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.
Pinned
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...
“In Utrecht, the bike is not an end in itself. It is a means to create a liveable, healthy, climate-friendly city for all. The success can be admired in the inner city. It is lively and yet quiet at the same time. Here, it's noticeable: Cities aren't loud; only cars are, and they play no role here.”
December 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
“In Utrecht, the bike is not an end in itself. It is a means to create a liveable, healthy, climate-friendly city for all. The success can be admired in the inner city. It is lively and yet quiet at the same time. Here, it's noticeable: Cities aren't loud; only cars are, and they play no role here.”
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
“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 | 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
December 26, 2025 at 9:04 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
From our home in Delft to yours—wherever that may be—wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
We’re putting our passports aside for a few weeks to rest and recharge, but 2026 is already shaping up to be our busiest yet, with exciting projects and inspiring travels ahead. Until then!
We’re putting our passports aside for a few weeks to rest and recharge, but 2026 is already shaping up to be our busiest yet, with exciting projects and inspiring travels ahead. Until then!
December 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
From our home in Delft to yours—wherever that may be—wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
We’re putting our passports aside for a few weeks to rest and recharge, but 2026 is already shaping up to be our busiest yet, with exciting projects and inspiring travels ahead. Until then!
We’re putting our passports aside for a few weeks to rest and recharge, but 2026 is already shaping up to be our busiest yet, with exciting projects and inspiring travels ahead. Until then!
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
From the Dutch Cycling Embassy team, thank you for a fantastic year bringing cycling to everyone, everywhere!
We're taking a break for the holiday season, and will be back in full swing in the new year to keep building cycling cities around the world.
See you in 2026!
We're taking a break for the holiday season, and will be back in full swing in the new year to keep building cycling cities around the world.
See you in 2026!
December 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
From the Dutch Cycling Embassy team, thank you for a fantastic year bringing cycling to everyone, everywhere!
We're taking a break for the holiday season, and will be back in full swing in the new year to keep building cycling cities around the world.
See you in 2026!
We're taking a break for the holiday season, and will be back in full swing in the new year to keep building cycling cities around the world.
See you in 2026!
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
“We all benefit when our cities are more balanced, where cars are not the dominant force.”
#DCENetwork member Melissa Bruntlett was featured in the New York Times' Women and Leadership special report about her years in advocating for cycling cities!
Read the full article here:
#DCENetwork member Melissa Bruntlett was featured in the New York Times' Women and Leadership special report about her years in advocating for cycling cities!
Read the full article here:
She’s on a Mission to Make the World More Bike-Friendly
Melissa Bruntlett advocates equitable, inclusive and sustainable mobility — and writes about other women who do, too.
buff.ly
December 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
“We all benefit when our cities are more balanced, where cars are not the dominant force.”
#DCENetwork member Melissa Bruntlett was featured in the New York Times' Women and Leadership special report about her years in advocating for cycling cities!
Read the full article here:
#DCENetwork member Melissa Bruntlett was featured in the New York Times' Women and Leadership special report about her years in advocating for cycling cities!
Read the full article here:
After launching "Women Changing Cities" in Vancouver, Amsterdam, London, Shanghai and Miami, we're delighted to bring these global stories of urban transformation to Berlin.
Join us February 12 in partnership with Women in Cycling and the Netherlands Embassy in Germany. Free tickets: bit.ly/4pDh7Y2
Join us February 12 in partnership with Women in Cycling and the Netherlands Embassy in Germany. Free tickets: bit.ly/4pDh7Y2
December 22, 2025 at 1:40 PM
After launching "Women Changing Cities" in Vancouver, Amsterdam, London, Shanghai and Miami, we're delighted to bring these global stories of urban transformation to Berlin.
Join us February 12 in partnership with Women in Cycling and the Netherlands Embassy in Germany. Free tickets: bit.ly/4pDh7Y2
Join us February 12 in partnership with Women in Cycling and the Netherlands Embassy in Germany. Free tickets: bit.ly/4pDh7Y2
A new World Bank report calls on governments to create dedicated Livable Streets Investment Programs, steadily scaling funding to 10% of road budgets by 2035.
Why? Because livable streets deliver some of the highest returns in transport investment—up to €16 per €1 spent: investinlivablestreets.info
Why? Because livable streets deliver some of the highest returns in transport investment—up to €16 per €1 spent: investinlivablestreets.info
December 19, 2025 at 9:15 AM
A new World Bank report calls on governments to create dedicated Livable Streets Investment Programs, steadily scaling funding to 10% of road budgets by 2035.
Why? Because livable streets deliver some of the highest returns in transport investment—up to €16 per €1 spent: investinlivablestreets.info
Why? Because livable streets deliver some of the highest returns in transport investment—up to €16 per €1 spent: investinlivablestreets.info
Hey Miami!
The stars have aligned above your fair city, and—for one night only—we'll be sharing the stage with our friends at @thewaroncars.bsky.social for a double book feature and live podcast recording in partnership with @transitmia.bsky.social.
Get your tickets while they last: bit.ly/3Ygeek5
The stars have aligned above your fair city, and—for one night only—we'll be sharing the stage with our friends at @thewaroncars.bsky.social for a double book feature and live podcast recording in partnership with @transitmia.bsky.social.
Get your tickets while they last: bit.ly/3Ygeek5
December 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Hey Miami!
The stars have aligned above your fair city, and—for one night only—we'll be sharing the stage with our friends at @thewaroncars.bsky.social for a double book feature and live podcast recording in partnership with @transitmia.bsky.social.
Get your tickets while they last: bit.ly/3Ygeek5
The stars have aligned above your fair city, and—for one night only—we'll be sharing the stage with our friends at @thewaroncars.bsky.social for a double book feature and live podcast recording in partnership with @transitmia.bsky.social.
Get your tickets while they last: bit.ly/3Ygeek5
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Big news!
On Thursday, January 15th we'll be sharing the stage with Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com for a double book event at the Miracle Theater in Coral Gables, FL hosted by @transitmia.bsky.social.
Don't miss this epic team-up!
purchase.actorsplayhouse.org/EventAvailab...
On Thursday, January 15th we'll be sharing the stage with Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com for a double book event at the Miracle Theater in Coral Gables, FL hosted by @transitmia.bsky.social.
Don't miss this epic team-up!
purchase.actorsplayhouse.org/EventAvailab...
December 16, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Big news!
On Thursday, January 15th we'll be sharing the stage with Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com for a double book event at the Miracle Theater in Coral Gables, FL hosted by @transitmia.bsky.social.
Don't miss this epic team-up!
purchase.actorsplayhouse.org/EventAvailab...
On Thursday, January 15th we'll be sharing the stage with Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com for a double book event at the Miracle Theater in Coral Gables, FL hosted by @transitmia.bsky.social.
Don't miss this epic team-up!
purchase.actorsplayhouse.org/EventAvailab...
While some cities still say, “That would never work here,” others are setting aside excuses and turning ambition into action—reclaiming streets, reimagining mobility, and shaping safer, more inclusive public spaces.
These are 35 cities in 20 countries we visited this year that are leading the way.🧵
These are 35 cities in 20 countries we visited this year that are leading the way.🧵
December 15, 2025 at 6:48 AM
While some cities still say, “That would never work here,” others are setting aside excuses and turning ambition into action—reclaiming streets, reimagining mobility, and shaping safer, more inclusive public spaces.
These are 35 cities in 20 countries we visited this year that are leading the way.🧵
These are 35 cities in 20 countries we visited this year that are leading the way.🧵
If our cities are shaped by stories, then great books form the foundation of knowledge and inspiration needed to build more liveable, inclusive and prosperous places.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
December 14, 2025 at 9:26 AM
If our cities are shaped by stories, then great books form the foundation of knowledge and inspiration needed to build more liveable, inclusive and prosperous places.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Viewing #transport infrastructure through a #bikenomics lens shows that bike-friendly investments generate big returns, like health improvements, climate benefits, and social equity.
Dive into how Dutch cycling insights can reshape smarter infrastructure planning 👇 itdp.org/2025/08/18/t...
Dive into how Dutch cycling insights can reshape smarter infrastructure planning 👇 itdp.org/2025/08/18/t...
Rethinking Transport Infrastructure Investments Through the Lens of 'Bikenomics'
It is no secret that countries around the world are facing a period of economic uncertainty. Sudden demands for defense spending, customs tariffs, and replacement of post-war infrastructure at the…
itdp.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Viewing #transport infrastructure through a #bikenomics lens shows that bike-friendly investments generate big returns, like health improvements, climate benefits, and social equity.
Dive into how Dutch cycling insights can reshape smarter infrastructure planning 👇 itdp.org/2025/08/18/t...
Dive into how Dutch cycling insights can reshape smarter infrastructure planning 👇 itdp.org/2025/08/18/t...
From the heights of its skyline to the charm of its alleyways, Shanghai dazzled at every turn, with vibrant streets, rich character and a connected transport system. After six days of exploring the city by foot, bike and transit—and sharing our experiences—we’re already looking forward to returning!
December 12, 2025 at 6:48 AM
From the heights of its skyline to the charm of its alleyways, Shanghai dazzled at every turn, with vibrant streets, rich character and a connected transport system. After six days of exploring the city by foot, bike and transit—and sharing our experiences—we’re already looking forward to returning!
Home to 28 million people, Shanghai is the world’s third-largest city—and nowhere captures its shift from industrial hub to modern metropolis better than the East Bank of the Huangpu River. At the centre of this waterfront revival is a 21-kilometre linear park anchored by a continuous cycling route.
December 11, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Home to 28 million people, Shanghai is the world’s third-largest city—and nowhere captures its shift from industrial hub to modern metropolis better than the East Bank of the Huangpu River. At the centre of this waterfront revival is a 21-kilometre linear park anchored by a continuous cycling route.
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Are you interesting in cities and how to make them better for everyone? Bluesky has, in my observation, the biggest and best community of urbanists and city-builders on social media, and STARTER PACKS were a KEY to creating that! I have a bunch of them. This was my first! go.bsky.app/G7isZfk
December 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Are you interesting in cities and how to make them better for everyone? Bluesky has, in my observation, the biggest and best community of urbanists and city-builders on social media, and STARTER PACKS were a KEY to creating that! I have a bunch of them. This was my first! go.bsky.app/G7isZfk
Suzhou is the most populous prefecture-level city in Jiangsu province and was once the economic and cultural center of China from the Song to Qing Dynasties.
Today, its historic Old Town is a vibrant mix of old low-rise homes and modern, renovated buildings, creating a welcoming social environment.
Today, its historic Old Town is a vibrant mix of old low-rise homes and modern, renovated buildings, creating a welcoming social environment.
December 9, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Suzhou is the most populous prefecture-level city in Jiangsu province and was once the economic and cultural center of China from the Song to Qing Dynasties.
Today, its historic Old Town is a vibrant mix of old low-rise homes and modern, renovated buildings, creating a welcoming social environment.
Today, its historic Old Town is a vibrant mix of old low-rise homes and modern, renovated buildings, creating a welcoming social environment.
Shanghai famously turned its back on the bike decades ago, surrendering its streets to cars in pursuit of economic prosperity. But in the coming years, they will make a remarkable U-turn, reclaiming substantial road space to add 1,250 km of high-quality cycling routes in the name of urban vitality.🧵
December 8, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Shanghai famously turned its back on the bike decades ago, surrendering its streets to cars in pursuit of economic prosperity. But in the coming years, they will make a remarkable U-turn, reclaiming substantial road space to add 1,250 km of high-quality cycling routes in the name of urban vitality.🧵
“Our cities are built on storytelling.”
Yesterday was a special opportunity to bring 'Women Changing Cities' to a whole new audience.
We took our stories of transformation and women’s leadership to a group of students, professors, and politicians at Duke Kunshan University, just west of Shanghai.
Yesterday was a special opportunity to bring 'Women Changing Cities' to a whole new audience.
We took our stories of transformation and women’s leadership to a group of students, professors, and politicians at Duke Kunshan University, just west of Shanghai.
December 7, 2025 at 12:36 PM
“Our cities are built on storytelling.”
Yesterday was a special opportunity to bring 'Women Changing Cities' to a whole new audience.
We took our stories of transformation and women’s leadership to a group of students, professors, and politicians at Duke Kunshan University, just west of Shanghai.
Yesterday was a special opportunity to bring 'Women Changing Cities' to a whole new audience.
We took our stories of transformation and women’s leadership to a group of students, professors, and politicians at Duke Kunshan University, just west of Shanghai.
Bike-train intermodality can come in various shapes, sizes and speeds.
Today, it entailed rocketing out of Shanghai on a CRH (China Railway High-speed) train at 350 km/hr, and then hopping on a pedal-assist shared bike and rolling comfortably through Kunshan along a three-metre-wide protected lane.
Today, it entailed rocketing out of Shanghai on a CRH (China Railway High-speed) train at 350 km/hr, and then hopping on a pedal-assist shared bike and rolling comfortably through Kunshan along a three-metre-wide protected lane.
December 6, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Bike-train intermodality can come in various shapes, sizes and speeds.
Today, it entailed rocketing out of Shanghai on a CRH (China Railway High-speed) train at 350 km/hr, and then hopping on a pedal-assist shared bike and rolling comfortably through Kunshan along a three-metre-wide protected lane.
Today, it entailed rocketing out of Shanghai on a CRH (China Railway High-speed) train at 350 km/hr, and then hopping on a pedal-assist shared bike and rolling comfortably through Kunshan along a three-metre-wide protected lane.
Our final travels of 2025 have taken us to Shanghai, where Chris continues the rapidly expanding work of the @dutchcycling.nl Embassy in China.
The two of us will also present our new book “Women Changing Cities” at a local university, and have a couple of days to see some sights. Watch this space!
The two of us will also present our new book “Women Changing Cities” at a local university, and have a couple of days to see some sights. Watch this space!
December 5, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Our final travels of 2025 have taken us to Shanghai, where Chris continues the rapidly expanding work of the @dutchcycling.nl Embassy in China.
The two of us will also present our new book “Women Changing Cities” at a local university, and have a couple of days to see some sights. Watch this space!
The two of us will also present our new book “Women Changing Cities” at a local university, and have a couple of days to see some sights. Watch this space!
“What can cities do to recover from this great planning disaster? Here are three reforms that can help. First, remove off-street parking requirements. Second, charge market-rate prices for on-street parking. Third, invest the resulting meter revenue to improve public services on the metered blocks.“
December 4, 2025 at 9:15 AM
“What can cities do to recover from this great planning disaster? Here are three reforms that can help. First, remove off-street parking requirements. Second, charge market-rate prices for on-street parking. Third, invest the resulting meter revenue to improve public services on the metered blocks.“
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Oh my gosh, so cool to see Melissa Bruntlett of @modacitylife.com profiled in this NYT piece!! Well-deserved, Melissa! Hope to cycle in the NL with you again some day. 😊
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/h...
She’s on a Mission to Make the World More Bike-Friendly
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Oh my gosh, so cool to see Melissa Bruntlett of @modacitylife.com profiled in this NYT piece!! Well-deserved, Melissa! Hope to cycle in the NL with you again some day. 😊
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/h...
“Inclusive urbanism isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the only way of achieving lasting transformation.”
What a fabulous event tonight in London! Thanks to the full house that packed the British Library's George Elliot Room who were fully engaged in a dynamic conversation.
Next stop Shanghai!
What a fabulous event tonight in London! Thanks to the full house that packed the British Library's George Elliot Room who were fully engaged in a dynamic conversation.
Next stop Shanghai!
December 3, 2025 at 11:28 PM
“Inclusive urbanism isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the only way of achieving lasting transformation.”
What a fabulous event tonight in London! Thanks to the full house that packed the British Library's George Elliot Room who were fully engaged in a dynamic conversation.
Next stop Shanghai!
What a fabulous event tonight in London! Thanks to the full house that packed the British Library's George Elliot Room who were fully engaged in a dynamic conversation.
Next stop Shanghai!
London is fast becoming a cycling city. As each new piece in the network appears—which has more than quadrupled from 90 to 431 km since 2016—so do new cyclists. Its infrastructure now sees a stunning 1.5 million daily users—a 43% spike since 2019—moving nearly half as many people as the Tube below.🧵
December 3, 2025 at 5:07 PM
London is fast becoming a cycling city. As each new piece in the network appears—which has more than quadrupled from 90 to 431 km since 2016—so do new cyclists. Its infrastructure now sees a stunning 1.5 million daily users—a 43% spike since 2019—moving nearly half as many people as the Tube below.🧵
Reposted by Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
We’ve been inspiring change & proposing environmental solutions for 40+ years. Take advantage of our knowledge with our ebook sale at participating retailers. ALL ebooks just $6.99 now until December 19! islandpress.org
December 1, 2025 at 10:20 PM
We’ve been inspiring change & proposing environmental solutions for 40+ years. Take advantage of our knowledge with our ebook sale at participating retailers. ALL ebooks just $6.99 now until December 19! islandpress.org