Active Towns

Active Towns

Author: John Simmerman Language: English Episodes: 50
Hosted by John Simmerman, Active Towns digs into a simple but powerful idea: what if our daily environments made movement a natural and joyful part of life? This isn't a fitness show; it's a series of conversations exploring how our towns and cities are fundamentally shaped, and how that shaping influences our health and happiness. Each episode connects with planners, advocates, designers, and everyday citizens who are reimagining public spaces, transportation, and community programs. You’ll hear specific stories about transforming a street corner into a gathering place, the ripple effects of a new bike path, or how a local policy shift can encourage more kids to walk to school. The discussions go beyond theory, focusing on the tangible people, places, and policies making a difference right now. Tuning into this podcast offers a hopeful and practical look at the building blocks of vibrant, healthier communities, revealing how small changes in our shared surroundings can collectively foster a culture where activity is woven into the fabric of everyday life. It’s for anyone curious about the intersection of well-being, design, and civic life.
Episodes
Bike Bus World Update with Coach Balto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
In this episode, we touch base with Coach Sam Balto for a Bike Bus World Update.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):👉 Bike Bus World website👉 Bike Bus Playlist👉 Coach…
Should a World Cup People-Oriented Street Holdover be Permanent? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:13
In this episode, I am joined once again by Vancouver, BC-based planner Brent Toderian. This time we dive deep into the discussion about what should happen with Granville Street in the aftermath of the city's hosting of t…
Near-Universal Support for the East Coast Greenway? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:49
In this episode, I reconnect with Allison Burson, the National Greenway Director for the East Coast Greenway Alliance, for an update on the buildout of this all-ages-and-abilities active mobility multi-use pathway that s…
Livable Streets 2.0.2 with Prof Bruce Appleyard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
In this episode, Bruce Appleyard returns with an update on the release of his innovative rewrite and expansion of his father, Don Appleyard's book, Livable Streets, as Livable Streets 2.0. We also talk about the legacy o…
WHY CAN’T WE JUST DO IT LIKE AMSTERDAM? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:53
In this episode, I connect with Edinburgh-based musician and everyday bike rider Daniel Abrahams for a conversation about his safer streets advocacy music videos, including his latest, Amsterdam, which asks a simple ques…
Downtown Greenway Transformation w/ Dabney Sanders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:11
Greensboro's downtown was dying, then they did this. In this episode, I am honored to connect with Dabney Sanders, the outgoing Project Manager responsible for helping pull together this fantastic four-mile Downtown Gree…
Traffic Gardens with Fionnuala "Finn" Quinn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:35
In this episode, I finally connect with Fionnuala "Finn" Quinn, founder of TrafficGardens.com, for an in-depth discussion about the history and future of traffic gardens as a strategy to help create safer, more inviting…