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Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
@modacitylife
Authors of ‘Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality’ and ‘Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in our Lives’.
Delft, Nederlandmodacitylife.comJoined June 2009

Melissa & Chris Bruntlett’s Tweets

Induced demand works both ways, and Utrecht’s Vredenburg is a prime example of how creating more space for cycling creates more cyclists. As the cycle track grows, so does cycle traffic—now nearly 40k/day—requiring expansions that have made it 10 m. (33 ft.) at its widest point.
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Two years after a spiral fracture of her fibula, surgery and a metal plate; Melissa’s recovery is still “up-and-down”. Like so many people living with an invisible disability, cycling is much easier than walking. Don’t they also deserve safe and convenient access to their city?
A woman in an orange winter coat rides a red bicycle on a two-way red asphalt protected bike lane in the industrial part of The Hague.
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With their cycle tracks bursting at the seams, many Dutch cities are moving onto the next level, and handing over entire streets to cyclists. On Utrecht’s Voorstraat, a separated lane was removed in favor of a ‘bicycle street’, where cars retain access but are treated as guests.
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Replying to
In a lot of ways, Rotterdam might be the best example for the rest of the world, as the city probably closer resembles other cities more, than your typical Dutch city. We had a fantastic time there last year, hoping to go back again, to see more.
domcycling.com
Netherlands 22: A multimodal trip to Rotterdam
Now, we’ve been meaning to go back to Rotterdam for some time. It turns out we’ve not been there for a while, not since 2013 in fact, so we were definitely due another trip. Seeing Bicy…
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Dutch railways have built 300,000 bike parking spaces since 2019. From that process, they have developed nine design principles: 1. Proximity (to Platform) 2. Always Space 3. Safety 4. Good Flow 5. Comfort & Ease 6. Free of Charge 7. Sheltered 8. Service Available 9. Sustainable
A bicycle parking facility at Rotterdam Centraal Station is filled with dozens of bikes on two-tiered racks. A blue and yellow train waits at the platform above.
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Even as the Netherlands’ so-called “car city”, Rotterdam’s cycle network puts most global cities to shame; showing how high a bar the Dutch have set. Pedal four kilometers from the industrial Delftshaven to Centraal Station, without once leaving a protected lane or intersection.
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75% agreed: “People shouldn’t smoke in highly populated areas where other people have to breathe in the cigarette fumes.” 2 words changed – “people shouldn’t drive in highly populated areas where other people have to breathe in the car fumes” 17% agreed
theguardian.com
‘Motonormativity’: Britons more accepting of driving-related risk
Allowance made for dangers that would not be accepted in other parts of life, finds study with potentially major policy implications
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It’s much easier to oppose change than enable it, to criticize something rather than create it, to enrage people rather than inspire them, and present problems rather than solutions. In a world overrun by the former, we choose the latter wherever possible. We hope you will, too.
A female cyclist rides on a protected bike lane in Utrecht. On either side of her are parked bikes, a bus stop, and a building with a mural on the side
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An inspiring visit to the workshop in Rotterdam today to meet Martin. His nonprofit foundation rescues and refurbishes Dutch bikes and donates them to partners around the world. Looking forward to collaborating on some projects in the future! giveabike.nl
The interior of a bicycle workshop in Rotterdam contains rows of refurbished bicycles, as well as loose racks, frames, and wheels.
A man holds a bicycle wheel while it spins in a workshop in Rotterdam.
The interior of a bicycle workshop in Rotterdam contains rows of refurbished bicycles, as well as loose racks, frames, and wheels.
The interior of a bicycle workshop in Rotterdam contains rows of refurbished bicycles, as well as loose racks, frames, and wheels.
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Thanks to for making space for us to share our work with an energetic room of urban design professionals! It’s always an exciting opportunity to present to people outside our bubble, offering some inspiration while learning from their individual experiences.
Melissa presenting in a board room from large screen featuring image of woman cycling with child side by side
Melissa presenting in a board room from large screen featuring images of children cycling
A group of women socializing in boardroom space
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It is often said cities get the traffic they plan for, and there is no better example than morning rush hour outside Utrecht Centraal Station. Where cars once dominated, a virtuous circle of sustainable mobility induced by great infrastructure, secure parking, and frequent rail.
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We’re not saying cities should ban cars. We’re arguing they should stop privileging and prioritizing motor vehicles at the expense of every other mode; forcing dependence through design. With that revolutionary act, they become far better places for everyone, including drivers.
A cyclist rides on a red brick street in Delft lined with three-story brick buildings, deciduous trees, parked cars, and parked bicycles.
A pedestrian walks on a red brick street in Delft lined with three-story brick buildings, deciduous trees, and parked bicycles.
A cyclist rides on a red brick street in Delft lined with three-story brick buildings, deciduous trees, and parked bicycles.
A yellow brick street in Delft lined with three-story brick buildings, deciduous trees, lamp posts, parked cars, and parked bicycles.
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