Welcome to the third episode of the “From Mindshift to Modeshift” webinar series where we will interview experts in the shared mobility industry to discuss methods we can use to transition people from personal car use to alternative modes of transport.
In this latest episode, Natalia Le Gal, a behavioral scientist at movmi, and Lior Steinberg, an urban planner based in Rotterdam, engaged in a lively and insightful discussion on mobility behavior change and urban planning. Lior is a visionary whose work focuses on creating environments that are not only functional but also deeply human-centered. Their conversation touched on various crucial topics, including:
Keep reading for the key takeaways from the webinar, or watch the full session below. Stay tuned for new episodes launching monthly.
Mindshift & Modeshift
Episode Three: Creating spaces that are human-centric and green mobility-friendly
Webinar Panel
Which comes first Mindshift or Modeshift?
The first question Natalia posed to Lior, is a recurring one the movmi team will ask every month, which comes first mindshift or modeshift? Lior’s perspective was both clear and thought-provoking: “It’s the mode shift that changes the minds, but it’s the minds of decision-makers that need to be changed first.” He elaborated that implementing changes in transportation infrastructure—such as adding bike lanes or improving public transit—can lead to broader societal shifts in attitudes towards mobility. However, to kickstart these changes, the mindset of those in power must evolve first, highlighting the intricate dance between policy and public behavior. Lior’s argument underscored the importance of leadership and vision in urban planning.
Designing Child-Friendly Urban Spaces
A significant portion of their discussion revolved around how early mobility habits can influence lifelong behaviors. Lior drew a vivid comparison, “We don’t allow children to smoke until they are much older… It’s the same with mobility; we know they are vulnerable to car smoke and accidents.” This analogy underscored the vulnerability of children and the lasting impact of their early experiences. He passionately argued that children’s daily habits, such as walking or cycling to school, shape their future mobility choices. “A child that walks to school every day is much more likely to walk or cycle to work later on,” he noted, emphasizing the long-term benefits of cultivating healthy mobility habits from a young age. The conversation highlighted the potential of early education and infrastructure to foster lifelong sustainable behaviors.
Designing urban environments that cater to children’s needs naturally leads to more sustainable and livable cities. Lior explained, “If you design a city where children can thrive, you naturally create a city with fewer cars, more active mobility, and sustainable practices.” He painted a vivid picture of a child-friendly city: one with slower traffic speeds, abundant green spaces, and accessible public transportation. Such environments not only protect the youngest and most vulnerable but also promote a higher quality of life for everyone. By focusing on the needs of children, urban planners can create spaces that are safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for all residents.
Resistance to Urban Change
The conversation took a critical turn toward the issue of resistance often encountered when proposing urban changes. Drawing from his own experiences, Lior shared, “Many people who attend these meetings are angry about the change. It’s difficult to face them as a professional, but we need to attract more people who support positive changes.” Natalia added a psychological perspective, discussing the concept of reactance, where individuals resist changes that threaten their perceived freedoms. This resistance, deeply rooted in human nature, poses a significant challenge for urban planners. Lior’s candid reflections highlighted the emotional and psychological barriers that must be navigated to achieve lasting change. His insights emphasized the need for empathy and strategic communication in overcoming opposition.
Collaboration Between Stakeholders
Examples of Successful Community Engagement
To illustrate successful community engagement, Lior shared an inspiring example from South America where cities close streets to cars every Sunday, creating “Open Streets” for people to walk and cycle. “These events allow people to experience how the city could look with fewer cars and more space for people,” he said. Such initiatives transform public spaces into vibrant community hubs, fostering a sense of connection and showcasing the potential of reduced car traffic. Lior’s example painted a hopeful picture of urban life, where streets become arenas for community interaction and active mobility, providing a tangible glimpse of a more sustainable future. These events highlight the power of experiential learning in shifting public perceptions and behaviors.
Data Collection and Community Involvement
Lior advocated for a data-driven approach to support future urban mobility projects. “Collect data on the impact of mobility changes and use it to support future projects,” he advised. By meticulously gathering and analyzing data on projects, cities can make informed decisions and demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable mobility initiatives. Celebrating successful projects with community events, he suggested, can build support for further initiatives. “If it works well and you get the community enjoying it, you have supporters for your next projects,” he added. His approach emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and community involvement in driving urban transformation. Lior’s insights highlighted the role of evidence-based planning in gaining public trust and support.
Inclusivity in Urban Planning
In concluding the discussion, Lior invoked a powerful quote from Gil Penalosa: “If you plan a city for children who are eight and for people who are eighty, then it will work for everybody.” This inclusive approach ensures that urban environments are functional and accessible for all residents, from the youngest to the oldest. Lior emphasized, “Thinking about those who have it worse, like the poor, refugees, or people with health issues, can improve cities for everyone.” His call to consider the needs of the most vulnerable highlighted the ethical imperative of inclusive urban planning and its potential to create more just and equitable cities. By prioritizing inclusivity, planners can ensure that urban environments support the well-being of all residents.
The webinar wrapped up with Natalia and Lior reflecting on the need for strong leadership, community involvement, and cross-sector collaboration to drive positive changes in urban mobility and planning. Lior summed up their discussion with a hopeful note: “We need more strong leaders that are not afraid to be voted out or criticized, and we need to create urban environments that consider the needs of all residents.” Their conversation underscored the complexity and urgency of urban mobility challenges while offering a vision of cities transformed by thoughtful planning, inclusive design, and collaborative efforts. Natalia and Lior’s dialogue highlighted the potential for change and the collective efforts required to achieve it, inspiring a vision of urban environments where everyone can thrive.
Stay tuned for the next edition of the “Mindshift to Modeshift” webinar series, where we will continue to explore innovative ways to transform transportation habits and create more sustainable cities.