The Best Way to Understand Dutch Cycling (w/Meredith Glaser)
Summary
Jason interviews Meredith Glazier, CEO of the Urban Cycling Institute, about her work leading study tours for policymakers to cities like Amsterdam and Paris. They discuss how immersive experiences help officials overcome car-centric biases and build consensus on street design. Glazier emphasizes that successful policy transfer requires understanding local context rather than simply copying infrastructure, highlighting the importance of social learning and dialogue in urban planning.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Meredith Glazier's background
The cognitive challenge of cycling in the Netherlands
Misconceptions about bike lanes and infrastructure
Structure and goals of study visits for policymakers
Managing skepticism and diverse perspectives in groups
The importance of curiosity and adult learning dynamics
Social learning and shared cycling experiences
Peer dialogue and shifting departmental mindsets
Policy transfer and avoiding copy-paste solutions
Case study: Rapid cycling growth in a US city
Challenges and adaptations in Paris study tours
Scavenger hunts and independent exploration methods
Actionable takeaways for listeners and advocates
Case study: Transforming fire department vehicle policies
Conclusion and Nebula subscription promotion
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