Movement: how to take back our streets and transform our lives (2022)

Most of us assume that the streets surrounding our homes are merely thoroughfares for travel from one point to another. But what if we fundamentally reconsider the role these public spaces play in our lives? Could such a shift improve our daily existence? Our heavy reliance on automobiles not only harms our personal well-being but also contributes to environmental degradation. The Dutch offer a compelling model with their extensive network of bike highways. However, this still leaves questions about where pedestrians fit in or those who prefer a more relaxed pace of cycling. What provisions are made for children who wish to play on their doorsteps or for local wildlife that enriches our neighborhoods? Why is traffic flow often prioritized above all other considerations? To create communities that are safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly, we must start by reflecting on who owns our streets, how they are utilized, and who makes those decisions. Journalist Thalia Verkade, alongside urban mobility specialist Marco te Brömmelstroet, invites us to reconsider our underlying assumptions and to re-envision urban spaces with people at their core. Be prepared: this fresh perspective may permanently alter how you view the street outside your home.