Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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This is a short excerpt from my conversation with Bike Streets founder Avi Stopper about how our cities can start building Bike Networks Now, not 30 years from now, using a Network First strategy. Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/gDmXZ4X4XWY

Originally recorded live, this is the edited version of Ep 349. We cover the tension between the standard bike network development approach of one facility at a time with an estimated time horizon of decades to "build out," with a "network-first approach" of activating the cycle network on quiet, low-volume, low-speed streets hiding in plain sight in many cities around the globe. Avi argues that this result can be achieved at a fraction of the cost and time while getting a critical mass of people riding more often for everyday trips. The use of quick-build motor vehicle traffic diverters enhances the comfort and calmness of these people-priority streets while still maintaining convenient motor vehicle access for the local residents. In essence, the challenge of the aggressive, speeding, rat-running cut-through traffic is eliminated.

Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
👉 Bike Streets: bikestreets.com
👉 My recent Bike Streets ride with Avi: youtu.be/Zo-JaBUbyhw
👉 Avi Stopper on the Pod Ep 292: youtu.be/cdNGGQIWdYA and Ep 184: youtu.be/azHyJdGDdVs

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Credits: Video and audio production by John Simmerman

Music via Epidemic Sound: bit.ly/3rFLErD

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- My recording platform is Ecamm Live: bit.ly/3rwsUup
- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: bit.ly/35DBDDU

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Background:
Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I’m a health promotion and public health professional with over 35 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.

Since 2010, I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."

The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.

Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.

Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2026