In 2019 Melissa and Chris Bruntlett started a new adventure in Delft. They emigrated with their children from Vancouver (CA) to Delft to experience cycling cities as residents rather than tourists.
Following the release of their first book, Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality, they were already labeled unofficial ambassadors for the Dutch cycling infrastructure and culture. In their second book, Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in our Lives, Melissa and Chris talk recount their experiences from their first year in the Netherlands and the benefits of treating cars as guests rather than guests of honour on our streets. They have interwoven their personal experience with research and interviews with experts and residents of Delft. As they lay out in the book, the field of urban planning pays too little attention to the effects that a ‘low-car’ city can have on residents, both psychologically and sociologically.
For those interested, the book can be ordered from your favourite local book shop or through Island Press here: https://islandpress.org/books/curbing-traffic
‘I believe that to create cities that work for every one, you have to tell a great story. Promoting multi-modal transportation to a mainstream audience means sharing the stories of the people who benefit from making communities more walkable and bikeable, and showing what is possible if we rethink the way we design our streets and public spaces. I strive to inspire people to create places where children can flourish, and where the simple act of moving through their city is a safe, simple, and enjoyable act.’
Communications and Engagement Advisor
m.bruntlett@mobycon.com
