of a work bicycle, to can carry things or even a fun comfortable bicycle for the weekend. And the E bicycle can also have a upright handlebars so people can more easily see and not everybody’s interested in riding as fast as they can, and also older people or middle-age might be more comfortable with that, instead of curving their back.

[@Propelbikes]

Totally agree! We are hopefully helping to change the image of the bicycle in the US. We need it!

[@dant.6364]

Drop bar handlebars are actually more comfortable for many people by giving you at least 4 hand positions. I almost always get numb hands from riding my flat bar bike on rides of 10 miles or more. And I speak as an old person (63 yo)

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@dant.6364 I’m glad your drop bar handlebars are comfortable to you. For me the upright handlebars are more comfortable and I can also change my hands to different positions.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@dant.6364 Another way to prevent numb hands is to buy thicker, bicycle gloves. I noticed when I used to be a bicycle commuter it helped me.

[@madfx8058]

I Live on the southern end of the Central Coast of California, its so tough battling this dependency on Cars since many people have to commute outside of their hometown in order to get to work. Many of the towns in my area where former epicenters of agriculture and I've watched over the past three decades how these towns grew because of suburban sprawl and now many of the roads are beyond capacity in terms of car usage. Cars are literally crashing into peoples homes! Cars are 45-50mph flying into peoples living rooms! I see way too many patterned crashes (the same type of crash that casually occurs on the same stretch of road). And yet we as a city tolerate this reality because of our dependency. My town was a major agricultural epicenter, now its a commuter town for people who work in Los Angeles..

[@Propelbikes]

It's scary how these things can progress. Stay safe out there

[@aidansullivan5703]

haven’t heard it put better up until u said it. the planning of social events has tricked me into thinking social interaction stresses me out, but casual run in are always joyous

[@Nicoriss]

The ending is gold, thanks for the laugh!

[@SwiftySanders]

Great point about the power dynamic with cars. People become weird when they get behind the wheel of a car. I noticed that with many people I know. 🤨

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks Chris!

[@allanjmcpherson]

Great discussions! I just wanted to point out that the so-called Stanford prison experiment was a complete sham. The experimenter was directly involved in the "experiment". He encouraged the kind of behaviour he wanted to see from the guards. There was no control group. I can't even remember everything that was wrong with it, but the main takeaway is that it was not scientific, it was unethical, and any conclusions about human behaviour drawn from it are worthless.

[@outtatrex]

Great conversation, thanks!

[@Propelbikes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Yay295]

2:18 imo, the first two neighborhoods shown here don't need sidewalks added. The roads should be the sidewalk, where people and bikes have priority, and cars have to drive slowly. Adding a sidewalk would (literally) cement in place that the roads are for cars only, and everyone else needs to stay away.

[@RDmusic071]

Great collab!! Love the War on cars podcast!

[@christianokolski9701]

The social interaction point is so important. We've normalized the idea that you go everywhere inside a metal bubble and never meet "strangers", such that social segregation, narrow-mindedness, etc. becomes worse and worse. Those random connections with people from different backgrounds, etc. are priceless, yet the American city built for cars (not people) has taken it away.

[@DanValentineFilms]

I love biking around Brooklyn! Great video, y'all

[@pjny21]

Ray's Pizza, Stanford Prison Experiment and Speed references. Hell yes.

[@Propelbikes]

♥️

[@Musicjonny]

The worst part was definitely the ad for a Ford Pickup Truck that played after watching the video. (And I am in Germany what makes it far worse as there aren’t a lot of these mostly useless vehicles here yet). Keep on doing, I love both your content and the War on Cars podcast.

[@StreetfilmsCommunity]

This was awesome. And a great use of a heap of Streetfilms footage from over the years! Nicely done.

[@ThalassTKynn]

The war on cars is a great podcast 🥳

[@kinoko9053]

I can't put into words how great this video is. I feel like even a car nut would appreciate this. My partner is a car nut and I'm gonna show him this. Thank you!

[@yourneighborwiththecutedog]

i saw that huge truck behind yall. trucks inside of parks is a HUGE issue. i encounter a work truck in a park every day here in portland.

[@sergigorchs7329]

Wow! Nice video. Thanks to it I' ve put a face to Doug. A year ago I visited Amsterdam, I am from a little village Near Barcelona. I was impressed with cargo bikes. I started browsing the web lookimg for specs, then I discovered Jason's yo tube channel, thanks to it I discovered your channel, and thanks to it I discovered the waroncars podcast, which I have in my podcast app as favourite. So, thanks again, I really like your bikes reviews. And I am not creeping. You made my desire to come to NY bigger.

[@milohobo9186]

I live in a moderate sized city that acts like a small town. We could very easily have a decent bus system, but it doesn't run very well. We could have decent bicycling infrastructure, but it is rare to have a single bike lane.

[@badhorse84]

really enjoyed those 20 minutes! thanks!

[@Propelbikes]

Thank you!

[@CJinSD1]

This makes me so incredibly grateful that I left the city twenty years ago.

[@darqueau]

Thank you Doug. I love the war on cars

[@nordmu]

really great video, thanks!

[@Mr_Yarn]

It's funny how so many people who advocate for cars and car infrastructure frame the war on cars as a war on car owners, but it's actually a war on car dependency. Case in point, the very end of this video, these two cycling advocates help a car owner parallel park her car, because they're not at war with her, they're at war with her needing a car to simply function, and were willing to lend a hand because it was the right thing to do.

[@Propelbikes]

Well put for sure!

[@Lurch685]

New bike lane was just installed in downtown Eugene, Oregon. Damn, the green paint they use STANK

[@GurHaenouasHazourem]

Big Bike's sinister agenda: to actually have liveable streets.

[@unclegeorge7845]

Really fresh. Thanks

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks

[@stinkypete3900]

We are fighting for "transportation diversity"

[@j.vanderson6239]

I live in NL (ring the bell) and I have a car and a bike. When possible I use my bike because it feels so much better for my mental health. You have multiple short interactions, especially eye contact with other people on the street. Short smiles, subtle nodding when you cross. It might sound stupid but it makes me feel so much better living in my city.

[@hutlito]

My 86-year-old grandma is literally not allowed drive a car anymore (and she agrees) but she has a three-wheeled electric bicycle she uses to get anywhere she wants in Odense (Denmark). Bike infratructure = more freedom for less able people

[@1981menso]

I live in San Diego and I am jealous of Brooklyn. We SHOULD be the number one place for bikes. Damn NIMBY's

[@Propelbikes]

San Diego is definitely well suited for that. It sounds like there is a lot of progress happening though as I understand. I guess it just needs to accelerate

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

America needs choices, not wars. Not everyone needs or wants a car. Many cities have no place to lock a bike up or don't have useful bike trails that take a person to where they want to go for daily activities. They are bike trails to nowhere.

[@AnotherDuck]

As briefly mentioned in the video, it's not a war on cars. It's the cars that wage a war on us. On our health. On our safety. On our lives.

[@adampepper-macias4618]

Thanks doug!!!

[@StLouis-yu9iz]

Great video, totally agree!