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Active Towns

John Simmermanยท345 episodes

EducationSocietyCulture

Conversations about Creating a Culture of Activity: Profiling the people, places, programs, and policies that help to promote a culture of activity within our communities.

Episodes

1 hr 2 min
May 29, 2026Episode 341
Opening Up about Open Plans with Sara Lind

New York City is on the cutting edge of many amazing "Streets Are For People" initiatives, and Open Plans is increasingly front and center in this movement with campaigns such as School Streets, Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs), Public Space Management, Intersection Daylighting, and many more. In this episode, I connect with Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans, to discuss the projects they are working on and their universal applicability to car-centric cities worldwide.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Open Plans website๐Ÿ‘‰ Streetsblog NYC๐Ÿ‘‰ Streetfilms on YouTube ๐Ÿ‘‰ Streetfilms website๐Ÿ‘‰ My Low Traffic Neighborhood (LTN) videos๐Ÿ‘‰ My Donald Shoup playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ My first episode with Donald Shoup (audio-only)๐Ÿ‘‰ Streetfilms Ghent School Street๐Ÿ‘‰ My Short Paris School Street Video ๐Ÿ‘‰ No Garbage Day Not Just Bikes Video๐Ÿ‘‰ The Bruntlettโ€™s Women Changing Cities Episodeย If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky

1 hr 13 min
May 22, 2026Episode 340
Peace and Conflict Resolution meets Car Supremacy w/ Ashton Rohmer

In this episode, I connect with Ashton Rohmer, a doctoral candidate in Peace and Conflict Resolution studies, who is examining Car Supremacy and our societal acceptance of vehicular violence through her research on the ideology of car supremacy and on reimagining streets as sites of care and community. She challenges us to imagine more peaceful streets for everyone.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ "Car supremacy: Deconstructing the ideology driving our modal hierarchy" paper๐Ÿ‘‰ Ashton's website to follow along with her journey๐Ÿ‘‰ Brompton Bicycles๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Your Brain on Nature from my Bookshop or via Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam from my Bookshop or via Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv from my Bookshop or via Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Confessions of a Recovering Engineer by Charles Marohn from my Bookshop or via Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Killed by A Traffic Engineer by Prof. Wes Marshall from my Bookshop or via Amazon ๐Ÿ‘‰ Watch my recent Livestream with Wes Marshall๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Traffic - Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us) by Tom Vanderbilt from my Bookshop or via Amazon ๐Ÿ‘‰ Watch a short clip from Disney's Motor Mania๐Ÿ‘‰ My Peter Norton playlistIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:<

1 hr 21 min
May 13, 2026Episode 339
Sidewalk Nation with Prof. Michael Pollack

In this episode, I connect with Professor Michael Pollack for a deep dive into his fabulous new book Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of Americaโ€™s Most Overlooked Resource. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the book through the Active Towns Bookshop or via Amazon hereIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.Thanks once

1 hr 6 min
May 8, 2026Episode 338
Dutch Cycling in China 2.0 with Chris Bruntlett

In this episode, I welcome back my good friend and colleague, Chris Bruntlett, International Relations Manager with the Dutch Cycling Embassy, for a follow-up discussion about the resurgence of everyday cycling culture and cycling infrastructure as an official policy in a variety of cities across China.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Dutch Cycling Embassy website๐Ÿ‘‰ Chris & Melissa Bruntlett - Modacity website๐Ÿ‘‰ Dutch Cycling and China Part One๐Ÿ‘‰ Chris in a Cameo Leipzig Velo City Bike Parade๐Ÿ‘‰ Women Changing Cities episode with Melissa & ChrisIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quali

1 hr 6 min
May 1, 2026Episode 337
Why Did These Kids Sue the State DOT?

In this episode, we dive into the details of the Navahine Settlement with the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, with Luca Cuniberti, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council member, and Doorae Shin, Navahine Settlement Coordinator with Our Children's Trust.The settlement agreement, which the court has approved, recognizes childrenโ€™s constitutional rights to a life-sustaining climate and mobilizes HDOT to plan and implement transformative changes of Hawaiสปiโ€™s transportation system to achieve zero emissions in all ground transportation, and interisland sea and air transportation, by 2045. The court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the agreement for the next 21 years until its terms have been achieved.Navahine v. Hawaiสปi Department of Transportation is the worldโ€™s first youth-led constitutional climate case addressing climate pollution from the transportation sector. Thirteen youth from across the Hawaiian Islands brought the case in June 2022, asserting their rights to a safe and healthy climate and asking the Hawaiสปi state government to take necessary actions to meet the climate emergency and enable Hawaiสปiโ€™s paradigm shift to a climate-safe, zero emissions transportation system. Many of the Navahine plaintiffs are Native Hawaiian youth who are already experiencing climate change harms like sea level rise, drought, floods, and fires, which have threatened their lives and their ability to practice cultural traditions such as kalo farming, fishing, and gathering. (from the Earthjustice article referenced below)Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Hawaii Youth Transportation Council (HYTC) website๐Ÿ‘‰ Earthjustice Article about the Settlement๐Ÿ‘‰ Our Children's Trust website๐Ÿ‘‰ HYTC on Instagram๐Ÿ‘‰ Tim Gill and Alice Ferguson episode on why we should listen to children for urban and street design guidance๐Ÿ‘‰ No More Highway Lane Miles Episode with Chuck Marohn, Founder of Strong TownsIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healt

1 hr 16 min
Apr 24, 2026Episode 336
Livable Communities Require Livable Streets w/ Sam Johnson

In this episode, I connect with Sam Johnson from the World Bank for a discussion about the connection between active mobility for all ages and abilities and livable communities, as well as, overall quality of life measures. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Invest In Livable Communities๐Ÿ‘‰ Invest In Livable Communities FAQ๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Prof. Ruth Oldenziel from TU Eindhoven๐Ÿ‘‰ You can connect with Sam on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Ireland's progress in active mobilityIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, en

1 hr 16 min
Apr 17, 2026Episode 335
Changing Lanes: A safer street transformation documentary

How streets are transformed into safer, more inviting places is messy and difficult. This fascinating new documentary dives deep into the details of just such a transformation in New York City, and the results are beautiful and inspiring, yet frustrating on so many levels. You'll ask: "Why does it have to be so hard?" and then you'll see the very human responses to the prospect of change and how the advocates for safer streets navigate the minefield of barriers to progress.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Changing Lanes documentary website ๐Ÿ‘‰ Changing Lanes teaser ๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy David Byrne's Bicycle Diaries in the Active Towns Bookshop or via Amazon ๐Ÿ‘‰ My final episode with Donald Shoup and buy The High Cost of Free Parking๐Ÿ‘‰ Jessie Singerโ€™s episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Clarence Eckerson, Jr. Streetfilms๐Ÿ‘‰ My Peter Norton Episode playlistIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is Jo

1 hr 12 min
Apr 10, 2026Episode 334
Streets for Play, Streets for Freedom with Alice Ferguson & Tim Gill

In this episode, I reconnect with Tim Gill and meet Alice Ferguson for a discussion about a recent report they collaborated on titled โ€œStreets for Play, Streets for Freedom,โ€ which calls for a radical, child-centered approach to decision-making around streets and transport planning.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Streets for Play, Streets for Freedom Report๐Ÿ‘‰ The Urban Playground Episode with Tim Gill๐Ÿ‘‰ Fighting for Family Friendly Streets Episode with Tim Gill๐Ÿ‘‰ Marcoโ€™s book Movement: How to Take Back Our Streets and Transform Our Lives๐Ÿ‘‰ Peter Norton Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Dark PR episode with Grant Ennis๐Ÿ‘‰ Motormativity episode with Prof. Ian Walker and Prof. Marco te Brรถmmelstroet๐Ÿ‘‰ Lenore Skenazy - Let Grow episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Mara Mintzerโ€™s Growing Up Boulder episode๐Ÿ‘‰ The Urban Truth Collective๐Ÿ‘‰ Tom Floodโ€™s workIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- <a href="https://bit.ly/SubscribeActiveTownsNe

1 hr 11 min
Apr 4, 2026Episode 333
The Urban Truth Collective

In this episode, I reconnect with Tom Flood and Grant Ennis and meet Brent Toderian to discuss their new collaborative effort, the Urban Truth Collective: The truth about cities in an age of disinformation.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ The Urban Truth Collective website๐Ÿ‘‰ The Urban Truth Collective on Bluesky๐Ÿ‘‰ The Urban Truth Collective on Instagram๐Ÿ‘‰ The Urban Truth Collective on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Rovelo Creative, Tom Flood's website๐Ÿ‘‰ My most recent episode with Tom๐Ÿ‘‰ Dark PR episode with Grant Ennis๐Ÿ‘‰ Brent's websiteIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,

1 hr 12 min
Mar 27, 2026Episode 332
Pocket Neighborhoods 101 with Ross Chapin

In this episode, I reconnect with Ross Chapin, author of Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small-Scale Community in a Large-Scale World, for an in-depth discussion about this powerful approach to creating more livable communities.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Ross Chapin's website for resources๐Ÿ‘‰ My Pocket Neighborhoods video from 2017๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the book: Pocket Neighborhoods - Creating Small-Scale Community in a Large-Scale World:ย  or on Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Incremental Development website๐Ÿ‘‰ My Montreal Alleyways tour guide video๐Ÿ‘‰ Episode 76, May 2021, featuring RossIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, doc

1 hr 12 min
Mar 6, 2026Episode 331
Cities In Motion with Jacob Davis

In this episode, I connect with Jacob Davis, host of The Cities in Motion Podcast, for a discussion about what led him to want to host an urbanism and sustainable communities podcast that channels the tenets of the Strong Towns and Active Towns movements. We also profile the opening of the new Wishbone Bridge, which closes a critical gap on the Butler Hike & Bike Trail around Ladybird Lake in Austin, TX.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode on The Cities in Motion Pod๐Ÿ‘‰ Amtrak/Brompton Tour PlaylistIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel features my original video

2 hr 1 min
Feb 27, 2026Episode 330
Mission Accomplished Time to Stop Highway Expansions Live with Chuck Marohn

This is the recording of my Live discussion with Charles โ€œChuckโ€ Marohn, Founder and President of Strong Towns, about their Mission Accomplished: End Highway Expansions Now initiative, and what we as a nation and at the local level should be focusing our transportation dollars on.For more information:๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns Mission Accomplished websiteIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope yo

35 min
Feb 20, 2026Episode 329
Dancing Through Life in Hanoi with Grace & Dieter

In this episode, I reconnect with a dear friend from my Boulder triathlon days, Dieter Bruhn, and his relatively new wife, Grace. We discuss the Hanoi dance scene and contrast the culture of activity in Vietnam with Boulder, Colorado.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ One World Training websiteIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope yo

1 hr 15 min
Feb 13, 2026Episode 328
Killed By Traffic Engineer Again with Wes Marshall

This is the Livestream recording of my Follow-Up Conversation with Prof. Wes Marshall, about his impactful book Killed By A Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Wes Marshall's website ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Book Launch episode with Wes in 2024๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Killed By A Traffic Engineer in my Bookshop or on Amazon or on Audible ๐Ÿ‘‰ The Look Both Ways Podcast with David Zipper๐Ÿ‘‰ Jeff Wood's The Overhead Wire Talking Headways Podcast ๐Ÿ‘‰ David Zipper's website๐Ÿ‘‰ David on Bluesky๐Ÿ‘‰ Wes on Bluesky๐Ÿ‘‰ Chris McCahill, Managing Director at the State Smart Transportation Initiative on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Video clip from Adam Ruins Cars with Prof. Donald Shoup ๐Ÿ‘‰ Adam Ruins Cars๐Ÿ‘‰ Part One of my Boulder Cycle Network City Staff tour feat. Lucy O'Sullivan๐Ÿ‘‰ Denverite's take on the Alameda St reconstruction debacle๐Ÿ‘‰ Safer Alameda website๐Ÿ‘‰ Central Park Neighborhood videos๐Ÿ‘‰ Mueller Neighborhood Dutch-inspired cycle network design videos๐Ÿ‘‰ Daybreak Neighborhood videos๐Ÿ‘‰ My Bentonville playlist of videos๐Ÿ‘‰ CNU Northwest Arkansas๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns National Gathering 2026 in Northwest ArkansasIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy

1 hr 10 min
Feb 6, 2026Episode 327
Restoring the American Village with Diane Alisa

In this episode, I connect with Diane Alisa Tuft, author of A Love Letter to Suburbia: How to Restore the American Village, to discuss her journey into urbanism and her advocacy for walkable communities and the return of villages. As part of this journey, we discuss how a specific Not Just Bikes video opened her eyes to what was making her so frustrated and miserable. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Are American Suburbs to Blame for Everything? ๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy A Love Letter to Suburbia: How to Restore the American Village on my Bookshop.org or here for Amazon and Audible versions ๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns website๐Ÿ‘‰ The Strong Towns Podcast episode feat. Diane Alisa๐Ÿ‘‰ My Daybreak New Urbanist - Walkable, Bikeable Community video with Mike West๐Ÿ‘‰ The Not Just Bikes video that started it all, Why We Won't Raise Our Kids in Suburbia ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Tim Gill episodes - Safe for kids means safe for everyone and The Battle to Break Free from Car Dependency and Return Childhood Independence ๐Ÿ‘‰ Jason Slaughter with the Not Just Bikes Channel and I are discussing the Suburban Cul-de-Sac development pattern and unnecessarily long trips ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Strong Towns Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Pocket Neighborhoods Video with Ross Chapin๐Ÿ‘‰ Oulu video with Pekka Tahkola and the shortened version ๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Cycling Institute Gender Differences report ๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Jon Jon W - The Happy Urbanist๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Coach Balto on the Bike Bus movementIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through <a href="https:/

1 hr 15 min
Jan 30, 2026Episode 326
If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight with Carter Lavin

In this episode, I reconnect with Carter Lavin for an in-depth discussion about his new book, If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight: A Guide to Effective Transportation Advocacy. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Carterโ€™s website๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the Book via the Active Towns bookshop or via Amazon, and on the Island Press website, for a limited time, use code FIGHT for 20% off ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Livestream with Prof Wes MarshallIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Cul

50 min
Jan 23, 2026Episode 325
What Will You Outride? Esther Walker, Outride Executive Director

In this episode, I connect with Esther Walker, Executive Director of Outride, a non-profit launched by Specialized Bicycles with the mission of providing research, cycling programs, and funding to empower all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Outride website ๐Ÿ‘‰ Riding For Focus Grant๐Ÿ‘‰ Outride on Instagram ๐Ÿ‘‰ Outride on YouTube๐Ÿ‘‰ Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, a book Dr John Ratey๐Ÿ‘‰ Specialized Bicycles๐Ÿ‘‰ Bike Works Kona๐Ÿ‘‰ Jonathan Haidtโ€™s book The Anxious Generation๐Ÿ‘‰ My Bentonville Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv๐Ÿ‘‰ Coach Sam Balto and Bike Bus World๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Mara Mintzer, Growing Up BoulderIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- <a href="https://bit.ly/Subscr

1 hr
Jan 16, 2026Episode 324
The Civic Brand with Ryan Short

In this on-bike interview, I connect with Ryan Short, founder of CivicBrand, for a tour around Boulder while we discuss his new book, The Civic Brand: The Power and Responsibility of Place.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel): ๐Ÿ‘‰ CivicBrand website๐Ÿ‘‰ Get your copy of the book๐Ÿ‘‰ CivicBrand on Instagram๐Ÿ‘‰ Ryan Short on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns website๐Ÿ‘‰ City Thread website๐Ÿ‘‰ Ryan Van Duzer's Channel๐Ÿ‘‰ Priority Bikes website๐Ÿ‘‰ Green Guru website๐Ÿ‘‰ My recent interview with Anna Zivarts about non-drivers and the week without driving challenge๐Ÿ‘‰ Walnut CafeIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the

55 min
Jan 9, 2026Episode 323
Growing Up Boulder with Mara Mintzer

In this episode, I finally connect with Mara Mintzer, co-founder and executive director of Growing Up Boulder, for a conversation about the power of engaging children in community conversations like planning and design that for too long have been left primarily or exclusively to adults. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Growing Up Boulder ๐Ÿ‘‰ James Rojas๐Ÿ‘‰ PlaceIt activity๐Ÿ‘‰ My recent episode with Tim Gill ๐Ÿ‘‰ My first episode with Tim Gill ๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Playground by Tim Gill๐Ÿ‘‰ My Episode with Lenore Skenazy ๐Ÿ‘‰ Let Grow organization ๐Ÿ‘‰ Lenore's book on Free Range Kids๐Ÿ‘‰ The Nature of Cities mini-doc ๐Ÿ‘‰ Global Designing Cities Initiative Streets for Kids๐Ÿ‘‰ Mara on the TEDx stage ๐Ÿ‘‰ Anxious Generation website ๐Ÿ‘‰ Anxious Generation book๐Ÿ‘‰ Mr Get Out There Ryan Van Duzer ๐Ÿ‘‰ Richard Louv, Nature Deficit Disorder๐Ÿ‘‰ Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv๐Ÿ‘‰ Children & Nature Network๐Ÿ‘‰ Child Friendly Cities Initiative ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Rotterdam ride-along with Josรฉ Besselink๐Ÿ‘‰ Reimagining Streets for Activity and Belonging | Darcy Kitching | TEDxCherryCreekIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with cities<

59 min
Dec 26, 2025Episode 322
Parks and Fiscal Responsibility with Jamie Sabbach

In this episode, I connect with Jamie Sabbach from Salida, CO, and the 110 Percent organization for a very Strong Towns-esque conversation about parks and how cities need a better plan to maintain them and a better approach to programming more sustainable facilities, such as sidewalks and pathways versus large, costly sports complexes and fields.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ 110 Percent website๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns๐Ÿ‘‰ Verdunity website๐Ÿ‘‰ TPL 10 Minute Walk campaign๐Ÿ‘‰ Ryan Shortโ€™s new book Civic BrandIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting

50 min
Dec 19, 2025Episode 321
Week Without Driving Challenge Recap with Anna Zivarts

In this episode, I reconnect with Anna Zivarts for an update on the Week Without Driving Challenge and her new venture, The Non-Drivers Alliance. Naturally, we talk about the land use patterns and infrastructure needed to facilitate a sustainable non-driving existence.Thumbnail photo credit: Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections (BCTC) see link belowHelpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Non-Drivers Alliance๐Ÿ‘‰ Tour de Duzer Weekend Video๐Ÿ‘‰ My Mueller Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ NRDC Who Doesnโ€™t Have a Car๐Ÿ‘‰ StreetsBlog article ๐Ÿ‘‰ Pittsburghers for Public Transit๐Ÿ‘‰ Paris Lime Bikes with Child Seats ๐Ÿ‘‰ DC Week Without Driving -- who participated (and who didnโ€™t) ๐Ÿ‘‰ Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections (BCTC) 2025 WWD summary articleIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- <a href="https://bit.ly/Su

1 hr 5 min
Dec 12, 2025Episode 320
Mobility For All - Urban & Rural Experiences from Pennsylvania with Sam Pearson

In this episode, I reconnect with Sam Pearson, Healthy Communities Program Manager at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, to discuss active mobility implementation strategies in smaller cities and rural towns, and how to leverage existing assets such as trails and pathways.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Pennsylvania Downtown Center๐Ÿ‘‰ My Pittsburgh videos - Part One and Part Two๐Ÿ‘‰ Early Childhood Mobility CoalitionIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel feature

1 hr 7 min
Dec 3, 2025Episode 319
No Accident Why We're Inactive w/ Dr. Tepi Mclaughlin

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Matthew "Tepi" Mclaughlin from Perth, Australia, for a conversation about the institutional subsidization of motonormativity that directly contributes to epidemic levels of physical inactivity.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Human Kinetics Journal article with Grant Ennis๐Ÿ‘‰ Episode with Grant Ennis๐Ÿ‘‰ 15 Minute City shirt by Tom Flood๐Ÿ‘‰ My recent episode with Tom Flood๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns website๐Ÿ‘‰ Worldโ€™s Longest City doc ๐Ÿ‘‰ 8 INVESTMENTS๐Ÿ‘‰ย  The Conversation Article on Investment Levels ๐Ÿ‘‰ย  The Conversation Article on 30 km/hr speed ๐Ÿ‘‰ย  The Conversation Article on How to Stop Speeding๐Ÿ‘‰ย  The Conversation Article on Vision Zero SuccessesIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health profes

1 hr 12 min
Nov 29, 2025Episode 318
Understanding City Finances and Mobilizing Action w/ Michel Durand-Wood

In this episode, I connect with Michel Durand-Wood, the Elmwood Guy behind the popular blog Dear Winnipeg, for a conversation about his efforts to engage his community in discussions surrounding municipal finance, channeling a Strong Towns approach, and mobilizing a coalition of neighborhood groups to take immediate action on the streets with the city's (reluctant) support. We also talk about his new book, You'll Pay For This, which is part of a multi-volume effort called The City Project.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Dear Winnipeg blog๐Ÿ‘‰ The City Project books๐Ÿ‘‰ Reimagine Elmwood community effort๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns website๐Ÿ‘‰ Joe Minicozzi and Urban 3: Financially Sustainable Communities by Design๐Ÿ‘‰ Portage and Main article from 2018๐Ÿ‘‰ Another Portage and Main article from 2018๐Ÿ‘‰ Portage and Main article from 2024๐Ÿ‘‰ Probe Research Report 2024๐Ÿ‘‰ My final interview with Prof. Donald ShoupIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-Newsletter

1 hr 3 min
Nov 21, 2025Episode 317
CARGOB: A Conversation with Co-Founders Dot and Zack

In this episode, I connect with Dorothy "Dot" Fennell and Zack DeClerk, co-founders of CargoB, a cargo bike-sharing scheme based in the Boston area. Inspired by the Dutch program Cargoroo, CargoB, employs a fleet of UrbanArrow bakfiets-style cargo bikes for folks to check out and use as needed.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ The CargoB website๐Ÿ‘‰ The Oslo Whee Cargo Bike Leasing Program on-bike interview with Kari Anne Part One and Part Two๐Ÿ‘‰ Utrecht's Bike Flip Program Profile Video๐Ÿ‘‰ Boston & Cambridge 2025 CNU Tour Part One and Part Two๐Ÿ‘‰ My Personal Boston Tour with Peter Cheung๐Ÿ‘‰ Cambridge City Staff NACTO Tour 2019If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active

46 min
Nov 12, 2025Episode 316
Dutch Cycling Manifesto w/ Researcher Michela Grasso

In this episode, I connect with Michela Grasso, a researcher and writer with the Urban Cycling Institute in Amsterdam, for a discussion about some of her recent projects, including the publication of A Manifesto for Cycling Futures and Planning the Cycling City: A Field Guide.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Meredith Glasser video playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Cycling Institute playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Cycling Institute website๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Cycling Substack๐Ÿ‘‰ A Manifesto for Cycling Futures๐Ÿ‘‰ Planning the Cycling City: A Field Guide๐Ÿ‘‰ My Almere On-Bike Interview & Tour with Wouter RademakerIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling es

1 hr 7 min
Nov 7, 2025Episode 315
Women Changing Cities w/ Melissa & Chris Bruntlett

In this episode, I reconnect once again with Melissa & Chris Bruntlett from Delft, NL, for a conversation about their beautiful and inspirational new book, Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Transformation. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Melissa & Chris Bruntlett's Modacity website๐Ÿ‘‰ Women Changing Cities on Bookshop.org or on Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Dutch Cycling Embassy๐Ÿ‘‰ Melissa's new venture๐Ÿ‘‰ My Paris PlaylistIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Act

1 hr 4 min
Oct 30, 2025Episode 314
Cycling Cities: Minneapolis w/ Researcher Peter Bird

In this episode, I connect with Peter Bird, a resident of Heidelberg, Germany, and a doctoral researcher at the Technical University (TU) Eindhoven in the Netherlands, to continue my discussions* about the Cycling Cities Initiative. He is studying and documenting the historical context of Minneapolis as an impressive North American example of a Cycling City. *ICYMI: Refer to Episode 311 feat. Prof. Ruth OldenzielHelpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Cycling Cities website๐Ÿ‘‰ Cycling Cities Minneapolis๐Ÿ‘‰ Cycling Cities Minneapolis GoFundMe๐Ÿ‘‰ Peter Bird on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ My Berlin VideoIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active

44 min
Oct 24, 2025Episode 313
Loving Life Unfolded w/ Brompton USA President Juliet Scott-Croxford

In this episode, I connect with the President of Brompton USA, Juliet Scott-Croxford, for a discussion about some exciting new developments 50 years after the first classic Brompton was built, including the release of the versatile new G-Line with 20-inch wheels and a UL-approved e-assist power system. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Brompton USA website๐Ÿ‘‰ Brompton International website๐Ÿ‘‰ My Interview with Brompton CEO Will Butler Adams๐Ÿ‘‰ My Brompton Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ My Amtrak & Brompton PlaylistIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that

1 hr 33 min
Oct 17, 2025Episode 312
Life After Cars w/ Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon

In this episode, I am joined by Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear to discuss their new book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, which was inspired in part by their podcast, The War on Cars. Topics discussed include the origins of The War on Cars podcast name, having a good car management plan like the one implemented in Ghent, school streets, bike buses, the enhanced sociability of traffic-calmed streets, and so much more.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Life After Cars:ย on Bookshop.org or on Amazonย  ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Bruce Appleyard episode๐Ÿ‘‰ My recent episode with Tim Gill ๐Ÿ‘‰ Bike Bus video playlist ๐Ÿ‘‰ Montclair Bike Bus profile ๐Ÿ‘‰ My Paris School Streets video ๐Ÿ‘‰ 15 Minutes Cities conspiracy shirt by Tom Flood๐Ÿ‘‰ My Peter Norton playlistIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public healt

55 min
Oct 10, 2025Episode 311
The Cycling Cities w/ Prof. Ruth Oldenziel

In this episode, I reconnect with Prof. Ruth Oldenziel from the Technical University in Eindhoven for a discussion about the global Cycling Cities Initiative, which kicked off in 2016 with the publicationย  of the Cycling Cities: The European Experience coffee table book, which I happen to have in my house. We talk about the maturation of the project, including the upcoming release of the Cycling Cities: The African Experience, as well as the first from North America, Minneapolis. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Cycling Cities website๐Ÿ‘‰ Help fund the African book๐Ÿ‘‰ Peter Norton playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ My final episode with Prof. Donald ShoupIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they mi

56 min
Oct 2, 2025Episode 310
Love Where You Live (Boulder Edition) with Michael Lovato

In this episode, I connect with Michael Lovato, a former professional triathlete and champion at the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 distances, for a conversation about Boulder real estate, quality of life measures, and how the Boulder Valley promotes and supports a culture of activity.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Lovato Properties website ๐Ÿ‘‰ Love Where You Live Podcast ๐Ÿ‘‰ The First Episode with Michael & Amanda๐Ÿ‘‰ Lovato Properties YouTube Channel๐Ÿ‘‰ Ryan Van Duzer's Channel๐Ÿ‘‰ David Roche's Channel๐Ÿ‘‰ Also, check out the fabulous new doc on David Roche's improbable return to and triumph at Leadville 100 2025If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.</

1 hr 19 min
Sep 27, 2025Episode 309
Reclaiming the Road w/ Prof. David Prytherch

In this episode, I connect with David Prytherch, Professor of Geography at Miami University in Oxford, OH, for a conversation about transforming our streets back into people-oriented places and his recently published book, Reclaiming the Road: Mobility Justice Beyond Complete Streets.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Reclaiming the Road in the Active Towns bookshop and on Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Amtrak Tour link ๐Ÿ‘‰ Tucson trip video no. 1 and no. 2๐Ÿ‘‰ My 2024 European trip ๐Ÿ‘‰ My episodes with Peter Norton๐Ÿ‘‰ My Pittsburgh videos - Part One and Part Two๐Ÿ‘‰ My Oakland conversation with Warren Logan๐Ÿ‘‰ My Oulu, Finland episode with Pekka Tahkola๐Ÿ‘‰ย  NACTO - National Association of City Transportation Officials, here's my episode on the NACTO bikeway guideThank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:<br

1 hr 8 min
Sep 19, 2025Episode 308
A Framework for Combating Motonormativity w/ Dr. Catherine Elliot

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Catherine Elliot, an American living in Winterthur, Switzerland, just outside of Zรผrich, for a discussion about strategies for overcoming motonormativity, some research that she's been involved with in this realm, including the concept of E-Bike City, and the Moveable initiative.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Thanks to Chris Bruntlett with the Dutch Cycling Embassy for connecting us๐Ÿ‘‰ย Motonormativity "Car-Brain" episode๐Ÿ‘‰ NYT Opinion Slomo video๐Ÿ‘‰ Professor Wes Marshall's book Killed by a Traffic Engineer or on Amazon here๐Ÿ‘‰ My Livestream here on YouTube with Wes๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Dr. Dick Jackson๐Ÿ‘‰ My recent episode with Tom Flood๐Ÿ‘‰ My Families for Safe Streets episode๐Ÿ‘‰ My most recent Tour de Fat profile video๐Ÿ‘‰ Fort Collins Bike Co-Op story about Raphael Cletero๐Ÿ‘‰ E-Bike City (EBC) best link๐Ÿ‘‰ EBC Project Website for the General Public๐Ÿ‘‰ University Website with publications๐Ÿ‘‰ EBC Presentation of Main Findings๐Ÿ‘‰ EBC Visualizations for download๐Ÿ‘‰ EBC Storymaps๐Ÿ‘‰ The E-Bike City: Designing sustainable streets. Summary PDF of findings๐Ÿ‘‰ All EBC animations/3D videos๐Ÿ‘‰ EBC Explainer animation๐Ÿ‘‰ EBC 3D video๐Ÿ‘‰ Bikeable, walkable, moveable, schoolable website๐Ÿ‘‰ Moveable Explainer videoThank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActiveTowns?sub_co

57 min
Sep 12, 2025Episode 307
Why Are Dutch Employers Subsidizing Driving in 2025?

In this episode, I connect with Peter Nouwen from 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands for a discussion about the productivity benefits of having healthy, active employees and the curious, nonsensical policy practices of many employers that incentivize driving a car rather than taking transit, walking, or cycling to work. We launch into the discussion by channeling Jason Slaughter's Not Just Bikes Gym of Life video and give a hat tip to Mark Wagenbuur with the BicycleDutch ChannelHelpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Not Just Bikes' The Gym of Life video๐Ÿ‘‰ Bicycle Dutch Channel๐Ÿ‘‰ Wendy Suzuki TED Talk๐Ÿ‘‰ John Rateyโ€™s book Spark๐Ÿ‘‰ My Utrecht lunch crowd video๐Ÿ‘‰ My ride from Houten to Utrecht video๐Ÿ‘‰ Pete's commute ride video๐Ÿ‘‰ Pete's Strava๐Ÿ‘‰ Gym Of Life-Strava teamThank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns W

1 hr 11 min
Sep 5, 2025Episode 306
Adapting Dutch Cycle Network Design Principles to the North American Context w/ Nick Falbo

In this episode, I finally connect with Nick Falbo to nerd out on the history of protected bike lanes and protected intersections in the United States, how we got so off-track, and how he is leveraging the Dutch cycle network design standards to build world-class infrastructure here in North America while working with the Dutch firm Mobycon.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Mobycon website๐Ÿ‘‰ Bill Schultheis episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Ryan Russo episode๐Ÿ‘‰ NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide๐Ÿ‘‰ PeopleForBikes website๐Ÿ‘‰ Tom Vanderbiltโ€™s book Traffic๐Ÿ‘‰ Mia Birkโ€™s Joy Ride๐Ÿ‘‰ BicycleDutch Channel๐Ÿ‘‰ Talking Roundabouts with Lennart๐Ÿ‘‰ My Mueller Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Austin Dutch-Inspired PlaylistThank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- <a href="https://www

1 hr
Aug 29, 2025Episode 305
Car Free Parks & Trails with Paul Steely White

In this episode, I finally connect with Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, for a ride down memory lane, reminiscing about his time in Missoula, MT, his role as Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives in NYC, and serving as the final driver in Central Park and then we catch up on his more recent activities focussing on Parks and Trails from his new home base in Upstate New York. This is a fun one featuring cameos from our favorite A.U.T.O. lobbyist, Veronica Moss, also known as Kate McKinnon, Clarence with Streetfilms, JSK, and even Robert "Bob" De Niro.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Parks & Trails New York๐Ÿ‘‰ Empire State Trail ๐Ÿ‘‰ Adventure Cycling Association๐Ÿ‘‰ Karen Overton and Recycle-A-Bicycle๐Ÿ‘‰ My on-bike interview with Dan Burden๐Ÿ‘‰ Ep 304 Jennifer Hamelman๐Ÿ‘‰ Rails to Trails Conservancy๐Ÿ‘‰ Transportation Alternatives๐Ÿ‘‰ Barton Springs Road project playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ Meet Veronica Moss aka Kate McKinnon on Streetfilms ๐Ÿ‘‰ Kateโ€™s Veronica Moss spoof Times Square Redo๐Ÿ‘‰ Veronica Moss visits Times Square Streetfilms ๐Ÿ‘‰ Ep 275 with Prof Donald Shoup ๐Ÿ‘‰ Jan Gehl - Cities For People๐Ÿ‘‰ Carmel, IN Monon Blvd video with American Fietser๐Ÿ‘‰ Richard Louv - The Nature Principle๐Ÿ‘‰ Amy Camp Trail Towns๐Ÿ‘‰ Trust For Public Land๐Ÿ‘‰ 10-Minute Walk to Parks CampaignThank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns <a href="https://www.patreon.com/activ

1 hr 7 min
Aug 22, 2025Episode 304
Exploring the Joy of Bicycle Travel with Jennifer Hamelman

In this episode, I connect with Jennifer Hamelman, the Former Director of Routes at the Adventure Cycling Association, for a conversation about the USBRS (United States Bicycle Route System), the joys of bicycle travel and bicycle touring, and what she'd like to do next related to food systems. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Adventure Cycling Association๐Ÿ‘‰ Rails to Trails Conservancy๐Ÿ‘‰ My Bike League episode with Bill Nesper๐Ÿ‘‰ My on-bike interview with Dan Burden๐Ÿ‘‰ Ride with GPS๐Ÿ‘‰ USBRS Map๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Jill Warren (EuroVelo)๐Ÿ‘‰ My Brompton Playlist๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Heidi Beierle๐Ÿ‘‰ My East Coast Greenway episode ๐Ÿ‘‰ Adventure Cycling Short Routes Prg๐Ÿ‘‰ Ryanโ€™s Channel ย  ๐Ÿ‘‰ My bicycling with Butterflies episode with Sara Dykman๐Ÿ‘‰ Warm Showers๐Ÿ‘‰ Indigo Produce Growing Community episodeThank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is

44 min
Aug 15, 2025Episode 303
A Bold Mobility Vision Plan for a Dutch Village w/ Christian Ratering

In this episode, we'll head back to the Netherlands for a somewhat surprising conversation with Christian Ratering, a Senior Policy Maker with the village of Renkum, about some bold actions being taken as part of an official policy, the Renkum Mobility Vision Plan (MVP), to make the community truly safe and inviting for all ages and abilities. We'll also discuss his doctoral studies about how people with a variety of anxiety disorders navigate their world and interact with mobility infrastructure.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Renkum MVP document๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Cycling Institute article about the MVP ๐Ÿ‘‰ Melissa Bruntlettโ€™s new consulting venture, Modacity Creative Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Ove

1 hr 7 min
Aug 8, 2025Episode 302
Reflecting on the Dutch Cycling Embassy in China with Chris Bruntlett

In this episode, I welcome back Chris Bruntlett to the podcast for a chat about his reflections on his recent visit to China representing the Dutch Cycling Embassy. I think you'll be surprised at the scale and pace of the cycling infrastructure (re)emerging across the country.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Dutch Cycling Embassy๐Ÿ‘‰ Chris and Melissa's Books๐Ÿ‘‰ Chris's Presentation on Austin at Velo-city If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns where

56 min
Aug 1, 2025Episode 301
Families for Safe Streets feat. Amy Cohen and Patty Avery

To kick off Season 10 of the Podcast, I have a conversation with Amy Cohen and Patty Avery, two dedicated volunteers with the Families for Safe Streets organization, about how this national initiative is taking bold steps to confront the epidemic of traffic violence and change the narrative surrounding the preventable casualties of motor vehicle crashes on our streets, including policies to address the built environment and deal with the egregious of speeders and reckless drivers causing a significant amount of carnage in our communities.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Families for Safe Streets๐Ÿ‘‰ Transportation Alternatives๐Ÿ‘‰ There Are No Accidents episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Reclaiming the Right of Way by Angie Schmidt๐Ÿ‘‰ Speed Limiters page ๐Ÿ‘‰ Stop Super Speeders America Walks ๐Ÿ‘‰ World Day of Remembrance๐Ÿ‘‰ It Could Be Me๐Ÿ‘‰ The White Line: Changing Driver Behavior๐Ÿ‘‰ The Vision Zero Network๐Ÿ‘‰ What is Daylighting video from Streetfilms๐Ÿ‘‰ FFSS Story MapIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during

1 hr 2 min
May 14, 2025Episode 300
Restoring Mobility Freedom for Children w/ Tim Gill

In this episode, I welcome back Tim Gill, the author of the book Urban Playground, for an encore conversation about the need for more family friendly places that reduce car dependency and return independence to roam to our children, elderly, and those unable to drive a motor vehicle.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Previous Episode with Tim Gill and the Episode Landing Page ๐Ÿ‘‰ Urban Playgrounds book in the Active Towns Bookshop and on Amazon ๐Ÿ‘‰ Most recent episode with Peter Norton๐Ÿ‘‰ Episode with Isabelle Clement Wheels for Wellbeing๐Ÿ‘‰ Episode with Anna Zivarts๐Ÿ‘‰ Wes Marshallโ€™s livestreaming episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Killed by a Traffic Engineer book in the Active Towns Bookshop or on Amazon๐Ÿ‘‰ Episode on Indigo๐Ÿ‘‰ Profile of Culdesac๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Cyprine Odada Mitchell in Nairobi, KenyaIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment:

1 hr 1 min
May 9, 2025Episode 299
Recovering Our Neighborhoods with Seth Kaplan

In this episode, I connect with Seth Kaplan, author of the recent book "Fragile Neighborhoods" and a recent article "The Real User Interface: Recovering Our Neighborhoods," for a conversation about the challenges of our current community designs and how we can make our neighborhoods less fragile, or to channel Nassim Taleb, make our neighborhoods "Anti-Fragile" once again.Seth argues that our planners and engineers have built a physical landscape optimized for cars but minimized for actual human relationships, suggesting that the automobile is arguably the technology that has made the biggest impact on our associational life while our spread-out community design isolates and divides, weakening the bonds that tie us together. This is especially problematic for children, whose opportunities for spontaneous free playโ€”and the constructive friction that self-organized activities createโ€”are further limited when the physical landscape discourages exploration. He emphasizes that having meaningful destinations within comfortable walking distance is key to building strong ties between us.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ The Real User Interface: Recovering Our Neighborhoods post๐Ÿ‘‰ Seth's website๐Ÿ‘‰ Seth on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy Fragile Neighborhoods book on Amazon or by supporting local bookstores here on Bookshop.org ๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Neighborhoods paper๐Ÿ‘‰ My Let Grow episode with Lenore Skenazy๐Ÿ‘‰ Anxious Generation website๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns website๐Ÿ‘‰ Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) websiteIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a <a href="https://www.activetowns.org/donat

1 hr 14 min
May 2, 2025Episode 298
Design for Safety Over Speed w/ Beth Osborne

In this episode, I finally connect with Beth Osborne with Smart Growth America for an in-depth conversation about the Transportation For America Program. Note: A few days after recording this episode, Beth stepped in to serve as the Interim CEO of Smart Growth America.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Transportation for America Website ๐Ÿ‘‰ Smart Growth America Website๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns Website๐Ÿ‘‰ Strong Towns YouTube๐Ÿ‘‰ Chuck Marohn's YouTube๐Ÿ‘‰ Not Just Bikes STROAD Video๐Ÿ‘‰ Grant Ennis - DARK PR episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Wes Mashallโ€™s book, Killed by a Traffic Engineer๐Ÿ‘‰ Wes Marshall's Active Towns Livestreaming episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Interim CEO Press ReleaseIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesk

49 min
Apr 25, 2025Episode 297
Creating a Critical Mass for More Livable Communities w/ Cyprine Odada

In this episode, I connect with Cyprine Odada Mitchell, the former Director of the Nairobi Critical Mass and a passionate advocate for more livable communities that promote active mobility and independence for All Ages & Abilities. Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Nairobi Critical Mass website๐Ÿ‘‰ Cyprine on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Women Mobilize Women websiteIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving

51 min
Apr 18, 2025Episode 296
Chalk Riot Traffic Calming w/ Chelsea Ritter-Soronen

In this episode, I connect with Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, owner and principal artist at Chalk Riot, a mural company specializing in vibrant pavement art increasingly used to make streets safer for all users.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Chalk Riot website๐Ÿ‘‰ Chelsea on LinkedIn๐Ÿ‘‰ Asphalt Art website๐Ÿ‘‰ Mike Lydon - Street Plans Collaborative๐Ÿ‘‰ Pipkin Creative๐Ÿ‘‰ Toole Design๐Ÿ‘‰ Caron Whitaker from the Bike League๐Ÿ‘‰ Colinton Tunnel Video ๐Ÿ‘‰ Fort Collins VideoIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a he

57 min
Apr 16, 2025Episode 295
Car-Lite Living in Indigo w/ Scott Snodgrass & Clayton Garrett

In this episode, I speak with Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garrett, founders of Meristem Communities, the developers of Indigo, a people-first community that will provide a car-lite lifestyle plus the added bonus of integrated agriculture and open space.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Indigo community website๐Ÿ‘‰ Meristem corporate website ๐Ÿ‘‰ Agmenity website๐Ÿ‘‰ My four-part series of Culdesac videos๐Ÿ‘‰ My Mueller Community videosIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.</

52 min
Apr 11, 2025Episode 294
Wheels for Wellbeing w/ Isabelle Clement, MBE

In this episode, I connect with Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, a UK-based charity with a mission to enhance disabled peopleโ€™s lives by ensuring that anyone can access the physical, emotional, practical, and social benefits of cycling.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Wheels for Wellbeing website๐Ÿ‘‰ Active Travel England๐Ÿ‘‰ Paths For Everyone๐Ÿ‘‰ Laura Lakerโ€™s episode๐Ÿ‘‰ Beyond the Bicycle Coalition ๐Ÿ‘‰ Here's my LTN video with Ben Addy with Sustrans๐Ÿ‘‰ Tour of Hackney's Historic Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) with Garmon ap Garth Hackney Cycling CampaignIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreams 2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmer

1 hr 1 min
Apr 9, 2025Episode 293
AMPing Up Active Mobility Infrastructure Installations w/ Zoe & Kyle from City Thread

In this episode, we reconnect with Kyle Wagenschutz and Zoe Kirkos with City Thread for an update on the new cohort of cities engaged in their Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Assistance Grant Process. The AMP Technical Assistance Grant recipients for 2025 are Burlingame, CA; Columbus, OH; and Hood River, OR. These three forward-thinking cities join the likes of Austin, TX; Bainbridge Island, WA; Bentonville, AR; Cleveland, OH; Denver, CO; Gulfport, MS; Indianapolis, IN; Milwaukee, WI; New Orleans, LA; Petaluma, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Providence, RI; Salt Lake City, UT; Santa Rosa, CA; Spokane, WA; Syracuse, NY; Tampa, FL and Tucson, AZ; for a total of 22 cities that have benefited from partnering with City Thread.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ City Thread Introduction Episode 141 ๐Ÿ‘‰ My chat with Kyle and Sara in Season One๐Ÿ‘‰ City Thread website๐Ÿ‘‰ My episode with Greg SpottsIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Become an Active Towns Member on YouTube for exclusive member-only content and Livestreamsย  2. Join the Active Towns Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month3. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"4. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky</

1 hr
Apr 4, 2025Episode 292
Bike Streets: Unlocking the City by Bike w/ Avi Stopper

In this episode, I welcome back Avi Stopper, Founder of Denver's BikeStreets.com, for an update on their new mobile app, routing tools, community adventure rides, and the exciting Destinations initiative.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for more video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):๐Ÿ‘‰ Bike Streets website๐Ÿ‘‰ My first episode with Avi๐Ÿ‘‰ Destinations Initiative๐Ÿ‘‰ Daniele Quercia: Happy maps TED TalkIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Join our Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month2. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"3. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and Iโ€™m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,ย  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, en