TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
LightNews LightNews
banner
toderianuw.bsky.social
TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
@toderianuw.bsky.social
7K followers 110 following 110 posts
TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW) is a Vancouver-based national and international city planning/design, mobility and "advanced urbanism" consultancy led by @BrentToderian.bsky.social.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
toderianuw.bsky.social
TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW) @toderianuw.bsky.social · Jun 30
“I think Paris is uniquely positioned to celebrate bold action from cities all over the world. Because in my observation Paris, and Mayor @annehidalgo.bsky.social, have been the most inspiring in the world over the last 10 years, really exemplifying those key words ‘further and faster.’” — BT
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · Jun 25
NEW: “Canadian urbanist @brenttoderian.bsky.social teamed up with the city of Paris and, in particular, its mayor, @annehidalgo.bsky.social on a new exhibition that shines a light on cities and global climate action.”

Thanks very much @momentummag.bsky.social for the great questions! #Paris
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
shonablack.bsky.social
Just watched this, and it is absolutely jaw-dropping!
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 4d
WATCH: If you REALLY want to understand a BIG reason why cycling [aka riding a bike] is so dangerous in North America, and one of the biggest villains in the origin story of our unsafe status quo, invest some time watching this one, by NOT JUST BIKES (aka @theurbanistagenda.com here). Then share it.
This is Why Cycling is Dangerous in America
YouTube video by Not Just Bikes
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
tomflood.bsky.social
A crossing guard was killed by the driver of a dump truck yesterday. absolutely heartbreaking.
Look at our intersections, look how hostile these are for people/children - this is what we continue to build and defend at all costs. These aren't accidents, these are results. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
large intersection with painted crosswalks
November 14, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
remmid.bsky.social
Most dismaying is the lack of imagination. How sad to equate freedom for sitting alone in a private, movable metal cell—a.k.a. car—and then spend most time in a long row of these cells—a.k.a. traffic jam? And how many people r even truly noticing the few genuine freedoms that car can actually offer?
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 2d
Never forget, car dependency is the opposite of freedom.

What’s more “free” than cars, you ask?

Choices.
Massive car interchange from the air
November 15, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
davidhermanstudio.bsky.social
This news story needs to be in the toolkit for all #bikenyc and national #bicycling advocates and organizations.
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 7d
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.

Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Annex businesses tell Ford to back off Bloor bike lanes
Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business. As Michelle Mackey reports, the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes ...
toronto.citynews.ca
November 9, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
stuartbratton.emergentdrift.com
I know I have said it a few times before, but it's important.

Local elections matter at a global level. When world leaders have abandoned us to serve corporate masters, those who are leading from the trenches become our last line of global defense.
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 5d
“Globally, despite extreme heat, floods and devastating wildfires, populist leaders, some sceptical but others in outright denial about the science, are talking up the costs of action rather than the consequences of inaction.”

6 global mayors defying climate denying populists
‘Politicians actually taking action’: six world mayors defying climate-sceptic populist leaders
From Sierra Leone to Milan, cities are crafting their own rules and innovations in the face of rising temperatures
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
brenttoderian.bsky.social
Decades ago, I supported mandatory helmet laws for people riding bikes. Then I was convinced by evidence and the bigger picture that such laws are actually counter-productive in many ways. This NZ article explains some.

I support helmets, but not mandatory helmet laws.

Build safe infrastructure.
David Seymour was right to question our compulsory helmet laws
There’s little evidence our mandatory cycle laws improve overall safety, and quite a bit of evidence suggesting they’re doing more harm than good.
thespinoff.co.nz
August 21, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
myzerocarbon.org
.
Brent Toderian & the Common Sense of Climate Smart Cities • Podcast • The Climate Lens

www.podcastics.com/podcast/...

#ClimateAction
Brent Toderian & the Common Sense of Climate Smart Cities
Why urban design is a force multiplier in the fight against climate change
www.podcastics.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
klm.bsky.social
this is a Brent Toderian appreciation post bc he does very good alt text for all his graphics, though lots of high profile urbanists don't

and he's got useful insights
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · Sep 5
I’m once again working with a city writing new integrated transportation & land use policy, and we’ve been discussing whether to PRIORITIZE walking, biking and transit, or achieve “BALANCE.” This is a key conversation where I sometimes give a fast and simple answer, but the truth is more complex. 1/
Graphic is showing a highly detailed prioritization of ways to get around a city, from most sustainable and healthy to least sustainable and healthy.
September 6, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
calgaryclimatehub.ca
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: They picked the wrong city planner to quote out of context
Earlier this week, I started getting a bunch of notes from friends and colleagues in Calgary: “Hey, have you SEEN what you’ve been quoted in?“
calgaryherald.com
September 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
calgaryclimatehub.ca
"There was a front page thing spread by this shadowy group that nobody could identify, that was lying about #InfillHousing. & they made the mistake of misquoting me. So I wrote an op ed piece & I called it 'They Picked the Wrong Planner to Quote Out of Context.'" #yyc #abpoli #Disinformation
Op-ed by Brent Toderian entitled "They picked the wrong city planner to quote out of context"
September 19, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
marjolainekoch.bsky.social
Pour ce qui est des habitants de Vancouver, je pense que c'est aussi parce que Brent Toderian, ancien urbaniste de Vancouver, met énormément en avant les évolutions parisiennes sur les réseaux et qu'il est un grand communicant !
September 26, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
marjolainekoch.bsky.social
C'est toujours aussi fascinant de voir à quel point Anne Hidalgo est reconnue à l'étranger pour son action de transformation en profondeur de Paris, quand chez nous c'est toujours minimisé, sinon décrié.
(Et je ne dis pas qu'elle n'a pas de défaut, seulement chez elle, on ne parle que de ceux-là)
sgoodyear.bsky.social Sarah Goodyear @sgoodyear.bsky.social · Sep 26
The other day, I had the chance to interview Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo about how, with political courage, she transformed her city for the better. AND...I got to give her a copy of our forthcoming book, which she is prominently featured in. What a thrill. @thewaroncars.bsky.social episode coming.
Sarah Goodyear, left, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Paris, who is holding the book Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile.
September 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
markonthemaps.bsky.social
Motivated by urban and transit issues? The very prolific and über wise bluesky poster Brent Toderian is spreading the word. Do please follow his starter pack for those of us outside North America who believe in improving the #GlobalUrbanists environment. We can make a difference!
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · Sep 28
NEW STARTER PACK! This time I’m hoping to encourage and support global urbanists from OUTSIDE North America here on Bluesky, so hopefully this will help! Who’ve I missed? Just joined? Let me know! I’ll keep updating, so please keep checking & sharing this pack! And let’s try using #GlobalUrbanists.
Urbanists OUTSIDE North America Worth Following!
Join the conversation
go.bsky.app
September 30, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
“urban thinkers see another way: cities designed for people, not cars. It sounds utopian, maybe even naïve, but.. it’s achievable if city builders are willing to take bold steps & rethink the status quo.” @byaseale.bsky.social
h/t @brenttoderian.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
A world without traffic? Three urban experts rethink how cities move ANDREW SEALE SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL PUBLISHED OCTOBER 6, 2025 Rethinking working hours could radically change traffic patterns. Dedicated lanes for buses and bikes "Traffic is often an indication of success, and you have to manage the consequences of success," says Brent Toderian, a global advisor on city building, founder of Toderian Urban Works and former chief planner for Vancouver. "People want to be there. The question is, how are they getting there? And is it in a smart way or a dumb way?" Toderian says it's easy to be distracted by futuristic innovations like electric cars, drone delivery networks and hyperloops. "The real solutions are a lot less sexy and a lot more common sense," he says. "It's not about utopia. It's about practicality in the context of the real challenges we face. Tech won't save us if we get the fundamentals wrong." separated cycling lane on Southwark Bridge in London, UK. GETTY IMAGES For him, the key to a low-traffic, human-centred city is proximity - dense, mixed-use neighbourhoods or 15-minute communities where housing, work and amenities are close together. It's about "creating less car dependency," he says. Alongside that, he argues we need to reprioritize street space with bus-only lanes to allow public transit to bypass congestion and protected, connected active transport lanes for cycling, mobility aids and scooters. Most importantly, says Toderian, we don't need to look at these as tomorrow's solutions. "Everything we talk about is urgent now," he says. "Further' and 'faster' are the two most important words in urban change." Congestion charges and mobility-as-a-service Amer Shalaby, an expert on transportation engineering and director of the Transit Analytics Lab at the University of Toronto, looks at congestion reduction through the lens of improved mobility. He points out that most of the social costs of driving - like those highlighted by the CANCEA report - aren't paid by individual drivers, but by society as a whole. In other words, the stress and inconvenience of constant gridlock can degrade our ability to connect with each other and make our cities worse places to live.
October 12, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
dlknowles.bsky.social
By me this week - the happiest thing I've got to report of late, with a glorious trip over the summer to Montreal

"Forget EVs. Cycling is revolutionising transport."

www.economist.com/internationa...
Forget EVs. Cycling is revolutionising transport
Pedal power is booming, spinning up a new culture war
www.economist.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
brenttoderian.bsky.social
How do we transform cities that surrendered to cars into great cities for people? Better ideas are the easy part — the hard part is making those ideas reality in an era of missing leadership and unprecedented lies and misinformation. That was my call-to-action today at #UtopianHours in Torino Italy!
Photo of Brent Toderian sharing his call-to-action for better cities with fewer cars and more choice in Torino, Italy.
October 19, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
tomflood.bsky.social
Huge thanks to @brenttoderian.bsky.social for the amazing tour. Such great insight on some incredible spaces in Vancouver.
Myself and Brent Toderian taking a selfie
November 7, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
mlpigott.bsky.social
Also created this meme to share with my colleagues 😁
Don’t make me tap the sign meme with sign saying “The truth about a city’s aspirations isn’t found in its vision, it’s found in its budget” - Brent Toderian
November 10, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
mlpigott.bsky.social
I printed this off and stuck it on the outside of my cubicle in Hamilton City Hall a few years back. 😁
November 10, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
detroitgoose.com
"...it's hard to justify a bridge by the number of people swimming across a river." - Brent Toderian

Really liked this quote and I can imagine it being useful going forward, so I'm posting it for posterity
November 12, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
sectator.bsky.social
Political manufacturing. Big business today!
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 8d
Have you heard of “The Populist Playbook?”

A few years ago, I posted what I still consider one of my most important messages.

It was about “The Populist Playbook” that I’ve watched play out often over my 33+ years of city planning.

Since then, it’s only gotten worse.

Do the steps sound familiar?
Step 1: deliberately scare people with misinformation and lies about what a proposed policy or plan will do. Step2: wait for misinformed people to complain. Step 3: say that “clearly people are concerned,“ so we should “listen to the people“ and reject the plan. The Populist Playbook Step 4: mainstream media “reports the controversy” rather than the fact it was manufactured, and the amplify the quotes of those who manufactured it.. Step5: other elected leaders who know the truth, still vote against the good plan or policy, because they’re too afraid of the “heat.“
November 8, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
ricardo172b.bsky.social
Nunca lo olvides: la dependencia del coche es lo opuesto a la libertad.
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 2d
Never forget, car dependency is the opposite of freedom.

What’s more “free” than cars, you ask?

Choices.
Massive car interchange from the air
November 14, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
jeffreytumlin.bsky.social
John Forester set back US street design and safe infrastructure by 30 years.
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 4d
WATCH: If you REALLY want to understand a BIG reason why cycling [aka riding a bike] is so dangerous in North America, and one of the biggest villains in the origin story of our unsafe status quo, invest some time watching this one, by NOT JUST BIKES (aka @theurbanistagenda.com here). Then share it.
This is Why Cycling is Dangerous in America
YouTube video by Not Just Bikes
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
toondreessen.bsky.social
What a great list! @derricksimpson.bsky.social !
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 5d
On the occasion of Elon Musk pretending that he reads books, I thought I’d reshare my “100 Best Books On City-Making Ever Written” article in @planetizen.bsky.social. It’s 12 years old and needs updating, and got plently of debate back then, but I’d still recommend most of these. #UrbanismBookClub
November 11, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Reposted by TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc. (TUW)
remalone.bsky.social
It’s a FREEDOM strategy! Just stopped to talk w a middle age-ish man at China Beach about his folding ebike. He & his wife both have e-bikes & like us 2 seniors, got rid of their car. He: So freeing not to worry about parking tickets, street cleaning days, etc. Healthier for people & planet #bike
brenttoderian.bsky.social Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 5d
A complete, connected, comfortable network of protected bike-lanes is a climate mitigation strategy. It’s a healthy cities strategy. It’s a social equity strategy. It’s an affordability strategy. It’s an economic devt strategy. It’s a smart mobility & space saving strategy.

Etc. Etc. Etc.

Etc.
People in a protected bike-lane in downtown Vancouver.
November 10, 2025 at 11:48 PM