Heather: So, let’s talk about this incredible city. Janette, you’ve done so much to change this city. Look at these bikes. You were the first mover. Tell me what the city was like when you first started making a change here. 

Janette: When I first became [NYC DOT] commissioner, streets were really for cars. The idea that transportation policy could reduce congestion, cut traffic fatalities, and give people more choices to get around was considered heresy. When we created the first pedestrian spaces in Chelsea and DUMBO and put in our first bike lanes, people thought it was crazy. But what’s funny is that people are often way ahead of the politicians and the press when it comes to their streets. Change can be scary, but when people see improvements, they like them. At the end of the Bloomberg mayoral administration, 73% supported bike share, 72% supported our plazas, and 64% supported bike lanes. You can change your streets, but it takes vision, imagination, and implementation. And that’s one of the strongest things that ITDP does. 

Heather: Thank you. We’ve had such a special relationship for a long time. We first got to know you when you were making all this incredible change. People were pushing back, and as an international organization, we could stand with you and help share best practices worldwide. How did you come to know about ITDP? 

Janette: It was the bus. I love buses. I learned about ITDP when we were looking at how to fix our bus system. We had the largest bus fleet in North America, but the lowest bus speeds — you could walk across town faster. We looked at great models, particularly in Bogotá, and I met Enrique Peñalosa. We used that as a model for New York City when we created our Select Bus Service. Working with Enrique [Peñalosa], Walter Hook, Paul Steely White, and others was inspiring. [Mike] Bloomberg wanted us to look at our streets differently. If we were going to accommodate a million more people, we couldn’t just build more roads. We had to make it easier and safer for people to get around and give them more choices. That was the heart of his plan, PlaNYC. You see the results today, and we’re still building upon that plan, one street at a time. 

Heather: Cities need those master plans, and that’s something we work on at ITDP. I love that example. People think of New York as subways, but so much transportation happens on buses. They’re accessible, above ground, and part of the city’s life. I love the idea of bringing best practices from the Global South to inspire change in the U.S. Looking ahead, what’s your vision for New York and other cities? 

Janette: Transportation policy is economic policy, social policy, climate policy, and housing policy. It lies at the center of all of that. The most important infrastructure we have is our streets, hidden in plain sight, and we haven’t prioritized them enough. Every year, 1.2 million people die on roads around the world. This is a public health crisis. We need to do better. Creating safer streets that make it easier to walk, bike, and use public transport is what a world-class city is about. The future isn’t about autonomous vehicles or flying taxis; it’s about making streets work for people. ITDP does a fantastic job sharing best practices, so cities don’t have to reinvent the wheel. That’s the secret to making the world better. 

Heather: Amazing. One street at a time. The incredible thing about what we do is that we know how to do it. It’s not rocket science. We’re doing things that are good for business and for people, making cities livable. It’s our 40th anniversary this year… incredible to think we’ve been around since the 1980s. What would you say to ITDP as we head into the next 40 years? 

Janette: Keep going. Keep fighting the street fight. 

Heather: Love it. So, quick question, bicycle, walking, or biking? 

Janette: I like to wear a helmet, but if there’s a Citi Bike nearby, I’ll jump on it. 

Heather: Same, but always good to wear a helmet! 

Janette: The beauty of the Citi Bike system, the largest bikeshare outside of China. 

Heather: So, which mobility investment would you say has the most significant impact on the most people?

Janette: I really think there’s no better investment than in bike lanes. Most trips in cities are three to five miles, and you can get around easily on a bike. Not everyone has to ride, but bike lanes make streets safer for everyone — easier to cross, safer for all ages. If you want a better city, start with a bike lane. 

Heather: I agree, but I’ll add bus lanes. So many people spend too long sitting in traffic. We need dedicated lanes to make buses move quickly. And congestion pricing is a game-changer. It raised huge funds for more bike and bus lanes and inspired other cities. What cities inspire you most right now? 

Janette: Paris, France, under Mayor Anne Hidalgo: the green streets around schools, incredible bike lanes, pedestrian zones. London, UK, under Mayor Khan: low-emission zones, low-traffic neighborhoods, and pedestrianization of Oxford Street. 

Heather: I’ll say Santiago, Chile. Their investment in electrifying buses and changing business models is so inspiring. And what cities have done the most important work over time?

Janette: That’s a tough question. I want to say Barcelona, Spain — the superblocks and green corridors they’re building are transforming the city, and over time, you’ll see a completely different place than before.

Heather: I’ll put London at the top too because it’s become such a livable city, with walking, cycling, and cleaner air thanks to low-emission zones. It’s bringing people up from the tube back into the streets.

Janette: Plus, London has done so much for health and air quality, and it is committed to a better future for generations to come.

Heather: I also have to add Mexico City, which is thriving with great streets, bike share, cable cars, and expanded public transport.

Janette: Like Mexico City, Medellín, Colombia, has seen consistent leadership, leading to incredible change, with its cable car gondolas transforming access for peripheral communities. They’ve done fantastic work supporting low-income neighborhoods and caregivers and including greening measures as well. A lot of cities are actually doing great things for kids, families, and caregivers. Fortaleza, Brazil — they’re designing so much public space for kids, and if you design a city for kids, you create it for everyone.

Heather: I’ll also add Pune, India, which, inspired by Fortaleza, is creating street spaces and public play areas, not just for kids but for older adults too.

Janette: That’s the goal, cities that work for all generations. 

Heather: Thank you, Janette, for being part of our journey, for getting on the bus with us. 

Janette: We’ve had such a great time together. Thank you for your leadership and vision.