Scott
@scottistvan.com
Bike/ped/transit activism. Improv Comedy. Software. He/him.
See also @scottsthoughts@better.boston on mastodon; Bridged here for convenience: @scottsthoughts.better.boston.ap.brid.gy
See also @scottsthoughts@better.boston on mastodon; Bridged here for convenience: @scottsthoughts.better.boston.ap.brid.gy
Reposted by Scott
Hello Internet! I come to you collecting anecdotes to inspire an upcoming improv comedy project. I’m looking for: issues that you’ve had with a coworker, roommate, or other person you generally were in close and frequent contact with.
These may be shared publicly and recorded, so please […]
These may be shared publicly and recorded, so please […]
Original post on better.boston
better.boston
January 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Hello Internet! I come to you collecting anecdotes to inspire an upcoming improv comedy project. I’m looking for: issues that you’ve had with a coworker, roommate, or other person you generally were in close and frequent contact with.
These may be shared publicly and recorded, so please […]
These may be shared publicly and recorded, so please […]
Reposted by Scott
amazing how the entire machine can pivot within 24 hours. no need to slowly upsell the argument; just issue new marching orders
January 5, 2026 at 6:50 AM
amazing how the entire machine can pivot within 24 hours. no need to slowly upsell the argument; just issue new marching orders
Reposted by Scott
In street safety conversations, people should write directly about the choices and actions of human operators rather than machines.
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
January 5, 2026 at 1:03 PM
In street safety conversations, people should write directly about the choices and actions of human operators rather than machines.
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
Reposted by Scott
Jeff Jacoby is always an unhinged doofus, but insisting that Dallas is a model for urban design because he's pissed off about his commute is something else.
The Boston Globe paid Jeff Jacoby to write this bullshit
January 5, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Jeff Jacoby is always an unhinged doofus, but insisting that Dallas is a model for urban design because he's pissed off about his commute is something else.
Reposted by Scott
Fewer crashes, lighter traffic, more easily available parking, and importantly: Better quality of life. People enjoy environments with fewer cars!
By every metric, congestion pricing has been a huge success.
By every metric, congestion pricing has been a huge success.
January 5, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Fewer crashes, lighter traffic, more easily available parking, and importantly: Better quality of life. People enjoy environments with fewer cars!
By every metric, congestion pricing has been a huge success.
By every metric, congestion pricing has been a huge success.
Reposted by Scott
“It’s really chilling that immigrant New Yorkers going into Wegmans and other grocery stores have to worry about their highly sensitive biometric data potentially getting into the hands of ICE.”
Creepy and concerning for everyone, if you ask me. Uncontrolled tech is ruining a lot of things.
Creepy and concerning for everyone, if you ask me. Uncontrolled tech is ruining a lot of things.
NYC Wegmans is storing biometric data on shoppers' eyes, voices and faces
The supermarket chain says it’s a move to ensure shopper safety. Surveillance experts warn of privacy risks.
gothamist.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:31 AM
“It’s really chilling that immigrant New Yorkers going into Wegmans and other grocery stores have to worry about their highly sensitive biometric data potentially getting into the hands of ICE.”
Creepy and concerning for everyone, if you ask me. Uncontrolled tech is ruining a lot of things.
Creepy and concerning for everyone, if you ask me. Uncontrolled tech is ruining a lot of things.
Reposted by Scott
[Michael Bublé voice] And I'm feeling bad
January 3, 2026 at 3:07 PM
[Michael Bublé voice] And I'm feeling bad
I still prefer the community feel of Mastodon to Bluesky, though I totally understand why many folks prefer Bluesky. if anyone is masto-curious though, this article from @amanda.omg.lol lays it out pretty well* techcrunch.com/2026/01/01/w...
A beginner's guide to Mastodon, the open source Twitter alternative | TechCrunch
Mastodon has almost doubled its userbase since Elon Musk took control of Twitter last month. Here's what you need to know about the platform.
techcrunch.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
I still prefer the community feel of Mastodon to Bluesky, though I totally understand why many folks prefer Bluesky. if anyone is masto-curious though, this article from @amanda.omg.lol lays it out pretty well* techcrunch.com/2026/01/01/w...
Reposted by Scott
Barbra Streisand
January 3, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Barbra Streisand
Reposted by Scott
As I discussed in the interview, these are the 5 STEPS TO MAKING BETTER CITIES I’ve been using for many years, and eventually wrote about in @fastcompany.com. Too many cities are stuck in Step 2 (doing the wrong things better), and have to really be careful in Step 4 (doing the right things badly).
5 steps to making better cities
Before you can do the right thing, you have to do the right thing badly. And before that, you have to do the wrong thing.
www.fastcompany.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM
As I discussed in the interview, these are the 5 STEPS TO MAKING BETTER CITIES I’ve been using for many years, and eventually wrote about in @fastcompany.com. Too many cities are stuck in Step 2 (doing the wrong things better), and have to really be careful in Step 4 (doing the right things badly).
Reposted by Scott
"Denver transportation officials said an anti-car message that was displayed on traffic signs in Denver on Friday was the result of a hack. One sign, photographed by The Denver Gazette on Friday evening at E. Colfax Ave & Lincoln St near the Colorado Capitol, shared the message 'Cars ruin cities.'"
‘Cars ruin cities’ signs in Denver were hacked, officials say
Denver transportation officials said an anti-car message that was displayed on traffic signs in Denver on Friday was the result of a hack. One sign, photographed by The Denver Gazette on Friday evenin...
www.denvergazette.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM
"Denver transportation officials said an anti-car message that was displayed on traffic signs in Denver on Friday was the result of a hack. One sign, photographed by The Denver Gazette on Friday evening at E. Colfax Ave & Lincoln St near the Colorado Capitol, shared the message 'Cars ruin cities.'"
I am thrilled that the Somerville City Council race has so many excellent candidates in it who I would be thrilled to work with. That said, I am particularly excited about @jonlink.bsky.social and would encourage anyone who votes for me to also vote for him.
October 23, 2025 at 8:32 PM
I am thrilled that the Somerville City Council race has so many excellent candidates in it who I would be thrilled to work with. That said, I am particularly excited about @jonlink.bsky.social and would encourage anyone who votes for me to also vote for him.
Hey @cityofsomerville.bsky.social whats up with these gates that appeared at the new Ken Kelly park? The one blocking the ramp seems to make the park completely inaccessible to wheel chair users, and they block a good portion of the sidewalk when open.
September 26, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Hey @cityofsomerville.bsky.social whats up with these gates that appeared at the new Ken Kelly park? The one blocking the ramp seems to make the park completely inaccessible to wheel chair users, and they block a good portion of the sidewalk when open.
Reposted by Scott
Trans rights are not the rights of a tiny minority, trans rights are everyone’s rights to self-determination, control of our bodies, and a society where opportunity and aesthetics are not restricted by sex assigned at birth
You should support and defend trans people because trans people are people
You should support and defend trans people because trans people are people
September 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Trans rights are not the rights of a tiny minority, trans rights are everyone’s rights to self-determination, control of our bodies, and a society where opportunity and aesthetics are not restricted by sex assigned at birth
You should support and defend trans people because trans people are people
You should support and defend trans people because trans people are people
Reposted by Scott
Obviously I talk a lot about bike/ped safety.
But something that is really crazy is how much less safe you *in a car* since 2010.
In spite of all the additional safety technology, vehicle occupants are less safe today than they were 15 years ago.
But something that is really crazy is how much less safe you *in a car* since 2010.
In spite of all the additional safety technology, vehicle occupants are less safe today than they were 15 years ago.
September 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Obviously I talk a lot about bike/ped safety.
But something that is really crazy is how much less safe you *in a car* since 2010.
In spite of all the additional safety technology, vehicle occupants are less safe today than they were 15 years ago.
But something that is really crazy is how much less safe you *in a car* since 2010.
In spite of all the additional safety technology, vehicle occupants are less safe today than they were 15 years ago.
Reposted by Scott
MA elections should not be held on September 1, by far the biggest moving day in the state, because it makes it harder for renters to vote.
www.wwlp.com/news/massach...
www.wwlp.com/news/massach...
www.wwlp.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:14 PM
MA elections should not be held on September 1, by far the biggest moving day in the state, because it makes it harder for renters to vote.
www.wwlp.com/news/massach...
www.wwlp.com/news/massach...
I thought the right liked comedy and hated cancel culture
(...as if pointing out their hypocrisy ever caused them to have an ounce of introspection.)
(...as if pointing out their hypocrisy ever caused them to have an ounce of introspection.)
Kimmel has been canceled. Colbert. Now Kimmel. The people who “care” about freedom of speech really hate it when it’s used to criticize them. (Y’know, what it was designed for? To criticize power.) This is fascism. When media is silenced by scared dictators, we might as well burn the 1st amendment.
September 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM
I thought the right liked comedy and hated cancel culture
(...as if pointing out their hypocrisy ever caused them to have an ounce of introspection.)
(...as if pointing out their hypocrisy ever caused them to have an ounce of introspection.)
Reposted by Scott
A free and democratic society cannot silence comedians because the President doesn’t like what they say.
This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand.
All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.
This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand.
All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.
September 17, 2025 at 11:22 PM
A free and democratic society cannot silence comedians because the President doesn’t like what they say.
This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand.
All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.
This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand.
All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.
Reposted by Scott
This morning, masked and menacing Homeland Security agents abducted one of my East Somerville constituents. Thankfully another constituent captured this video to document the presumed kidnapping. I’m in touch with colleagues at all levels of government as we work to gather more information.
September 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
This morning, masked and menacing Homeland Security agents abducted one of my East Somerville constituents. Thankfully another constituent captured this video to document the presumed kidnapping. I’m in touch with colleagues at all levels of government as we work to gather more information.
Thrilled to be endorsed by @abundanthousingma.org for Somerville City Council At Large! Remember to get out and vote tomorrow Somerville!
September 15, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Thrilled to be endorsed by @abundanthousingma.org for Somerville City Council At Large! Remember to get out and vote tomorrow Somerville!
Reposted by Scott
Hey #somerville (and neighbors in #boston #cambridge etc) -
I’m hosting a comedy show tomorrow! It’s a fundraiser for my city council campaign, but it also should be a very good show. I’m pulling together some of my favorite performers from theaters across the […]
[Original post on better.boston]
I’m hosting a comedy show tomorrow! It’s a fundraiser for my city council campaign, but it also should be a very good show. I’m pulling together some of my favorite performers from theaters across the […]
[Original post on better.boston]
August 29, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Hey #somerville (and neighbors in #boston #cambridge etc) -
I’m hosting a comedy show tomorrow! It’s a fundraiser for my city council campaign, but it also should be a very good show. I’m pulling together some of my favorite performers from theaters across the […]
[Original post on better.boston]
I’m hosting a comedy show tomorrow! It’s a fundraiser for my city council campaign, but it also should be a very good show. I’m pulling together some of my favorite performers from theaters across the […]
[Original post on better.boston]
Thrilled and honored to be endorsed! Let’s make a vibrant and affordable community here in Somerville.
Somerville YIMBY’s 2025 election endorsements are here! We’re pleased to endorse these candidates:
@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social
@scottistvan.com
@benjiwheeler.bsky.social
@wilfredmbah.bsky.social
Jon Link
@benforward3.bsky.social
Naima Sait
Emily Hardt
Read on: somervilleyimby.org/elections/20...
@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social
@scottistvan.com
@benjiwheeler.bsky.social
@wilfredmbah.bsky.social
Jon Link
@benforward3.bsky.social
Naima Sait
Emily Hardt
Read on: somervilleyimby.org/elections/20...
Somerville YIMBY 2025 Election Endorsements and Voter Guide
Somerville YIMBY endorses Willie Burnley Jr. for Mayor, emphasizing his leadership and housing initiatives. Other endorsements include Scott Istvan, Ben Wheeler, Will Mbah, and Jonathan Link for Ci…
somervilleyimby.org
August 15, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Thrilled and honored to be endorsed! Let’s make a vibrant and affordable community here in Somerville.
Reposted by Scott
Somerville YIMBY’s 2025 election endorsements are here! We’re pleased to endorse these candidates:
@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social
@scottistvan.com
@benjiwheeler.bsky.social
@wilfredmbah.bsky.social
Jon Link
@benforward3.bsky.social
Naima Sait
Emily Hardt
Read on: somervilleyimby.org/elections/20...
@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social
@scottistvan.com
@benjiwheeler.bsky.social
@wilfredmbah.bsky.social
Jon Link
@benforward3.bsky.social
Naima Sait
Emily Hardt
Read on: somervilleyimby.org/elections/20...
Somerville YIMBY 2025 Election Endorsements and Voter Guide
Somerville YIMBY endorses Willie Burnley Jr. for Mayor, emphasizing his leadership and housing initiatives. Other endorsements include Scott Istvan, Ben Wheeler, Will Mbah, and Jonathan Link for Ci…
somervilleyimby.org
August 15, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Somerville YIMBY’s 2025 election endorsements are here! We’re pleased to endorse these candidates:
@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social
@scottistvan.com
@benjiwheeler.bsky.social
@wilfredmbah.bsky.social
Jon Link
@benforward3.bsky.social
Naima Sait
Emily Hardt
Read on: somervilleyimby.org/elections/20...
@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social
@scottistvan.com
@benjiwheeler.bsky.social
@wilfredmbah.bsky.social
Jon Link
@benforward3.bsky.social
Naima Sait
Emily Hardt
Read on: somervilleyimby.org/elections/20...
One thing I love about Somerville is that people see a clever bit and go “yeah I want in on that“ see: elf land, cat mayor, etc
August 15, 2025 at 3:27 PM
One thing I love about Somerville is that people see a clever bit and go “yeah I want in on that“ see: elf land, cat mayor, etc
Reposted by Scott
The global phenomenon of “bikelash” has become one of the biggest barriers to implementing interventions that make our streets more liveable, accessible and sustainable. So how do we best manage it as advocates for change? Here are eight strategies we recently presented at the Velo-city Conference.🧵
August 14, 2025 at 9:54 AM
The global phenomenon of “bikelash” has become one of the biggest barriers to implementing interventions that make our streets more liveable, accessible and sustainable. So how do we best manage it as advocates for change? Here are eight strategies we recently presented at the Velo-city Conference.🧵