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.
Want to learn more about the Dutch blueprint for urban vitality and the human case for fewer cars in our lives?
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Want to learn more about the Dutch blueprint for urban vitality and the human case for fewer cars in our lives?
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
“That’s what frustrates me about the polarisation of everything. If you say you care about cycling, you must be anti-car. Or if you talk about safety, people assume you’re against freedom. It’s all nonsense. We all want the same city, we’re just speaking different languages.”
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
November 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM
“That’s what frustrates me about the polarisation of everything. If you say you care about cycling, you must be anti-car. Or if you talk about safety, people assume you’re against freedom. It’s all nonsense. We all want the same city, we’re just speaking different languages.”
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
LISTEN: bit.ly/43ho6wQ
The new bike parking beneath Amare is a fantastic example of multi-modal infrastructure integrated with a cultural landmark. It shows that cycling is a core part of how people access the city’s social and commercial life; nudging behaviour and creating a centre that is accessible to every resident.🔚
November 9, 2025 at 9:07 AM
The new bike parking beneath Amare is a fantastic example of multi-modal infrastructure integrated with a cultural landmark. It shows that cycling is a core part of how people access the city’s social and commercial life; nudging behaviour and creating a centre that is accessible to every resident.🔚
“Cyclists like to park as close as possible to their destination, but in a busy city centre, that’s not always possible. With this new parking facility, we’re offering an appealing alternative that contributes to a safe and accessible public space,” explains Deputy Mayor of Mobility Arjen Kapteijns.
November 9, 2025 at 9:06 AM
“Cyclists like to park as close as possible to their destination, but in a busy city centre, that’s not always possible. With this new parking facility, we’re offering an appealing alternative that contributes to a safe and accessible public space,” explains Deputy Mayor of Mobility Arjen Kapteijns.
As in many Dutch cities, the challenge is no longer simply providing bike parking, but doing so well: secure, dry, accessible yet out of the way of pedestrian flows. This means fewer bikes locked in less optimal places; reducing clutter, improving safety, and contributing to an orderly public space.
November 9, 2025 at 9:05 AM
As in many Dutch cities, the challenge is no longer simply providing bike parking, but doing so well: secure, dry, accessible yet out of the way of pedestrian flows. This means fewer bikes locked in less optimal places; reducing clutter, improving safety, and contributing to an orderly public space.
At over 100 hectares, The Hague's Healthy Core is one of the largest and most successful autoluwe centrums ("low-car centers") in the Benelux. It is based on a series of carrots and sticks; including a plan to provide a free, guarded bike parking facility within a 200 metre radius of every location.
November 9, 2025 at 9:03 AM
At over 100 hectares, The Hague's Healthy Core is one of the largest and most successful autoluwe centrums ("low-car centers") in the Benelux. It is based on a series of carrots and sticks; including a plan to provide a free, guarded bike parking facility within a 200 metre radius of every location.
Recognizing bicycle parking as a critical component of any infrastructure network, The Hague’s Amare concert hall has opened 1,000 guarded and sheltered spaces—intended not just for ticket holders visiting the largest cultural building in the Netherlands, but anyone visiting the city’s busy centre.🧵
November 9, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Recognizing bicycle parking as a critical component of any infrastructure network, The Hague’s Amare concert hall has opened 1,000 guarded and sheltered spaces—intended not just for ticket holders visiting the largest cultural building in the Netherlands, but anyone visiting the city’s busy centre.🧵
Years ago, while watching the incredible transformations of places like Paris, we asked ourselves, “Why are these leaders breaking through the status quo?”
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
November 8, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Years ago, while watching the incredible transformations of places like Paris, we asked ourselves, “Why are these leaders breaking through the status quo?”
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
After analyzing eleven cities around the world, we found some answers, and it starts with prioritizing impact over power.
youtu.be/jHDKb0l4nHg
Vice Mayor Eddie Förster: “The Nieuwe Mark is a milestone that not only brings water back to the heart of Breda, but a piece of its soul. We're giving something precious: flowing, living water—and with it, a new place to walk, sail, meet, play and enjoy... where history flows and the future grows.”🔚
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Vice Mayor Eddie Förster: “The Nieuwe Mark is a milestone that not only brings water back to the heart of Breda, but a piece of its soul. We're giving something precious: flowing, living water—and with it, a new place to walk, sail, meet, play and enjoy... where history flows and the future grows.”🔚
Positively and proactively communicating these benefits was critical in building a broad coalition of support with residents, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. By focusing on everything they had to gain—rather than lose—an environment was created that helps the project reach its full potential.
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Positively and proactively communicating these benefits was critical in building a broad coalition of support with residents, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. By focusing on everything they had to gain—rather than lose—an environment was created that helps the project reach its full potential.
The project strongly aligns with the municipality's ambition of "The city of Breda, centrally located in a green park", while contributing to myriad broader objectives such as climate adaptation, biodiversity, nature inclusivity, innovation, recreation, tourism, social cohesion, and quality of life.
November 7, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The project strongly aligns with the municipality's ambition of "The city of Breda, centrally located in a green park", while contributing to myriad broader objectives such as climate adaptation, biodiversity, nature inclusivity, innovation, recreation, tourism, social cohesion, and quality of life.
Breda has historically been a car city, and in their infinite wisdom, its post-war planners filled in and rerouted the Mark River around the centre to make room for the car. But now, the waterway is being brought bank into the city, while introducing plants, trees, mosses, and fauna along its banks.
November 7, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Breda has historically been a car city, and in their infinite wisdom, its post-war planners filled in and rerouted the Mark River around the centre to make room for the car. But now, the waterway is being brought bank into the city, while introducing plants, trees, mosses, and fauna along its banks.
In the heart of Breda, in the south of the Netherlands, a dramatic metamorphosis is underway: the Nieuwe Mark project, where a corridor once dedicated to cars is being transformed into a blue-green vein; part of the city's vision to make its centre more beautiful, liveable, natural and sustainable.🧵
November 7, 2025 at 4:32 PM
In the heart of Breda, in the south of the Netherlands, a dramatic metamorphosis is underway: the Nieuwe Mark project, where a corridor once dedicated to cars is being transformed into a blue-green vein; part of the city's vision to make its centre more beautiful, liveable, natural and sustainable.🧵
We’re heading to London for a presentation and panel on the topic of Women Changing Cities!
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
November 7, 2025 at 12:32 PM
We’re heading to London for a presentation and panel on the topic of Women Changing Cities!
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
Join us for this special event at the British Library on December 3rd, presented in partnership with the Academy of Urbanism and Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
Free registration: www.modacitylife.com/events
The two of us were walking hand-in-hand through the centre of Delft this evening, when Melissa suddenly caught something out the corner of her eye. “Hey look! Could that really be?” To our surprise and delight it was: our new release displayed in the bookshop window. Local celebrity status achieved!
November 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
The two of us were walking hand-in-hand through the centre of Delft this evening, when Melissa suddenly caught something out the corner of her eye. “Hey look! Could that really be?” To our surprise and delight it was: our new release displayed in the bookshop window. Local celebrity status achieved!
By elevating something as mundane as a cycling bridge into a civic landmark, the Nesciobrug has inspired projects in Copenhagen, London, and even farther afield. Its blend of functionality, elegance, and accessibility feels like a vision of the future—one Amsterdam realised years ahead of its time.🔚
November 6, 2025 at 10:19 AM
By elevating something as mundane as a cycling bridge into a civic landmark, the Nesciobrug has inspired projects in Copenhagen, London, and even farther afield. Its blend of functionality, elegance, and accessibility feels like a vision of the future—one Amsterdam realised years ahead of its time.🔚
Making it beautiful and practical was no small feat, as it spans one of Europe’s busiest shipping routes—demanding generous clearance. To achieve this height without steep gradients, it features long, spiralling ramps that curve elegantly on both sides, keeping the slope gentle enough for all users.
November 6, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Making it beautiful and practical was no small feat, as it spans one of Europe’s busiest shipping routes—demanding generous clearance. To achieve this height without steep gradients, it features long, spiralling ramps that curve elegantly on both sides, keeping the slope gentle enough for all users.
Built in 2006, the bridge links the IJburg neighbourhood with the mainland. Before its construction, residents faced a long and circuitous route to reach the city centre. The Nesciobrug provides the missing link—a direct, safe, scenic route for traveling between the new islands and Amsterdam proper.
November 6, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Built in 2006, the bridge links the IJburg neighbourhood with the mainland. Before its construction, residents faced a long and circuitous route to reach the city centre. The Nesciobrug provides the missing link—a direct, safe, scenic route for traveling between the new islands and Amsterdam proper.
Embodying the principles of directness and attractiveness, Amsterdam’s Nesciobrug—floating 11m above and 780m across the Amsterdam–Rijnkanaal—is the longest non-motorised bridge in the Netherlands, and a shining example of what’s possible when cities don’t allow the car to dictate their priorities.🧵
November 6, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Embodying the principles of directness and attractiveness, Amsterdam’s Nesciobrug—floating 11m above and 780m across the Amsterdam–Rijnkanaal—is the longest non-motorised bridge in the Netherlands, and a shining example of what’s possible when cities don’t allow the car to dictate their priorities.🧵
Congratulations to our friends @thewaroncars.bsky.social @brooklynspoke.bsky.social @sgoodyear.bsky.social @naparstek.bsky.social on the publication of "Life After Cars". And thanks for including a few words of wisdom from the two of us!
November 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Congratulations to our friends @thewaroncars.bsky.social @brooklynspoke.bsky.social @sgoodyear.bsky.social @naparstek.bsky.social on the publication of "Life After Cars". And thanks for including a few words of wisdom from the two of us!
“You're not alone in wanting a better world, one in which cars are relegated to their proper use. Cars are tools that can be useful at certain times and places. They’re not gods. They’re not the foundation of our society. They should serve us. We should not serve them. There can be life after cars.”
November 5, 2025 at 11:36 AM
“You're not alone in wanting a better world, one in which cars are relegated to their proper use. Cars are tools that can be useful at certain times and places. They’re not gods. They’re not the foundation of our society. They should serve us. We should not serve them. There can be life after cars.”
Public transport often treats bikes as a luxury—or worse a competitor—but without them leaves revenue on the table.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
November 3, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Public transport often treats bikes as a luxury—or worse a competitor—but without them leaves revenue on the table.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
For 25 years, the Dutch have extended the reach of their railways through investments in (300,000) parking spaces and (25,000) shared bikes. The result? A doubling of train ridership.
Like the circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the human body, Amsterdam’s 1,300 km network of bike paths, lanes and streets delivers half a million daily cyclists—the lifeblood of the city—to their work, school and everywhere in between. From the “Amsterdam in Motion” exhibit.
November 2, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Like the circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the human body, Amsterdam’s 1,300 km network of bike paths, lanes and streets delivers half a million daily cyclists—the lifeblood of the city—to their work, school and everywhere in between. From the “Amsterdam in Motion” exhibit.
The Fietsersbond’s legacy is visible on every Dutch street, but its true achievement lies in something deeper: as a global model for persistent and profoundly effective citizen advocacy, proving when people organise for safer, fairer streets, they can quite literally change the course of a country.🔚
November 2, 2025 at 9:54 AM
The Fietsersbond’s legacy is visible on every Dutch street, but its true achievement lies in something deeper: as a global model for persistent and profoundly effective citizen advocacy, proving when people organise for safer, fairer streets, they can quite literally change the course of a country.🔚
Over the years, they’ve played a crucial role in normalising cycling as a mode of everyday transport; advocating for the right of everyone—children, seniors, women—to move safely by bike. Its campaigns have expanded to include issues of accessibility, parking, theft prevention and multimodal travel.
November 2, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Over the years, they’ve played a crucial role in normalising cycling as a mode of everyday transport; advocating for the right of everyone—children, seniors, women—to move safely by bike. Its campaigns have expanded to include issues of accessibility, parking, theft prevention and multimodal travel.