Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Closing Central Madrid To Cars Resulted In 9.5% Boost To Retail Spending, Finds Bank Analysis
City of Madrid significantly boosted the takings of its shops and restaurants last Christmas by banning cars from the CBD, finds an analysis by Spain's second largest bank.
www.forbes.com
November 1, 2026 at 7:49 AM
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
November 1, 2026 at 6:08 PM
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
Want To Make Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane
Research from New York City notes that newly installed protected bike lanes do more than keep bikers safe--they raise the income of the stores they are in front of.
www.fastcompany.com
October 7, 2026 at 5:55 AM
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
“Someone with a 1-hr car commute needs to earn 40% more to be as happy as someone with a short walk to work. On the other hand, if someone shifts from a long commute to a walk, their happiness increases as much as if they’d fallen in love.” #CityMakingMath
50 reasons for more walkable streets.
50 reasons for more walkable streets.
50 Reasons Why Everyone Should Want More Walkable Streets
From making you live longer to making cities more resilient: If you want a reason to make your city more walkable, it's in here.
www.fastcompany.com
October 7, 2026 at 5:57 AM
“Someone with a 1-hr car commute needs to earn 40% more to be as happy as someone with a short walk to work. On the other hand, if someone shifts from a long commute to a walk, their happiness increases as much as if they’d fallen in love.” #CityMakingMath
50 reasons for more walkable streets.
50 reasons for more walkable streets.
Remember this one?
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
The most efficient travellers are us on bikes.
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
The most efficient travellers are us on bikes.
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
The Most Efficient Traveler Isn’t a Bird or a Fish—It’s You on a Bike
A famous graphic, now updated, compares locomotion in the animal kingdom
www.scientificamerican.com
September 21, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Remember this one?
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
The most efficient travellers are us on bikes.
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
The most efficient travellers are us on bikes.
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
“Applying this type of analysis — known as ‘full-cost accounting’— to transportation is commonplace in Europe, but rarely undertaken in North America…Poulos says the calculator enables voters to consider the broader transportation costs to themselves and to society as a whole.” #CityMakingMath
September 12, 2026 at 3:12 PM
“Applying this type of analysis — known as ‘full-cost accounting’— to transportation is commonplace in Europe, but rarely undertaken in North America…Poulos says the calculator enables voters to consider the broader transportation costs to themselves and to society as a whole.” #CityMakingMath
Here’s much more on the math/source. Imagine If this kind of full cost accounting math on transportation costs & the costs of infill/sprawl was common-place in our media, our politics, & ALL our public discussions and decision-making on city-building? #CityMakingMath thediscourse.ca/scarborough/...
What is the full cost of your commute? – The Discourse.
Moving Forward is an eight-part independent data journalism series that aimed to dive deeper into data about Metro Vancouver’s transportation system.
thediscourse.ca
September 12, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Here’s much more on the math/source. Imagine If this kind of full cost accounting math on transportation costs & the costs of infill/sprawl was common-place in our media, our politics, & ALL our public discussions and decision-making on city-building? #CityMakingMath thediscourse.ca/scarborough/...
If walking costs you $1, we all pay $0.01. If biking costs you $1, we all pay $0.08. If bussing costs you $1, we all pay $1.50. If driving costs you $1, we all pay $9.20. Via study that still underestimates climate cost.
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
September 12, 2026 at 4:29 AM
If walking costs you $1, we all pay $0.01. If biking costs you $1, we all pay $0.08. If bussing costs you $1, we all pay $1.50. If driving costs you $1, we all pay $9.20. Via study that still underestimates climate cost.
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
September 9, 2026 at 5:55 AM
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
Want To Make Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane
Research from New York City notes that newly installed protected bike lanes do more than keep bikers safe--they raise the income of the stores they are in front of.
www.fastcompany.com
September 7, 2026 at 7:05 AM
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
“The truth about a city’s aspirations isn’t found in its vision. It’s found in its budget.” — @brenttoderian.bsky.social. #CityMakingMath
September 5, 2026 at 4:50 AM
“The truth about a city’s aspirations isn’t found in its vision. It’s found in its budget.” — @brenttoderian.bsky.social. #CityMakingMath
IMPORTANT: The Dutch invested €595 million annually on urban biking, resulting in €19 BILLION saved in public health care costs alone. That’s how smart governments do the math on investing in better mobility.
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
August 26, 2026 at 6:27 AM
IMPORTANT: The Dutch invested €595 million annually on urban biking, resulting in €19 BILLION saved in public health care costs alone. That’s how smart governments do the math on investing in better mobility.
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Driving is really expensive for all of us. And these studies are likely still underestimating the the climate and pollution costs, which we’re arrogant to assume we fully understand. #CityMakingMath
Swiss Study:
On average, the researchers calculated external costs of 13.07 cents per person per kilometer driven.
5.73 cents for air pollution and noise
2.61 cents for traffic congestion
2.60 cents for climate damage
2.15 cents for the consequences of accidents
www.unibas.ch/de/Aktuell/N...
On average, the researchers calculated external costs of 13.07 cents per person per kilometer driven.
5.73 cents for air pollution and noise
2.61 cents for traffic congestion
2.60 cents for climate damage
2.15 cents for the consequences of accidents
www.unibas.ch/de/Aktuell/N...
Der Preis des Verkehrs – und was auf keiner Rechnung steht
Wie lassen sich Verkehrskosten fairer verteilen? Eine Basler Studie zeigt, wie Mobility Pricing Verhalten und Rückverteilung beeinflusst.
www.unibas.ch
August 15, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Driving is really expensive for all of us. And these studies are likely still underestimating the the climate and pollution costs, which we’re arrogant to assume we fully understand. #CityMakingMath
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Closing Central Madrid To Cars Resulted In 9.5% Boost To Retail Spending, Finds Bank Analysis
City of Madrid significantly boosted the takings of its shops and restaurants last Christmas by banning cars from the CBD, finds an analysis by Spain's second largest bank.
www.forbes.com
August 10, 2026 at 4:26 AM
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
November 4, 2025 at 7:05 PM
“Every $1300 New York invested in new bike-lanes in 2015 provided benefits equivalent to 1 added year of life at full health over the lifetime of all city residents.”
Among many other benefits, bike-lanes are a really smart public health investment. #CityMakingMath
www.reuters.com/article/busi...
Among many other benefits, bike-lanes are a really smart public health investment. #CityMakingMath
www.reuters.com/article/busi...
June 3, 2026 at 5:51 AM
“Every $1300 New York invested in new bike-lanes in 2015 provided benefits equivalent to 1 added year of life at full health over the lifetime of all city residents.”
Among many other benefits, bike-lanes are a really smart public health investment. #CityMakingMath
www.reuters.com/article/busi...
Among many other benefits, bike-lanes are a really smart public health investment. #CityMakingMath
www.reuters.com/article/busi...
#UrbanTruth
“Keep this in mind when people claim 🤥cars mean business —
closing Central Madrid to cars
over holidays resulted in
⬆️9.5% boost in retail spending
on its main shopping street: STUDY.
also a
⬇️71% drop in air pollution”
-Brent Toderian
Via carltonreid.
in
forbes.
#citymakingmath
“Keep this in mind when people claim 🤥cars mean business —
closing Central Madrid to cars
over holidays resulted in
⬆️9.5% boost in retail spending
on its main shopping street: STUDY.
also a
⬇️71% drop in air pollution”
-Brent Toderian
Via carltonreid.
in
forbes.
#citymakingmath
May 23, 2026 at 2:41 PM
#UrbanTruth
“Keep this in mind when people claim 🤥cars mean business —
closing Central Madrid to cars
over holidays resulted in
⬆️9.5% boost in retail spending
on its main shopping street: STUDY.
also a
⬇️71% drop in air pollution”
-Brent Toderian
Via carltonreid.
in
forbes.
#citymakingmath
“Keep this in mind when people claim 🤥cars mean business —
closing Central Madrid to cars
over holidays resulted in
⬆️9.5% boost in retail spending
on its main shopping street: STUDY.
also a
⬇️71% drop in air pollution”
-Brent Toderian
Via carltonreid.
in
forbes.
#citymakingmath
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
August 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
If walking costs you $1, we all pay $0.01. If biking costs you $1, we all pay $0.08. If bussing costs you $1, we all pay $1.50. If driving costs you $1, we all pay $9.20. Via study that still underestimates climate cost.
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
June 14, 2026 at 1:48 AM
If walking costs you $1, we all pay $0.01. If biking costs you $1, we all pay $0.08. If bussing costs you $1, we all pay $1.50. If driving costs you $1, we all pay $9.20. Via study that still underestimates climate cost.
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice.
#citymakingmath
“If you care about the bottom line, budgets & taxes, then you should care about urban biking, because it’s a money saver. It’s ironic when so-called fiscal conservatives attack biking, when their efforts just show a lack of understanding of math.” My interview with @modacitylife.com #CityMakingMath
Opinion: Why more urban cycling saves everyone money | Daily Hive | Urbanized
The resulting benefits of a ‘car-less’ household are myriad, but few are as quantifiable as the money most people sink into a depreciating asset that sits unused for 95% of the time.
dailyhive.com
June 12, 2026 at 3:38 AM
“If you care about the bottom line, budgets & taxes, then you should care about urban biking, because it’s a money saver. It’s ironic when so-called fiscal conservatives attack biking, when their efforts just show a lack of understanding of math.” My interview with @modacitylife.com #CityMakingMath
Remember this one?
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
The Most Efficient Traveler Isn’t a Bird or a Fish—It’s You on a Bike
A famous graphic, now updated, compares locomotion in the animal kingdom
www.scientificamerican.com
June 4, 2026 at 7:59 AM
Remember this one?
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
“Humans aren’t very efficient movers—until you put us on a bicycle, when we become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers in the animal kingdom.”
Proven science via Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social #CityMakingMath
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
June 4, 2026 at 7:56 AM
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs are savings.
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
Want To Make Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane
Research from New York City notes that newly installed protected bike lanes do more than keep bikers safe--they raise the income of the stores they are in front of.
www.fastcompany.com
May 27, 2026 at 3:41 AM
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
IMPORTANT: The Dutch invested €595 million annually on urban biking, resulting in €19 BILLION saved in public health care costs alone. That’s how smart governments do the math on investing in better mobility.
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
May 24, 2026 at 4:36 AM
IMPORTANT: The Dutch invested €595 million annually on urban biking, resulting in €19 BILLION saved in public health care costs alone. That’s how smart governments do the math on investing in better mobility.
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Let’s be clear— it WASTES public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com