Renee de St. Croix
@reneedsc.bsky.social
City planner & urban designer. Planning Director with a Metro Vancouver municipality. Mom of 2. Loves soccer, biking, design & cities. Posts are my own.
Pinned
Renee de St. Croix
@reneedsc.bsky.social
· Oct 11
Really happy to reconnect with old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com back visiting Vancouver from their amazing global work championing smart urban biking. Great fun at the Dutch Consulate special event celebrating their inspiring new book “Women Changing Cities!” #UrbanismBookClub
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
NEW/LISTEN! Been REALLY looking forward to this one — my interview with Jason from #NotJustBikes IS LIVE on many podcast platforms plus YouTube! We cover a LOT of really important ground on how to ACTUALLY ACHIEVE BETTER CITIES IN REAL PRACTICE! I’m looking forward to your thoughts and comments!
How to Actually Improve a City (w/Brent Toderian)
YouTube video by The Urbanist Agenda Podcast
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW/LISTEN! Been REALLY looking forward to this one — my interview with Jason from #NotJustBikes IS LIVE on many podcast platforms plus YouTube! We cover a LOT of really important ground on how to ACTUALLY ACHIEVE BETTER CITIES IN REAL PRACTICE! I’m looking forward to your thoughts and comments!
More bikes in Boston:
“The Better Bike Lanes project in the metropolitan area of #Boston has led to a substantial increase in bicycle trips and a modest decrease in the number of motor vehicles on the roads at any given time.”
“The Better Bike Lanes project in the metropolitan area of #Boston has led to a substantial increase in bicycle trips and a modest decrease in the number of motor vehicles on the roads at any given time.”
Bostonians Wanted More Bike Lanes: Now They Have Them, and Traffic Is Down
Mayor Michelle Wu's ran on more protected bike lanes around the city to satisfy a perceived demand for better cycling infrastructure.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
December 19, 2025 at 7:03 AM
More bikes in Boston:
“The Better Bike Lanes project in the metropolitan area of #Boston has led to a substantial increase in bicycle trips and a modest decrease in the number of motor vehicles on the roads at any given time.”
“The Better Bike Lanes project in the metropolitan area of #Boston has led to a substantial increase in bicycle trips and a modest decrease in the number of motor vehicles on the roads at any given time.”
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
Way back in 2018 I did a walking tour of Vancouver with @brenttoderian.bsky.social and he explained how that city overcame this problem. You need family-sized units & also, crucially, *good urban schools*.
Young families typically leave cities for the suburbs. Here’s how to keep them downtown.
Urbanist Brent Toderian explains how Vancouver held onto its families.
www.vox.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Way back in 2018 I did a walking tour of Vancouver with @brenttoderian.bsky.social and he explained how that city overcame this problem. You need family-sized units & also, crucially, *good urban schools*.
“In 2023, cars and their drivers killed 8,820 American pedestrians and bicyclists — 7,314 pedestrians and 1,166 cyclists. They injured another 136,281, an increase of over 5,300 injuries from 2022.”
Via @jalopnik.bsky.social
Via @jalopnik.bsky.social
No, Defensive Walking Isn't The Solution For Road Deaths - Jalopnik
It's victim-blaming, it's bull, and it's not the solution we need.
www.jalopnik.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:06 AM
“In 2023, cars and their drivers killed 8,820 American pedestrians and bicyclists — 7,314 pedestrians and 1,166 cyclists. They injured another 136,281, an increase of over 5,300 injuries from 2022.”
Via @jalopnik.bsky.social
Via @jalopnik.bsky.social
“When families leave, cities lose far more than tax revenue; they lose their highest earners, biggest spenders, and the next generation of workers. Because Gen Z is a smaller generation… they aren’t going to fill the gap left by millennial families.”
Cities made a bet on millennials — but forgot one key thing
Can cities learn to love kids again?
www.vox.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:47 AM
“When families leave, cities lose far more than tax revenue; they lose their highest earners, biggest spenders, and the next generation of workers. Because Gen Z is a smaller generation… they aren’t going to fill the gap left by millennial families.”
“…the opening of the REM has vaulted Canada’s 2nd largest city from a transportation laggard to a frontrunner. It’s also provided a low-cost template of quick-to-build rapid transit that every Canadian city struggling with gridlock, long commutes and inflated transit costs can, and should, emulate.”
Montreal's New Rail Line Is the Future - Macleans.ca
Canada has forgotten how to build fast, cheap transit. A new megaproject has the fix.
macleans.ca
December 1, 2025 at 2:42 AM
“…the opening of the REM has vaulted Canada’s 2nd largest city from a transportation laggard to a frontrunner. It’s also provided a low-cost template of quick-to-build rapid transit that every Canadian city struggling with gridlock, long commutes and inflated transit costs can, and should, emulate.”
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
Bluesky is at 40 million and the urbanism community on here seems to keep growing. Here’s my updated Starter Pack of Canadian planners, architects, advocates and urbanists. Some well known faces … and some you should get to know! Give them a follow! go.bsky.app/AEYL7FZ
November 1, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Bluesky is at 40 million and the urbanism community on here seems to keep growing. Here’s my updated Starter Pack of Canadian planners, architects, advocates and urbanists. Some well known faces … and some you should get to know! Give them a follow! go.bsky.app/AEYL7FZ
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
A global network of urbanists shaping the cities of tomorrow. From sustainability to resilience and fairness, we’re all tackling the same challenges—and we have so much to learn from each other. As climate change and other crises intensify, sharing ideas has never been more urgent.
ICYMI: This is my STARTER PACK specifically profiling urbanists OUTSIDE of North America! If you love cities and want them to be better for people, please consider following these folks and orgs, and please share this pack as much as you can! Thanks very much.
November 3, 2025 at 5:33 AM
A global network of urbanists shaping the cities of tomorrow. From sustainability to resilience and fairness, we’re all tackling the same challenges—and we have so much to learn from each other. As climate change and other crises intensify, sharing ideas has never been more urgent.
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
Canadian Cities Guru Teams Up with Paris Mayor for Groundbreaking New Exhibition.
momentummag.com/from-paris-t...
momentummag.com/from-paris-t...
Canadian Cities Guru Teams Up with Paris Mayor for Groundbreaking New Exhibition
Canadian urbanist Brent Toderian teamed up with Paris and, in particular, Mayor Anne Hidalgo on a new exhibition, From Paris to Belém.
momentummag.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Canadian Cities Guru Teams Up with Paris Mayor for Groundbreaking New Exhibition.
momentummag.com/from-paris-t...
momentummag.com/from-paris-t...
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
I saw this happen over visits during the last 20 years. It’s amazing.
“Fast forward to today, and the transformation is astonishing. Paris has quietly—and quickly—become one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world” with pop-up bike-lanes during the pandemic evolving “into a permanent cycling network spanning hundreds of kilometres.” Via @momentummag.bsky.social
New Study Shows How Paris Pedaled Its Way to a Cycling Revolution
Cycling through central Paris meant weaving between buses and scooters—a bold choice reserved for the fearless few.
momentummag.com
October 11, 2025 at 9:24 PM
I saw this happen over visits during the last 20 years. It’s amazing.
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
We could have nice things. Paris quickly cleaned up their air, reduced traffic jams while improving mobility and overall livability 💚
“The change shows how ambitious policymaking can directly improve health in large cities. Air pollution is often described by health experts as a silent killer. Both PM 2.5 and nitrogen dioxide have been linked to major health problems, including heart attacks, lung cancer, bronchitis and asthma.”
Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change.
Air pollution fell substantially as the city restricted car traffic and made way for parks and bike lanes.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 12, 2025 at 3:01 AM
We could have nice things. Paris quickly cleaned up their air, reduced traffic jams while improving mobility and overall livability 💚
“Recent studies show that between 80% — 89% of the world’s population wants to see climate action. Members of this ‘silent majority’ come from all walks of life…’” #ClimateChange
‘I worry about the future of my daughter’: the ‘silent majority’ who care about the climate crisis
Readers who are part of the 80-89% of the population who want to see climate action tell us their ideas on how to make their voices heard
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM
“Recent studies show that between 80% — 89% of the world’s population wants to see climate action. Members of this ‘silent majority’ come from all walks of life…’” #ClimateChange
“One of Hidalgo’s most transformative achievements has been her push to reduce car dominance in Paris, a city historically shaped by automotive culture. Since 2014, her administration has added over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) of bike lanes, making cycling a viable and safe option for commuters.”
Anne Hidalgo: Transforming Paris into a Green Metropolis for a Sustainable Future
Pic: Ms Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris (Source: ChatGPT)
medium.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:54 AM
“One of Hidalgo’s most transformative achievements has been her push to reduce car dominance in Paris, a city historically shaped by automotive culture. Since 2014, her administration has added over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) of bike lanes, making cycling a viable and safe option for commuters.”
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
Important piece by Brent—please check it out!
NEW: “If we’re honest, we’ll admit that many cities still need to take their first steps toward more sustainable city-making. And every city needs to go much further & faster.” @forbes.com writer @carltonreid.com interviews me on our bold Paris Exhibition launched by Mayor @annehidalgo.bsky.social.
Cities Vs. Climate Change: Global Exhibition In Paris Inspires Action
From Paris to Belém: 10 Years of Global Climate Action—celebrates a decade of bold urban responses to climate change since the 2015 Paris Agreement.
www.forbes.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Important piece by Brent—please check it out!
It’s a challenging and exciting time to be in city-building, and an important time to have these inspiring stories shared! Thank you again Melissa and Chris for such a hugely important contribution to a badly needed conversation!
And buy this book!
@modacitylife.com #UrbanismBookClub
5/end
And buy this book!
@modacitylife.com #UrbanismBookClub
5/end
October 27, 2025 at 12:38 AM
It’s a challenging and exciting time to be in city-building, and an important time to have these inspiring stories shared! Thank you again Melissa and Chris for such a hugely important contribution to a badly needed conversation!
And buy this book!
@modacitylife.com #UrbanismBookClub
5/end
And buy this book!
@modacitylife.com #UrbanismBookClub
5/end
NOW as I look back at my own journey and the women who inspired me, while also thinking about the people (and women specifically) I now mentor and encourage in city planning, I see these FIVE traits as absolutely key for opening doors to collaboration, learning, and achieving the best outcomes!
4/
4/
October 27, 2025 at 12:34 AM
NOW as I look back at my own journey and the women who inspired me, while also thinking about the people (and women specifically) I now mentor and encourage in city planning, I see these FIVE traits as absolutely key for opening doors to collaboration, learning, and achieving the best outcomes!
4/
4/
My FAVOURITE take-away was their highlighting of FIVE traits that helped these women change-makers be successful:
1. Lead with empathy
2. Have a long term plan/vision
3. Emphasize an understanding of “care work” (ie. care giving and family supports)
4. Build alliances
5. Value impact over power
3/
1. Lead with empathy
2. Have a long term plan/vision
3. Emphasize an understanding of “care work” (ie. care giving and family supports)
4. Build alliances
5. Value impact over power
3/
October 27, 2025 at 12:31 AM
My FAVOURITE take-away was their highlighting of FIVE traits that helped these women change-makers be successful:
1. Lead with empathy
2. Have a long term plan/vision
3. Emphasize an understanding of “care work” (ie. care giving and family supports)
4. Build alliances
5. Value impact over power
3/
1. Lead with empathy
2. Have a long term plan/vision
3. Emphasize an understanding of “care work” (ie. care giving and family supports)
4. Build alliances
5. Value impact over power
3/
This special, inspiring book tells the stories of women leaders and change-makers around the world.
Great women role-models like @annehidalgo.bsky.social, @valplante.bsky.social, @clovermoore.bsky.social, @silviacasorran.bsky.social, @lauraballesteros.bsky.social, and many more!
2/
Great women role-models like @annehidalgo.bsky.social, @valplante.bsky.social, @clovermoore.bsky.social, @silviacasorran.bsky.social, @lauraballesteros.bsky.social, and many more!
2/
October 27, 2025 at 12:22 AM
This special, inspiring book tells the stories of women leaders and change-makers around the world.
Great women role-models like @annehidalgo.bsky.social, @valplante.bsky.social, @clovermoore.bsky.social, @silviacasorran.bsky.social, @lauraballesteros.bsky.social, and many more!
2/
Great women role-models like @annehidalgo.bsky.social, @valplante.bsky.social, @clovermoore.bsky.social, @silviacasorran.bsky.social, @lauraballesteros.bsky.social, and many more!
2/
This book is my current transit commute read!
I attended the pre-launch of the book "Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation", by our old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Vancouver.
#UrbanismBookClub
1/
I attended the pre-launch of the book "Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation", by our old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Vancouver.
#UrbanismBookClub
1/
October 27, 2025 at 12:03 AM
This book is my current transit commute read!
I attended the pre-launch of the book "Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation", by our old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Vancouver.
#UrbanismBookClub
1/
I attended the pre-launch of the book "Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation", by our old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Vancouver.
#UrbanismBookClub
1/
“But urban thinkers see another way: cities designed for people, not cars. It sounds utopian, maybe even naïve, but these three urbanists say it’s achievable if city builders are willing to take bold steps and rethink the status quo.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
A world without traffic? Three urban experts rethink how cities move
Gridlock is costing us billions, but bold solutions like bus-only lanes, congestion charges and flexible work hours could get cities moving again
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM
“But urban thinkers see another way: cities designed for people, not cars. It sounds utopian, maybe even naïve, but these three urbanists say it’s achievable if city builders are willing to take bold steps and rethink the status quo.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
Really happy to reconnect with old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com back visiting Vancouver from their amazing global work championing smart urban biking. Great fun at the Dutch Consulate special event celebrating their inspiring new book “Women Changing Cities!” #UrbanismBookClub
October 11, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Really happy to reconnect with old friends Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com back visiting Vancouver from their amazing global work championing smart urban biking. Great fun at the Dutch Consulate special event celebrating their inspiring new book “Women Changing Cities!” #UrbanismBookClub
“Fast forward to today, and the transformation is astonishing. Paris has quietly—and quickly—become one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world” with pop-up bike-lanes during the pandemic evolving “into a permanent cycling network spanning hundreds of kilometres.” Via @momentummag.bsky.social
New Study Shows How Paris Pedaled Its Way to a Cycling Revolution
Cycling through central Paris meant weaving between buses and scooters—a bold choice reserved for the fearless few.
momentummag.com
October 11, 2025 at 8:24 PM
“Fast forward to today, and the transformation is astonishing. Paris has quietly—and quickly—become one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world” with pop-up bike-lanes during the pandemic evolving “into a permanent cycling network spanning hundreds of kilometres.” Via @momentummag.bsky.social
“The change shows how ambitious policymaking can directly improve health in large cities. Air pollution is often described by health experts as a silent killer. Both PM 2.5 and nitrogen dioxide have been linked to major health problems, including heart attacks, lung cancer, bronchitis and asthma.”
Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change.
Air pollution fell substantially as the city restricted car traffic and made way for parks and bike lanes.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 1, 2025 at 5:36 AM
“The change shows how ambitious policymaking can directly improve health in large cities. Air pollution is often described by health experts as a silent killer. Both PM 2.5 and nitrogen dioxide have been linked to major health problems, including heart attacks, lung cancer, bronchitis and asthma.”
Reposted by Renee de St. Croix
All the haters who are constantly accusing us of not changing the conversation about better cities must feel pretty stupid right about now.
STARTER PACK: I’ve got packs with different approaches, but ICYMI this one is specifically about those accounts that are good at changing the commmunication & conversation about better cities. Obvious people like @tomflood.bsky.social & less obvious like @dieworkwear.bsky.social. go.bsky.app/7iNmiCU
September 1, 2025 at 2:50 AM
All the haters who are constantly accusing us of not changing the conversation about better cities must feel pretty stupid right about now.