Walk This Way: Redesigning Cities with Jeff Speck

Supercool

How do cities become great places to walk? What moves people to ditch their cars and use their own feet? According to Jeff Speck, the key is that the walk itself has to be as good as a drive. Jeff wrote the book on walkability—literally. Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time is the best-selling city-planning title of the 21st century and a classic on making cities pedestrian-friendly.

Jeff’s “General Theory of Walkability” spells out exactly what it takes: walking needs to be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting—all at once. He’s transformed cities across America, proving that towns and cities everywhere can rewrite the rules and reshape their streets.

Transforming towns and cities into a walker's paradise is vital for cutting carbon emissions. Yet, it's about so much more. Our economic vibrancy depends on it. A 2023 report by Smart Growth America revealed that just 1.2% of the land in the top 35 metros in the U.S. is considered walkable and that a tiny fraction of acreage is responsible for 20% of the entire U.S. GDP. Walkability unlocks the Sueprcool future.

On today’s show, Jeff breaks down what makes a place truly walkable, the maddening obstacles standing in the way, and how to clear the path—one thoughtful step at a time.

Show Notes

Guest: Jeff Speck, FAICP, CNU-A, LEED-AP, Honorary ASLA; Partner, Speck Dempsey

Organization: Speck Dempsey

Book: Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time

Report: Foot Traffic Ahead by Smart Growth America

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