Brent Toderian+

Can someone remind me how many decades it’s been since January?

Can someone remind me how many decades it’s been since January?

You couldn’t talk me into wanting that job…

You couldn’t talk me into wanting that job…

For those confused… en.wiktionary.org/wiki/rocket_...

For those confused… en.wiktionary.org/wiki/rocket_...

“The street was packed. Patios were full. People were dancing, laughing…This is

“The street was packed. Patios were full. People were dancing, laughing…This is what great placemaking can do. It brings people together, supports our businesses, creates unforgettable experiences and builds the kind of energy that strengthens the brand of our city.”— @downtownvan.bsky.social

People are smoking again because “modern life sucks?” Collosally stupid. You k

People are smoking again because “modern life sucks?” Collosally stupid. You know what sucks? Dying of cancer in your mid-40s leaving behind 3 young kids because u smoked your whole adult life, like my older brother did. Feels like yet another manipulative “big tobacco” marketing campaign to me.

Fewer cars. Less driving. Better cities. This isn’t rocket surgery.

Fewer cars. Less driving. Better cities. This isn’t rocket surgery.

Hey gang, can you do me a favour? If you’re on Instagram too, can you consider f

Hey gang, can you do me a favour? If you’re on Instagram too, can you consider following me there as well? I’m working to be more effective there than I have been in the past. Thanks.

“Researchers found that children in London whose lung growth had been stunted by

“Researchers found that children in London whose lung growth had been stunted by pollution showed impressive improvements after the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019 reduced emission… …local clean air zones could help reduce some of the harm caused by pollution during childhood.”

There specifically aren’t people living on Granville Street according to long-st

There specifically aren’t people living on Granville Street according to long-standing downtown policy. Space above the ground floor is office/services space. It’s intended as an occasionally noisy entertainment district. But plenty of people can walk to it in a downtown that emphasizes housing.

This iconic Fabian Todorovic cartoon is still one of the best I’ve seen at illus

This iconic Fabian Todorovic cartoon is still one of the best I’ve seen at illustrating the remarkable amount of space we surrender to cars, leaving little space left for everyone and everything else. The text added later makes the bonus point that many drivers still manage to complain about it.

You can find all kinds of things day and night on a great pedestrianized street.

You can find all kinds of things day and night on a great pedestrianized street. Like a Pop-UP Felix Cartal DJ show on a Wednesday night with only 2 hours notice on social media. Family friendly people-street during the day, fun entertainment street at night. This is a different Granville Street.

“This is a f**king fun city!” And a very different Granville Street. Granville

“This is a f**king fun city!” And a very different Granville Street. Granville Pedestrian Street pop-up Felix Cartal DJ show, downtown Vancouver. Part of the 7-week pedestrianization extension following the huge success of the World Cup. Families during the day, fun at night. New People-place.

Pop-up Felix Cartal DJ show on the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone tonight in d

Pop-up Felix Cartal DJ show on the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone tonight in downtown Vancouver. The excited crowd is still gathering on the pedestrian street after being given just 2 hours notice! Just 1 more way the brand/perception of Granville Street is being permanently changed this summer.

“Air pollution fell substantially as Paris restricted car traffic and made way f

“Air pollution fell substantially as Paris restricted car traffic and made way for parks, people-streets and bike-lanes.” Better for the climate, better for health, better for livability and quality of life. Common sense. Such a no-brainer, it’s remarkable that more cities HAVEN’T done the same. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2025/04/12/air-pollution-paris-health-cars/

Which city will be the “NEXT NO.1 CITY IN THE WORLD?” @financialtimes.com is ask

Which city will be the “NEXT NO.1 CITY IN THE WORLD?” @financialtimes.com is asking the question. The elements of a credible answer will always be debatable/debated… But since that never stops us from having an opinion, educated or not, WHICH CITY in the world do YOU think has the strongest case?

“Scientists should stop trying to be neutral and instead embrace their values,”s

“Scientists should stop trying to be neutral and instead embrace their values,”says a group of top climate scientists, including @katharinehayhoe.com. The neutrality myth is harming the reputation of science right when we need it most.” #ClimateCrisis Science isn’t neutral. It’s science.

What could possibly go wrong? #everything

What could possibly go wrong? #everything

Don’t forget this. “Foreign actors are attempting to undermine Canadian interes

Don’t forget this. “Foreign actors are attempting to undermine Canadian interests by interfering in Alberta's separatist debate…” “Actors from Russia and the US are attempting to promote separatist ideas in what researchers behind the report described as a threat to Canada's democratic integrity.”

Connecting the dots between increasingly “normal” extreme weather events and the

Connecting the dots between increasingly “normal” extreme weather events and the #ClimateCrisis. ALL MEDIA, IF IT WANTS TO BE CONSIDERED CREDIBLE, NEEDS TO DO THIS CONSTANTLY.

This is BAD NEWS for public safety & mobility in Ontario. Make no mistake what t

This is BAD NEWS for public safety & mobility in Ontario. Make no mistake what this ruling means—the lower court decision established that ripping out protected bike-lanes WILL cost lives & that was unconstitutional. This Appeal decision says Doug Ford is constitutionally allowed to ENDANGER LIVES.

He truly and deeply hates Americans who serve.

He truly and deeply hates Americans who serve.

One of these two candidates for UK public office is a complete joke. The other h

One of these two candidates for UK public office is a complete joke. The other has a bin for a face.

RE: https://mastodon.online/@BrentToderian/117050769564189527 ICYMI: What differ

RE: https://mastodon.online/@BrentToderian/117050769564189527 ICYMI: What differentiates INNOVATIVE CITIES from those that keep failing (hint: it’s about RISK)? How do you position downtowns and pedestrian streets for success, and avoid positioning them for failure? What are the 5 “elephants in the room” that CREATE FAILURE? Watch and share my interview below.

Never, ever accept the normalization of blatant lies and disinformation.

Never, ever accept the normalization of blatant lies and disinformation.

I’ve worked quite a bit in both European cities and Latin American cities. Altho

I’ve worked quite a bit in both European cities and Latin American cities. Altho we’re right to be inspired by European cities, Latin American cities deserve a lot more attention as models for global cities. They have similar priorities (public space, smart mobility) but do it much faster & cheaper.

“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million/y

“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million/year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bicycle, even in winter. That’s $300/person each year.” Safe bike infrastructure saves lives, AND money. Here’s the source @grist.org article

New data analysis “has provided fresh evidence that cycling is the fastest inner

New data analysis “has provided fresh evidence that cycling is the fastest inner city rush hour transport, with new findings from London showing that 2 wheels beats the tube & cars for most trips…the bike beat 92% of matched trips aligned to TfL services, as well as 75% of rush hour driving trips.”

“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.

“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.

If Spider-Man was real, he’d be kicking ICE’s ass in EVERY friendly neighbourhoo

If Spider-Man was real, he’d be kicking ICE’s ass in EVERY friendly neighbourhood. And never forget that his co-creator Stan Lee constantly used his platform to fearlessly call out fascism, nazis and bigotry.

Investing in a smart PEDESTRIAN STREET in your downtown isn’t just a “cost.” We

Investing in a smart PEDESTRIAN STREET in your downtown isn’t just a “cost.” We need to talk about how much the status quo of a distressed street is costing all of us, and the BIG return-on-investment that’s possible. Plus when it comes to the politics, it’s not “right or left,” it’s smart or dumb.

WATCH: If you’re interested in turning streets for cars into places for people,

WATCH: If you’re interested in turning streets for cars into places for people, aka “pedestrian streets” (a VERY limiting term), watch (and share) my new podcast interview with the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement area, which I’ve been advising lately. Discusses Vancouver’s pedestrianized Granville Street that I’ve been helping with, but relevant to ANY city. And once you’ve watched it, com

WATCH: If you’re interested in turning streets for cars into places for people,

WATCH: If you’re interested in turning streets for cars into places for people, aka “pedestrian streets” (a VERY limiting term), watch my new podcast interview with @downtownvan.bsky.social. Discusses Vancouver’s pedestrianized Granville Street that I’ve been helping with, but relevant to ANY city.

Was invited by the Goteborg public transport authority Västtrafik years ago, em

Was invited by the Goteborg public transport authority Västtrafik years ago, emphasizing the local public and political conversations and positioning of public transit in the city… but also got a chance to explore/get to know many of the newer waterfront communities, which I was quite impressed by.

Two new podcasts recorded with two different podcasters in the last two days, on

Two new podcasts recorded with two different podcasters in the last two days, one on the challenges and tactics around creating successful pedestrian streets in North America, and the other on walkable cities vs car-dependent cities in Latin America. I’ll let you know when they’re posted.

Most on “the Right,” certainly those with money and power, KNOW that “climate ch

Most on “the Right,” certainly those with money and power, KNOW that “climate change is real.” It isn’t a challenge of knowledge. It’s a challenge of selfishness, self-interest and corruption for most, and for others, one of inexplicable apathy. There must be accountability for both. #ClimateCrisis

I honestly don’t know how anyone can justify buying a Tesla.

I honestly don’t know how anyone can justify buying a Tesla.

1. The DVBIA has provided a budget. Just needed a bit of time on very short noti

1. The DVBIA has provided a budget. Just needed a bit of time on very short notice to create a plan & costing. 2. Budgets are important, but so are the costs of doing nothing & so is value creation/return on investment, which in this case can be very significant. See here: bsky.app/profile/jmce...

Remember, don’t waste any time arguing whether #ClimateChange “caused” the curre

Remember, don’t waste any time arguing whether #ClimateChange “caused” the current #wildfires. Like EVERY consequence of the #ClimateCrisis, we KNOW that EACH WILDFIRE is made much more likely, and much worse, by the rapidly changing conditions from Climate Change. MORE LIKELY AND WORSE.

“We need an Ozempic for cars. They are growing at a phenomenal rate, wreaking ha

“We need an Ozempic for cars. They are growing at a phenomenal rate, wreaking havoc on roads, squeezing out smaller vehicles and endangering pedestrians. Like ever-hungry teenagers, cars in Europe are growing on average a centimetre wider every year.” Don’t repeat North America’s mistake, Europe. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/12/britain-car-suv-big-large-vehicle-road-pedestria

All these are true: 1. FIFA is awful and corrupt. 2. The #WorldCup is a fantasti

All these are true: 1. FIFA is awful and corrupt. 2. The #WorldCup is a fantastic event despite #FIFA. 3. Co-hosting in Canada isn’t worth the outrageous costs/conditions FIFA demands, especially with few physical legacies. 4. Vancouver has done a fantastic job leveraging outcomes for the city.

How will a pedestrianized Granville Street during the #WorldCup quickly evolve i

How will a pedestrianized Granville Street during the #WorldCup quickly evolve into a successful people-place EVERY day? This week I’ve started advising the very impressive Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Area leadership team planning the 7 week extension of the initial World Cup pedestrianization directed by City Council last Thursday, and the early thinking for next year’s full summer pi

This iconic Fabian Todorovic cartoon is still one of the best I’ve seen at illus

This iconic Fabian Todorovic cartoon is still one of the best I’ve seen at illustrating the remarkable amount of space we surrender to cars, leaving little space left for everyone and everything else. The text added later makes the bonus point that many drivers still manage to complain about it.

NEW: “This isn’t cutting edge anymore. It’s just learning from our own successes

NEW: “This isn’t cutting edge anymore. It’s just learning from our own successes & failures, and standing on the shoulders of smarter cities. Time to get it done.” My op-ed in today’s Vancouver Sun makes the case for a people-first Granville Street (& MORE streets) beyond the #WorldCup. https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-time-to-change-granville-street-for-good

This week’s three big winners. New York City, Iran, and Algae.

This week’s three big winners. New York City, Iran, and Algae.

Have you explored the new World Cup-themed Granville Street in downtown Vancouve

Have you explored the new World Cup-themed Granville Street in downtown Vancouver yet? It’s amazing. Filled with people, joy, and energy, it’s much more than just a vehicle-free “pedestrian zone.” It’s a great people-place that makes you want to go there, and then makes you want to stay. It makes the street, the neighbourhood, the downtown, and the city, better.

THE AUSSIES ARE IN OUR ‘HOOD! #Vancouver #WorldCup #AUSvsTUR

THE AUSSIES ARE IN OUR ‘HOOD! #Vancouver #WorldCup #AUSvsTUR

If walking costs you $1, we all pay $0.01. If biking costs you $1, we all pay $0

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

“Air pollution fell substantially as Paris restricted car traffic and made way f

“Air pollution fell substantially as Paris restricted car traffic and made way for parks, people-streets and bike-lanes.” Better for the climate, better for health, better for livability and quality of life. Common sense. Such a no-brainer, it’s remarkable that more cities HAVEN’T done the same. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2025/04/12/air-pollution-paris-health-cars/

What are the “Best 2026 World Cup Cities” according to Sport Illustrated? VANCOU

What are the “Best 2026 World Cup Cities” according to Sport Illustrated? VANCOUVER is #1, with Seattle and Toronto in the top 3. “Unlike in many cities, fans might be able to avoid driving entirely.” Walkable downtown stadium, skytrain connecting airport and downtown. #WorldCup https://www.si.com/soccer/ranking-16-fifa-world-cup-host-cities

MONTREAL: “A total of 12 streets are being pedestrianized this year, encouraging

MONTREAL: “A total of 12 streets are being pedestrianized this year, encouraging local businesses and bringing outdoor festivities to the heart of the city and to some residential neighnourholds.” Via @cultmtl Another year of continent-leading street transformations trading cars for civic life. https://cultmtl.com/2026/05/12-montreal-streets-are-going-pedestrian-only-this-summer/

“During the 1950s-60s, the rise in automobile traffic transformed Dutch cities,

“During the 1950s-60s, the rise in automobile traffic transformed Dutch cities, resulting in traffic congestion, pollution, & an alarming increase in crashes. In 1971, more than 3,300 people lost their lives in crashes, including 400 children. These shocking numbers led to public protests…” Change. https://nowsustainability.com/the-bicycle-revolution-in-the-netherlands-how-cycling-transformed-the-

LOST: Missing Middle Housing. Please help. Last seen 50+ years ago in cities eve

LOST: Missing Middle Housing. Please help. Last seen 50+ years ago in cities everywhere. Please contact your elected officials to help find this housing. 555-456-CITY #UrbanTruth #MissingMiddle Via the Urban Truth Collective https://www.urbantruthcollective.com/

NEW: The Highway Lobby spend MILLIONS buying car dependency to make sure all of

NEW: The Highway Lobby spend MILLIONS buying car dependency to make sure all of us have to spend BILLIONS. #UrbanTruth They’ve “been shaping transportation policy conversations for decades in its interests.” Via the Union of Concerned Scientists. Poster by our Urban Truth Collective. https://blog.ucs.org/kshen/the-highway-lobby-spends-millions-to-make-sure-we-pay-billions/

Love this. Massive Montreal crowd ovation for Canadiens rookie goalie Jakub Dobe

Love this. Massive Montreal crowd ovation for Canadiens rookie goalie Jakub Dobeš, having a hell of a series, after camera shows him smiling after seeing a fan sign with a stop sign with his face on it. Go Habs Go. #MontrealCanadiens #GoHabsGo

“Both Russian and pro-Trump U.S. actors are amplifying and spreading misinformat

“Both Russian and pro-Trump U.S. actors are amplifying and spreading misinformation about Alberta separatism in the hope of fraying Canadian unity and sowing distrust.” An overt attack on Canadian sovereignty, meant specifically to manipulate Canadians. That’s what’s fuelling Alberta separation. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/russia-and-u-s-amplifying-alberta-separatist-narratives-to-stoke

“If you care about the bottom line, budgets & taxes, then you should care about

“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. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/biking-saves-money

NEW: The One-Hour City Conspiracy! “Here's the REAL conspiracy: Too many people

NEW: The One-Hour City Conspiracy! “Here's the REAL conspiracy: Too many people are forced into car-dependent lives, with more health harms, crashes, noise, air pollution, social isolation —& less space for everything our streets should be giving us.” Thanks @Streetsblog! #1HourCityConspiracy https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/04/27/urban-truth-collective-the-one-hour-city-conspiracy