Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
@modacitylife.com
Dutch-Canadian authors and urban mobility advocates who strive to communicate the benefits of happier, healthier, more human-scale cities.
Pinned
The wait is FINALLY over!
Our new book “Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation” is NOW AVAILABLE worldwide through RIBA Publishing wherever fine books are sold.
From Paris to Bogota, from Manila to Montreal—when women lead, cities thrive: www.modacitylife.com/women-changi...
Our new book “Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation” is NOW AVAILABLE worldwide through RIBA Publishing wherever fine books are sold.
From Paris to Bogota, from Manila to Montreal—when women lead, cities thrive: www.modacitylife.com/women-changi...
Trams on grass, Rotterdam edition.
November 16, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Trams on grass, Rotterdam edition.
“These transformations are about understanding our streets are not designed for one purpose. They have always been spaces for commerce, community, and connection. And we've lost that in the last 50 years, as cars increased their dominance on street space, whether moving or parking.”
tiny.cc/hg2v001
tiny.cc/hg2v001
November 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
“These transformations are about understanding our streets are not designed for one purpose. They have always been spaces for commerce, community, and connection. And we've lost that in the last 50 years, as cars increased their dominance on street space, whether moving or parking.”
tiny.cc/hg2v001
tiny.cc/hg2v001
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Podcast Up! We talk with Melissa Bruntlett about the new book, Women Changing Cities, highlighting women leaders from Tirana, Albania (pictured below) to Barcelona and Sydney, Australia. @modacitylife.com @thewaroncars.bsky.social @visionzerovancouver.ca tiny.cc/hg2v001
From Paris to New Delhi, women leaders are making cities more liveable
Podcast Episode · Redeye · 2025-11-14 · 22m
tiny.cc
November 15, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Podcast Up! We talk with Melissa Bruntlett about the new book, Women Changing Cities, highlighting women leaders from Tirana, Albania (pictured below) to Barcelona and Sydney, Australia. @modacitylife.com @thewaroncars.bsky.social @visionzerovancouver.ca tiny.cc/hg2v001
“Now show it in the rain,” is a comment that pops up in our feed occasionally, as if the country that cycles 18 billion kilometres while experiencing 217 days of precipitation each year grinds to a halt every single time the skies open.
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad infrastructure.
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad infrastructure.
November 14, 2025 at 3:52 PM
“Now show it in the rain,” is a comment that pops up in our feed occasionally, as if the country that cycles 18 billion kilometres while experiencing 217 days of precipitation each year grinds to a halt every single time the skies open.
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad infrastructure.
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad infrastructure.
We’re spending a rainy Friday getting ready for next week’s Netherlands launch. Copies of Women Changing Cities are stamped, signed, and ready to go!*
Want to secure your own copy? There are still a few book+tickets available. Reserve yours today via Eventbrite!
bit.ly/3Lq1Ev5
*Cat not included 🐈⬛
Want to secure your own copy? There are still a few book+tickets available. Reserve yours today via Eventbrite!
bit.ly/3Lq1Ev5
*Cat not included 🐈⬛
November 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
We’re spending a rainy Friday getting ready for next week’s Netherlands launch. Copies of Women Changing Cities are stamped, signed, and ready to go!*
Want to secure your own copy? There are still a few book+tickets available. Reserve yours today via Eventbrite!
bit.ly/3Lq1Ev5
*Cat not included 🐈⬛
Want to secure your own copy? There are still a few book+tickets available. Reserve yours today via Eventbrite!
bit.ly/3Lq1Ev5
*Cat not included 🐈⬛
Lower ridership post-Covid, combined with ongoing budget cuts has caused a decrease in frequent and reliable public transport service for small and rural communities. Could India’s popular transport (or microtransit) be a model for filling gaps in these networks?
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/11/m...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/11/m...
November 13, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Lower ridership post-Covid, combined with ongoing budget cuts has caused a decrease in frequent and reliable public transport service for small and rural communities. Could India’s popular transport (or microtransit) be a model for filling gaps in these networks?
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/11/m...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/11/m...
From a mom-blogger documenting her family's car-free life, to launching her own business, becoming a three-time author, and working with cities around the world to change hearts, minds, and streets.
Thanks @zagdaily.com for listing Melissa in their 100 Mobility Changemakers for 2025: bit.ly/4qOVrsW
Thanks @zagdaily.com for listing Melissa in their 100 Mobility Changemakers for 2025: bit.ly/4qOVrsW
November 13, 2025 at 1:52 PM
From a mom-blogger documenting her family's car-free life, to launching her own business, becoming a three-time author, and working with cities around the world to change hearts, minds, and streets.
Thanks @zagdaily.com for listing Melissa in their 100 Mobility Changemakers for 2025: bit.ly/4qOVrsW
Thanks @zagdaily.com for listing Melissa in their 100 Mobility Changemakers for 2025: bit.ly/4qOVrsW
For taxpayers, every piece of cycling infrastructure is a gift that keeps on giving.
An asset that returns annual savings in congestion, pollution, maintenance, safety and healthcare over its lifetime.
Stop asking whether your city can afford to invest in cycling. Ask whether it can afford not to.
An asset that returns annual savings in congestion, pollution, maintenance, safety and healthcare over its lifetime.
Stop asking whether your city can afford to invest in cycling. Ask whether it can afford not to.
November 12, 2025 at 6:52 AM
For taxpayers, every piece of cycling infrastructure is a gift that keeps on giving.
An asset that returns annual savings in congestion, pollution, maintenance, safety and healthcare over its lifetime.
Stop asking whether your city can afford to invest in cycling. Ask whether it can afford not to.
An asset that returns annual savings in congestion, pollution, maintenance, safety and healthcare over its lifetime.
Stop asking whether your city can afford to invest in cycling. Ask whether it can afford not to.
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Want to learn more about the Dutch blueprint for urban vitality and the human case for fewer cars in our lives?
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Want to learn more about the Dutch blueprint for urban vitality and the human case for fewer cars in our lives?
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
“That’s what frustrates me about the polarisation of everything. If you say you care about cycling, you must be anti-car. Or if you talk about safety, people assume you’re against freedom. It’s all nonsense. We all want the same city, we’re just speaking different languages.”
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
November 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM
“That’s what frustrates me about the polarisation of everything. If you say you care about cycling, you must be anti-car. Or if you talk about safety, people assume you’re against freedom. It’s all nonsense. We all want the same city, we’re just speaking different languages.”
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Allegedly 12 years ago today at the @newurbanism.bsky.social film festival in Los Angeles. Time flies @modacitylife.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Allegedly 12 years ago today at the @newurbanism.bsky.social film festival in Los Angeles. Time flies @modacitylife.com
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Hey Everyone, here’s my weekly update featuring a flashback to my 2022 search for the “original” woonerf in Delft, an update on our move back to Hawaii, an exploration of Denver’s urban trails, and my recent episode with @modacitylife.com about their new book.
mailchi.mp/activetowns/...
mailchi.mp/activetowns/...
November 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Hey Everyone, here’s my weekly update featuring a flashback to my 2022 search for the “original” woonerf in Delft, an update on our move back to Hawaii, an exploration of Denver’s urban trails, and my recent episode with @modacitylife.com about their new book.
mailchi.mp/activetowns/...
mailchi.mp/activetowns/...
Recognizing bicycle parking as a critical component of any infrastructure network, The Hague’s Amare concert hall has opened 1,000 guarded and sheltered spaces—intended not just for ticket holders visiting the largest cultural building in the Netherlands, but anyone visiting the city’s busy centre.🧵
November 9, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Recognizing bicycle parking as a critical component of any infrastructure network, The Hague’s Amare concert hall has opened 1,000 guarded and sheltered spaces—intended not just for ticket holders visiting the largest cultural building in the Netherlands, but anyone visiting the city’s busy centre.🧵
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
ICYMI Yesterday, I released this special conversation with @modacitylife.com about their fantastic new book Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Transformation, which highlights the groundbreaking work of female mayors, planners, advocates, & policymakers in reshaping urban
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
EPISODE 315 MELISSA & CHRIS BRUNTLETT: Global Stories of Transformation
YouTube video by Active Towns
youtu.be
November 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
ICYMI Yesterday, I released this special conversation with @modacitylife.com about their fantastic new book Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Transformation, which highlights the groundbreaking work of female mayors, planners, advocates, & policymakers in reshaping urban
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
Years ago, while watching the incredible transformations of places like Paris, we asked ourselves, “Why are these leaders breaking through the status quo?”
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
November 8, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Years ago, while watching the incredible transformations of places like Paris, we asked ourselves, “Why are these leaders breaking through the status quo?”
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Saturday | 10:05 PT We talk with Melissa Bruntlett about the new book, Women Changing Cities, highlighting women leaders from Tirana, Albania (pictured below) to Barcelona and Sydney, Australia. @modacitylife.com @thewaroncars.bsky.social @visionzerovancouver.ca
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Saturday | 10:05 PT We talk with Melissa Bruntlett about the new book, Women Changing Cities, highlighting women leaders from Tirana, Albania (pictured below) to Barcelona and Sydney, Australia. @modacitylife.com @thewaroncars.bsky.social @visionzerovancouver.ca
In the heart of Breda, in the south of the Netherlands, a dramatic metamorphosis is underway: the Nieuwe Mark project, where a corridor once dedicated to cars is being transformed into a blue-green vein; part of the city's vision to make its centre more beautiful, liveable, natural and sustainable.🧵
November 7, 2025 at 4:32 PM
In the heart of Breda, in the south of the Netherlands, a dramatic metamorphosis is underway: the Nieuwe Mark project, where a corridor once dedicated to cars is being transformed into a blue-green vein; part of the city's vision to make its centre more beautiful, liveable, natural and sustainable.🧵
We’re heading to London for a presentation and panel on the topic of Women Changing Cities!
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
November 7, 2025 at 12:32 PM
We’re heading to London for a presentation and panel on the topic of Women Changing Cities!
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
YAY! IT’S PREMIERE DAY Pls join us today, Fri, Nov 7th, at 2 pm EST / 8 pm CET for a special conversation with @modacitylife.com about their amazing new book Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Transformation. Sign in to your YouTube account to participate in the live chat
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
EPISODE 315 MELISSA & CHRIS BRUNTLETT: Global Stories of Transformation
YouTube video by Active Towns
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 11:52 AM
YAY! IT’S PREMIERE DAY Pls join us today, Fri, Nov 7th, at 2 pm EST / 8 pm CET for a special conversation with @modacitylife.com about their amazing new book Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Transformation. Sign in to your YouTube account to participate in the live chat
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
The two of us were walking hand-in-hand through the centre of Delft this evening, when Melissa suddenly caught something out the corner of her eye. “Hey look! Could that really be?” To our surprise and delight it was: our new release displayed in the bookshop window. Local celebrity status achieved!
November 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
The two of us were walking hand-in-hand through the centre of Delft this evening, when Melissa suddenly caught something out the corner of her eye. “Hey look! Could that really be?” To our surprise and delight it was: our new release displayed in the bookshop window. Local celebrity status achieved!
Embodying the principles of directness and attractiveness, Amsterdam’s Nesciobrug—floating 11m above and 780m across the Amsterdam–Rijnkanaal—is the longest non-motorised bridge in the Netherlands, and a shining example of what’s possible when cities don’t allow the car to dictate their priorities.🧵
November 6, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Embodying the principles of directness and attractiveness, Amsterdam’s Nesciobrug—floating 11m above and 780m across the Amsterdam–Rijnkanaal—is the longest non-motorised bridge in the Netherlands, and a shining example of what’s possible when cities don’t allow the car to dictate their priorities.🧵
“You're not alone in wanting a better world, one in which cars are relegated to their proper use. Cars are tools that can be useful at certain times and places. They’re not gods. They’re not the foundation of our society. They should serve us. We should not serve them. There can be life after cars.”
November 5, 2025 at 11:36 AM
“You're not alone in wanting a better world, one in which cars are relegated to their proper use. Cars are tools that can be useful at certain times and places. They’re not gods. They’re not the foundation of our society. They should serve us. We should not serve them. There can be life after cars.”
Public transport often treats bikes as a luxury—or worse a competitor—but without them leaves revenue on the table.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
November 3, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Public transport often treats bikes as a luxury—or worse a competitor—but without them leaves revenue on the table.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
Like the circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the human body, Amsterdam’s 1,300 km network of bike paths, lanes and streets delivers half a million daily cyclists—the lifeblood of the city—to their work, school and everywhere in between. From the “Amsterdam in Motion” exhibit.
November 2, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Like the circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the human body, Amsterdam’s 1,300 km network of bike paths, lanes and streets delivers half a million daily cyclists—the lifeblood of the city—to their work, school and everywhere in between. From the “Amsterdam in Motion” exhibit.