In this episode of Cities in Motion, I sit down with Dr. Miriam Schoenfield — Associate Professor at UT Austin and President of Rethink35. Miriam breaks down the latest developments in the push to rethink the I-35 expansion through Austin, including the ongoing lawsuit, environmental concerns, and what a people-centered alternative could look like.

We explore how highway expansion impacts health, equity, climate, and the daily lives of Austinites — and what it would take to build a future where mobility is safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of Rethink35 or simply curious about how highways shape our cities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Link to the Rethink35 website

https://rethink35.org/

A single policy decision from the 1970s reshaped today’s car market. This episode explains how CAFE fuel-economy rules pushed automakers toward bigger SUVs and trucks — and why those incentives still shape vehicle size, safety, and design today.

References

• Whitefoot, K., & Skerlos, S. (2014). University of Michigan College of Engineering: CAFE and Vehicle Size Effects on Fleet Efficiency. Energy Policy, January 2015.
  

• Popular Mechanics. (2014). “The Automotive Industry’s Counterintuitive Response to Fuel Economy Regulations.”
  

• Historical context on oil crises: OPEC embargo, 1973
  

• U.S. automotive history: Model T (1908), post-WWII economic boom, 1960s–70s muscle cars, 1980s–90s SUV rise

Ever taken a short walk only to find the sidewalk suddenly ends, leaving you on grass, near traffic, or completely stranded?

In this episode, we explore the curious case of disappearing sidewalks and the reasons behind them—from suburban design and jurisdiction gaps to ADA compliance and safety concerns. We’ll hear real stories from communities that faced these challenges and discover how some cities successfully fixed the problem. Whether you walk, bike, or just want safer streets, join us as we dig into why sidewalks vanish and what can be done to bring them back.

Evan Edingers original video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lShDhGn5e5s

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