#30: Micromobility on The Rise, Baltimore Undervalues Lots, and NYC's Most Walkable District

Welcome to the 30th issue of Urbanism Now, our weekly newsletter curated with brief and insightful urban ideas from around the world to inspire action where you (c)are.

This newsletter is curated by Maria Paula Moreno Vivas and Ray Berger. Learn more on our About page.

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Let's get started:

• The NABSA’s sixth State of the Industry reports a record 225 million micromobility trips in 2024, up 31%. Bikes lead as fleets electrify in 415 cities, avoiding 46 million kilograms of CO2.

• From meat hooks to promenade, the Meatpacking District became NYC’s pedestrian‑priority testbed. The neighborhood today proves that prioritizing walkability and deemphasizing driving is a winning formula for a balanced public realm.

• A new report finds Baltimore systematically undervalues vacant lots by as much as half a billion dollars, creating a tax advantage that fuels blight and punishes development. The Center for Land Economics report outlines how using market data could create a fairer system and encourage productive land use.

• The New York Times published an opinion piece criticizing a North Carolina district attorney for jailing the parents of a child who was tragically killed by a car. The case highlights the dangers of car-centric infrastructure and the criminalization of parenting choices that were once considered normal.

Videos, podcasts, books, and socials:

• In a podcast episode, Peter Strack explains the "2000-Watt Society" offers a model for balancing well-being with drastically lower energy use, challenging the high consumption built into Western infrastructure and culture. (Submitted by Tom)

• Last June, Mexico City held its annual World Naked Bike Ride, an international protest-meets-celebration where participants ride through the city “as bare as you dare.” In his vlog, Luisito Comunica shares his experience joining the ride. The event aims to raise awareness about bicycle safety and the indecent exposure to car culture. (Submitted by Marley)

• “Why Did Cars Get so Big? - A Thorough Investigation” answers the question with grace (for the US/Australia context).

Jobs:

• Brussels Centre for Urban Studies has an open call for two four-year PhD positions as part of the project “Governing just transitions from the top: Barriers and levers to align urban polluter elites with sufficiency corridors”, led by the Just Transitions Chair. August 15th.

• European Cyclists’ Federation seeks a junior Projects

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