The pandemic brought quieter cities, empty streets and hope for change. But once the shock passed, we quickly returned to our old routines.
For Rita Castel’Branco, architect and mobility specialist, “there is no need to invent anything new: we know what works, what we lack is the will to act”.
In the new episode of the Mobi Boom podcast, Rita recalls how the experience of car-free cities revealed the potential for a healthier and more autonomous urban life. “A city with fewer cars is a place where everyone can walk, children have more freedom and public transport works better”emphasizes.
Tale House
The problem, he says, lies in incoherent policies and a continued focus on the automobile. “For decades, 70% of investment went to the highway. We made the car irresistible and abandoned alternatives”, he criticizes. The result is a dispersed city, where living close to work is increasingly difficult and public transport is not always a viable option.
Rita argues that change begins on three scales: national, metropolitan and local. “We need aligned policies, better accessibility to train stations and cycling networks that really connect people to transport”, he explains.
But changing infrastructures is not enough. “The environment speaks to us. If the city says ‘take a car, it’s easier’, that’s what we do. We have to create cities that invite people to walk, cycle or use transport”, he argues. And he challenges: “Try, at least one day a week, leaving your car at home. You will realize that it is possible.”
Tale House
Naturtejo Geopark – Penha Garcia
Joel Carvalho
Green Walk
Also read
José Fernandes
The way we move defines how we live. Mobi Boom is a weekly podcast about mobility, innovation and quality of life in cities. From electric cars to smart neighborhoods, we explore the ideas, technologies and trends that are transforming the urban fabric and our quality of life. If you believe in greener, more humane and practical cities, this podcast is for you. New episode every Sunday.
Mobi Boom is an Expresso podcast, produced by Tale House, and the first season is supported by Kinto.