Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in Our Lives Paperback – June 29, 2021

This is an easy to read and well written book I enjoyed all of it

This second book by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett outlines the compelling reasons why more cities would be well served by transforming into more human scale, people friendly environments and most importantly by decreasing the speed and number of motor vehicles. Their "new" hometown of Delft, in The Netherlands is the natural inspiration for this beautifully written, highly personal, yet well researched work. It's actually a bit ironic that their first book Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality reads more like a potential "How To" guide while this edition focuses on the "Why". Curbing Traffic is also definitively not about bikes even though they occasionally play a supporting role, often in surprising ways. If you are just discovering urban design and topics such as active mobility, you are in for a delightful and entertaining introductory narrative. If you are more of an experienced urbanist or transportation professional, you will be treated to a thoughtfully researched and referenced text.In full disclosure, I do know the Bruntlett's professionally and consider them valued colleagues in this global effort to create more livable, sustainable communities. In 2019 my partner and I had the privilege of renting an apartment in Delft for a week and I can verify that the friendliness themes you'll witness in chapter after chapter are indeed the real deal. Not only do I highly recommend Curbing Traffic, but I encourage you buy an extra copy or two to share with your mayor and/or local representative on city council. Enjoy!

Focusing on the WHY communities should focus on reducing cars is such an important angle. Kudos to the writers for really thinking it through in a simple and passionate way!

I was recommended this book by Not Just Bikes, a YouTube channel about Dutch urban planning.

Please try your best to support the urban-design change

The authors moved to the Netherlands from Canada and here they offer us what they learned. This is a very comprehensive look at all aspects of what it means to live in a safe, vibrant city. When the car no longer dominates, children can develop independently, the old and infirm are safe and everyone can be more social in a quiet, unpolluted environment. Transport and road road engineers, politicians and activists would learn a lot from the book.

One of the best most interesting books I have read in a very long time. Their passion and care is evident throughout