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.
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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...
“Having high-speed rail is now seen as a requirement of 21st-century nationhood.
With cars being problematic in so many ways, high-speed trains seem to have been blessed with good great fortune: they are beautiful, fast, elegant, modern and environmentally friendlier."
@christianwolmar.bsky.social
With cars being problematic in so many ways, high-speed trains seem to have been blessed with good great fortune: they are beautiful, fast, elegant, modern and environmentally friendlier."
@christianwolmar.bsky.social
October 27, 2026 at 8:33 AM
“Having high-speed rail is now seen as a requirement of 21st-century nationhood.
With cars being problematic in so many ways, high-speed trains seem to have been blessed with good great fortune: they are beautiful, fast, elegant, modern and environmentally friendlier."
@christianwolmar.bsky.social
With cars being problematic in so many ways, high-speed trains seem to have been blessed with good great fortune: they are beautiful, fast, elegant, modern and environmentally friendlier."
@christianwolmar.bsky.social
A train journey does not begin or end at the station platform. Convenient bike parking and easy access to the railway system are essential elements of a transport network that enables people to travel seamlessly from door-to-door.🧵
October 26, 2026 at 2:54 PM
A train journey does not begin or end at the station platform. Convenient bike parking and easy access to the railway system are essential elements of a transport network that enables people to travel seamlessly from door-to-door.🧵
After a speaking engagement in the capital on Thursday evening, we spent the rest of the weekend in the southwest of England—the highlight of which was a sunny Sunday stroll through Salisbury. It was a great chance to slow down, stretch our legs, and soak up the character of a historic market town.🧵
October 25, 2026 at 8:45 PM
After a speaking engagement in the capital on Thursday evening, we spent the rest of the weekend in the southwest of England—the highlight of which was a sunny Sunday stroll through Salisbury. It was a great chance to slow down, stretch our legs, and soak up the character of a historic market town.🧵
Since 2016, London’s cycling network has grown fivefold, from 90 to 450 kilometres.
The results? 1.5 million daily cycle journeys—a 43% increase since 2019—twice as many bikes as cars on City of London streets during the day, and motor traffic in steady decline—having fallen 25% in the same period.
The results? 1.5 million daily cycle journeys—a 43% increase since 2019—twice as many bikes as cars on City of London streets during the day, and motor traffic in steady decline—having fallen 25% in the same period.
October 23, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Since 2016, London’s cycling network has grown fivefold, from 90 to 450 kilometres.
The results? 1.5 million daily cycle journeys—a 43% increase since 2019—twice as many bikes as cars on City of London streets during the day, and motor traffic in steady decline—having fallen 25% in the same period.
The results? 1.5 million daily cycle journeys—a 43% increase since 2019—twice as many bikes as cars on City of London streets during the day, and motor traffic in steady decline—having fallen 25% in the same period.
After a recent bout of online vitriol, we were genuinely moved by the overwhelming kindness, encouragement and solidarity that followed.
To all the people who took the time to reach out with a kind word of support: thank you. We’ll keep doing what we do. And now, we’ve got the T-shirts to prove it.
To all the people who took the time to reach out with a kind word of support: thank you. We’ll keep doing what we do. And now, we’ve got the T-shirts to prove it.
October 22, 2026 at 9:53 PM
After a recent bout of online vitriol, we were genuinely moved by the overwhelming kindness, encouragement and solidarity that followed.
To all the people who took the time to reach out with a kind word of support: thank you. We’ll keep doing what we do. And now, we’ve got the T-shirts to prove it.
To all the people who took the time to reach out with a kind word of support: thank you. We’ll keep doing what we do. And now, we’ve got the T-shirts to prove it.
Electric assist cycles give people choice. My "new" refurbished e-bike from JobRad Loop has made trips I used to avoid possible.
Get €50 off a refurbished bike of your choice at jobrad-loop.com/en-nl with promo code: modacitylife50
Thanks for collaborating JobRad Loop and for the new adventures!
Get €50 off a refurbished bike of your choice at jobrad-loop.com/en-nl with promo code: modacitylife50
Thanks for collaborating JobRad Loop and for the new adventures!
October 21, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Electric assist cycles give people choice. My "new" refurbished e-bike from JobRad Loop has made trips I used to avoid possible.
Get €50 off a refurbished bike of your choice at jobrad-loop.com/en-nl with promo code: modacitylife50
Thanks for collaborating JobRad Loop and for the new adventures!
Get €50 off a refurbished bike of your choice at jobrad-loop.com/en-nl with promo code: modacitylife50
Thanks for collaborating JobRad Loop and for the new adventures!
A lot changes as we age, most notably our ability to move throughout our communities. As we look for ways to support seniors' ongoing participation in daily life, how can we help more people age actively, safely, and with dignity?
Read the full post: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/20/c...
Read the full post: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/20/c...
October 20, 2026 at 2:21 PM
A lot changes as we age, most notably our ability to move throughout our communities. As we look for ways to support seniors' ongoing participation in daily life, how can we help more people age actively, safely, and with dignity?
Read the full post: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/20/c...
Read the full post: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/20/c...
The fietsvlonder (bike platform) has been reshaping Rotterdam streets for a decade.
It swaps one car parking space for a temporary structure that accommodates a dozen bicycles.
If deemed successful after a few months, the curb is permanently rebuilt, and the platform moves on to the next location.
It swaps one car parking space for a temporary structure that accommodates a dozen bicycles.
If deemed successful after a few months, the curb is permanently rebuilt, and the platform moves on to the next location.
October 20, 2026 at 5:40 AM
The fietsvlonder (bike platform) has been reshaping Rotterdam streets for a decade.
It swaps one car parking space for a temporary structure that accommodates a dozen bicycles.
If deemed successful after a few months, the curb is permanently rebuilt, and the platform moves on to the next location.
It swaps one car parking space for a temporary structure that accommodates a dozen bicycles.
If deemed successful after a few months, the curb is permanently rebuilt, and the platform moves on to the next location.
“The mobility transition’s biggest obstacle is not a lack of support, but a misunderstanding of how much support there actually is.
Politicians must stop blindly accepting the loudest voices and focus on what the silent majority wants: a city where the car isn’t the norm, but one of many options.“
Politicians must stop blindly accepting the loudest voices and focus on what the silent majority wants: a city where the car isn’t the norm, but one of many options.“
October 18, 2026 at 1:45 PM
“The mobility transition’s biggest obstacle is not a lack of support, but a misunderstanding of how much support there actually is.
Politicians must stop blindly accepting the loudest voices and focus on what the silent majority wants: a city where the car isn’t the norm, but one of many options.“
Politicians must stop blindly accepting the loudest voices and focus on what the silent majority wants: a city where the car isn’t the norm, but one of many options.“
“The bicycle is the tool, not the goal.”
The goal is healthier people, happier communities, more liveable cities, and the freedom to get where you need to go without relying on a car.
The bike just happens to be one of the most powerful tools to get there.
LISTEN: micromobility.io/news/how-the...
The goal is healthier people, happier communities, more liveable cities, and the freedom to get where you need to go without relying on a car.
The bike just happens to be one of the most powerful tools to get there.
LISTEN: micromobility.io/news/how-the...
October 15, 2026 at 3:28 PM
“The bicycle is the tool, not the goal.”
The goal is healthier people, happier communities, more liveable cities, and the freedom to get where you need to go without relying on a car.
The bike just happens to be one of the most powerful tools to get there.
LISTEN: micromobility.io/news/how-the...
The goal is healthier people, happier communities, more liveable cities, and the freedom to get where you need to go without relying on a car.
The bike just happens to be one of the most powerful tools to get there.
LISTEN: micromobility.io/news/how-the...
Bike infrastructure can strengthen bonds between kids and caregivers, foster curiosity about the world and connect families to their neighborhoods.
Everyday moments that won't show up in traffic models but are just as valuable—helping children develop, relationships flourish and communities thrive.
Everyday moments that won't show up in traffic models but are just as valuable—helping children develop, relationships flourish and communities thrive.
October 14, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Bike infrastructure can strengthen bonds between kids and caregivers, foster curiosity about the world and connect families to their neighborhoods.
Everyday moments that won't show up in traffic models but are just as valuable—helping children develop, relationships flourish and communities thrive.
Everyday moments that won't show up in traffic models but are just as valuable—helping children develop, relationships flourish and communities thrive.
Last week Melissa participated in a 3-day Child Standard Seminar.
She returned home with new ideas and a desire to challenge colleagues to consider if their inclusive approaches include the needs of children for safety, curiousity and fun.
Read her reflection: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/13/s...
She returned home with new ideas and a desire to challenge colleagues to consider if their inclusive approaches include the needs of children for safety, curiousity and fun.
Read her reflection: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/13/s...
October 13, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Last week Melissa participated in a 3-day Child Standard Seminar.
She returned home with new ideas and a desire to challenge colleagues to consider if their inclusive approaches include the needs of children for safety, curiousity and fun.
Read her reflection: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/13/s...
She returned home with new ideas and a desire to challenge colleagues to consider if their inclusive approaches include the needs of children for safety, curiousity and fun.
Read her reflection: modacitycreative.com/2026/10/13/s...
What can the world learn from a century of Dutch experience connecting bikes and trains? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
If we want to understand the future potential of bike-train intermodality to make cities more liveable, accessible and prosperous, we must first understand its past: bit.ly/4hUIJoN
If we want to understand the future potential of bike-train intermodality to make cities more liveable, accessible and prosperous, we must first understand its past: bit.ly/4hUIJoN
October 13, 2026 at 7:33 AM
What can the world learn from a century of Dutch experience connecting bikes and trains? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
If we want to understand the future potential of bike-train intermodality to make cities more liveable, accessible and prosperous, we must first understand its past: bit.ly/4hUIJoN
If we want to understand the future potential of bike-train intermodality to make cities more liveable, accessible and prosperous, we must first understand its past: bit.ly/4hUIJoN
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
How did the Netherlands become the cycling capital of the world?
Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy shares lessons on safer streets, connected bike networks, & building cities for people, not just cars
Discover how decades of change reshaped Dutch cities
micromobility.io/news/how-the...
Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy shares lessons on safer streets, connected bike networks, & building cities for people, not just cars
Discover how decades of change reshaped Dutch cities
micromobility.io/news/how-the...
How the Netherlands Became the Cycling Capital of the World
How did the Netherlands become the world's cycling capital? Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy joins the Micromobility Podcast to explore the history, policies, and infrastructure behind Dut...
micromobility.io
October 12, 2026 at 7:48 AM
How did the Netherlands become the cycling capital of the world?
Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy shares lessons on safer streets, connected bike networks, & building cities for people, not just cars
Discover how decades of change reshaped Dutch cities
micromobility.io/news/how-the...
Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy shares lessons on safer streets, connected bike networks, & building cities for people, not just cars
Discover how decades of change reshaped Dutch cities
micromobility.io/news/how-the...
“Infrastructure is important for creating safe, connected, cohesive networks, but we also need to help push culture along by showing what’s possible.”
Listen to my full conversation on whether UK cities can become cycling friendly: www.ube.ac.uk/podcasts/ep2...
Listen to my full conversation on whether UK cities can become cycling friendly: www.ube.ac.uk/podcasts/ep2...
October 12, 2026 at 8:37 AM
“Infrastructure is important for creating safe, connected, cohesive networks, but we also need to help push culture along by showing what’s possible.”
Listen to my full conversation on whether UK cities can become cycling friendly: www.ube.ac.uk/podcasts/ep2...
Listen to my full conversation on whether UK cities can become cycling friendly: www.ube.ac.uk/podcasts/ep2...
Run in partnership with Belgian railways, Blue-bike is a national shared bike system with 4,000 (e-)bikes across 300 locations.
This year it expanded its offering with an e-cargo bike at 34 locations; making it easier to haul groceries, ferry kids, or tackle everyday journeys that might need a car.
This year it expanded its offering with an e-cargo bike at 34 locations; making it easier to haul groceries, ferry kids, or tackle everyday journeys that might need a car.
October 12, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Run in partnership with Belgian railways, Blue-bike is a national shared bike system with 4,000 (e-)bikes across 300 locations.
This year it expanded its offering with an e-cargo bike at 34 locations; making it easier to haul groceries, ferry kids, or tackle everyday journeys that might need a car.
This year it expanded its offering with an e-cargo bike at 34 locations; making it easier to haul groceries, ferry kids, or tackle everyday journeys that might need a car.
In 2016, Leuven made a bold decision: instead of trying to accommodate ever-increasing car traffic, it would change the rules of the road entirely. A decade later, the Dutch-inspired traffic circulation plan has drastically improved the city’s accessibility, liveability and quality of public space.🧵
October 11, 2026 at 1:27 PM
In 2016, Leuven made a bold decision: instead of trying to accommodate ever-increasing car traffic, it would change the rules of the road entirely. A decade later, the Dutch-inspired traffic circulation plan has drastically improved the city’s accessibility, liveability and quality of public space.🧵
Leuven might be the best cycling city you’ve never heard of.
37% of trips are by bike; not by accident, but by years of rethinking streets, reducing car dominance and recirculating traffic.
While the large capitals attract most headlines, Leuven is another example of a small city making big moves.
37% of trips are by bike; not by accident, but by years of rethinking streets, reducing car dominance and recirculating traffic.
While the large capitals attract most headlines, Leuven is another example of a small city making big moves.
October 10, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Leuven might be the best cycling city you’ve never heard of.
37% of trips are by bike; not by accident, but by years of rethinking streets, reducing car dominance and recirculating traffic.
While the large capitals attract most headlines, Leuven is another example of a small city making big moves.
37% of trips are by bike; not by accident, but by years of rethinking streets, reducing car dominance and recirculating traffic.
While the large capitals attract most headlines, Leuven is another example of a small city making big moves.
One of the key lessons from Dutch cycling history is cities didn't start with protected lanes. They began by making streets safer, calmer and more inviting; with lower speeds, parking restrictions, traffic filters and reduced through-traffic to create an environment in which cycling could flourish.🧵
October 8, 2026 at 12:22 PM
One of the key lessons from Dutch cycling history is cities didn't start with protected lanes. They began by making streets safer, calmer and more inviting; with lower speeds, parking restrictions, traffic filters and reduced through-traffic to create an environment in which cycling could flourish.🧵
Cyclists in the Netherlands take 300 million day trips and 5.85 million overnight trips per year, generating €3.6 billion for the economy and supporting 39,000 full-time jobs.
Across Europe, cycle tourism accounted for 28% of the bike industry’s total economic and employment impact.
bit.ly/47Gy7VU
Across Europe, cycle tourism accounted for 28% of the bike industry’s total economic and employment impact.
bit.ly/47Gy7VU
October 7, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Cyclists in the Netherlands take 300 million day trips and 5.85 million overnight trips per year, generating €3.6 billion for the economy and supporting 39,000 full-time jobs.
Across Europe, cycle tourism accounted for 28% of the bike industry’s total economic and employment impact.
bit.ly/47Gy7VU
Across Europe, cycle tourism accounted for 28% of the bike industry’s total economic and employment impact.
bit.ly/47Gy7VU
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
🚲 From Osaka to Utrecht: exploring people-centred streets 🇯🇵 🇳🇱
From the 30th September to the 2nd of October, we welcomed a delegation of civil servants, academics and business leaders from Osaka for an intensive study visit to the Netherlands.
Read more about the visit here: buff.ly/PGFPg89
From the 30th September to the 2nd of October, we welcomed a delegation of civil servants, academics and business leaders from Osaka for an intensive study visit to the Netherlands.
Read more about the visit here: buff.ly/PGFPg89
October 7, 2026 at 9:48 AM
🚲 From Osaka to Utrecht: exploring people-centred streets 🇯🇵 🇳🇱
From the 30th September to the 2nd of October, we welcomed a delegation of civil servants, academics and business leaders from Osaka for an intensive study visit to the Netherlands.
Read more about the visit here: buff.ly/PGFPg89
From the 30th September to the 2nd of October, we welcomed a delegation of civil servants, academics and business leaders from Osaka for an intensive study visit to the Netherlands.
Read more about the visit here: buff.ly/PGFPg89
After years of waiting, TU Delft is finally on the (tram) map.
Yesterday, tram 19 reached the campus, and what a multimodal scene: trams, cycling, walking and green—all sharing the same car-free corridor.
This is what a well-connected university looks like: making the right choice the easy choice.
Yesterday, tram 19 reached the campus, and what a multimodal scene: trams, cycling, walking and green—all sharing the same car-free corridor.
This is what a well-connected university looks like: making the right choice the easy choice.
October 6, 2026 at 10:49 AM
After years of waiting, TU Delft is finally on the (tram) map.
Yesterday, tram 19 reached the campus, and what a multimodal scene: trams, cycling, walking and green—all sharing the same car-free corridor.
This is what a well-connected university looks like: making the right choice the easy choice.
Yesterday, tram 19 reached the campus, and what a multimodal scene: trams, cycling, walking and green—all sharing the same car-free corridor.
This is what a well-connected university looks like: making the right choice the easy choice.
On October 22, we'll be joining experts from across Europe for a special @londoncycling.bsky.social event.
Our contribution will spotlight the often-overlooked women whose activism, advocacy, policymaking and leadership helped shape the Netherlands into a cycling nation.
lcc.org.uk/events/lcc-a...
Our contribution will spotlight the often-overlooked women whose activism, advocacy, policymaking and leadership helped shape the Netherlands into a cycling nation.
lcc.org.uk/events/lcc-a...
October 5, 2026 at 5:52 PM
On October 22, we'll be joining experts from across Europe for a special @londoncycling.bsky.social event.
Our contribution will spotlight the often-overlooked women whose activism, advocacy, policymaking and leadership helped shape the Netherlands into a cycling nation.
lcc.org.uk/events/lcc-a...
Our contribution will spotlight the often-overlooked women whose activism, advocacy, policymaking and leadership helped shape the Netherlands into a cycling nation.
lcc.org.uk/events/lcc-a...
Monday morning outside Rotterdam Centraal, thousands of cyclists stream toward the station in a carefully choreographed flow.
What you’re seeing is the power of systems thinking—the bicycle and train both succeed because they work together seamlessly, where each mode extends the reach of the other.
What you’re seeing is the power of systems thinking—the bicycle and train both succeed because they work together seamlessly, where each mode extends the reach of the other.
October 5, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Monday morning outside Rotterdam Centraal, thousands of cyclists stream toward the station in a carefully choreographed flow.
What you’re seeing is the power of systems thinking—the bicycle and train both succeed because they work together seamlessly, where each mode extends the reach of the other.
What you’re seeing is the power of systems thinking—the bicycle and train both succeed because they work together seamlessly, where each mode extends the reach of the other.
A year ago, we published ‘Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation’ with a simple hope: to shine a light on the leaders who have shaped, challenged, and changed the places we live, while inspiring others to imagine what cities can become when everyone has a say in their future.🧵
October 3, 2026 at 2:23 PM
A year ago, we published ‘Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation’ with a simple hope: to shine a light on the leaders who have shaped, challenged, and changed the places we live, while inspiring others to imagine what cities can become when everyone has a say in their future.🧵