Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around

On December 8, the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) brought together civic and business leaders, policymakers, and administration officials for a conversation about practical and imaginative ways to promote alternative forms of transportation. The event launched Cities for Cycling, a NACTO project to break down barriers to bicycle-friendly street design in municipalities around the United States.

Joining the program were co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.); New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan; and artist/musician David Byrne, former Talking Heads front man and long-time cycling advocate. Byrne is also the author of Bicycle Diaries (Viking, 2009), which chronicles his bike travels through some of the world’s major cities. His view from the bicycle seat inspired musings on politics, history, the urban landscape, fashion, architecture, globalization, as well as ideas about how cities can become more bike-friendly. Bruce Katz, Brookings vice president and director of the Metropolitan Policy Program, moderated the discussion.

After the program, panelists took audience questions.

New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, David Byrne, and Brookings Vice President Bruce Katz	Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) speaks while David Byrne looks on
David Byrne addresses the audience