Wheels and Beyond

What is the future of transportation in our cities? The turns have tabled in this special episode. Journalism student Will Bruce (from Fanshawe's Almost 107 radio show) interviewed me (Ben Durham). This is that recording.

A note, this was recorded in 2024. Took me a while to get to the edit. Whoopsies.

We dive into the daily life of biking across the city, even in freezing winter weather. We discuss London's big plans for bus lanes and bike paths, and why these changes are so important for our growing city.

I also share the history of London's streetcar system and what we can learn from cities around the world. You're probably used to that one, though.

This is a conversation about making our city a better, safer, and more affordable place for everyone to live.

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Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, like our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Website: https://bendurham.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

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⏬ Products and Gear Used in this video (affiliate links*)

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Some links below are affiliate links (no extra cost for you, kickbacks for me for these free videos for you).

Everything I use, in one place (mostly): https://bendurham.ca/gear-guide/

Main equipment used in this video:

🎥 Canon EOS R7 Super 35 Sensor: https://amzn.to/42rCwIu

🕶 Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC Lens (EF mount): https://amzn.to/4b3OPyy

🎥 Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame used a lot outside the studio (just not for the ride-alongs any more - too heavy): https://amzn.to/43HmkFS

👓 Canon RF50mm F 1.2L: https://amzn.to/35Lp9KK

🖇 Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter: https://amzn.to/3UHoFfo

Audio:

🎤 Shure SM58: https://amzn.to/4f5ckKi

👆⏺ with a Zoom F3 (32-bit Float Field Recorder): https://amzn.to/4f5ckKi

🌬🚫 Shure A81WS Windscreen: https://amzn.to/3XWk5Mm

Justine Underhill and I chat about her journey to becoming a city councillor in Falls Church, Virginia! We meander our way through the discussion, talking about tons of different topics.

Justine Underhill is a city councillor in Falls Church, Virginia, and a content creator who uses her YouTube channel to break down complex urban design and economic issues. With a background in economics and performing arts, she combines data-driven storytelling with advocacy for safer, more walkable, and housing-abundant communities. Her journey into urbanism began in New York City and led her from community organizing to running for elected office.

~~ Find Justine ~~

Website: https://justineunderhill.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justine-underhill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justineundy

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/justineunderhill.bsky.social

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Some topics we explore are:

• How Ben discovered Justine via Reddit’s “f**k cars” community

• Traffic calming designs (e.g., concrete balls) and public objections

• Vision Zero philosophy: Reducing crash severity over eliminating crashes

• Justine’s background: Economics/theatre education to urban advocacy

• The NYC scooter executive’s life-changing perspective on car-dominated spaces

• Personal urbanism awakening: From yelling at taxis to policy change

• Running for city council in Falls Church, VA

• YouTube as a tool for debunking misinformation

• Door-knocking campaigns for community engagement and election wins

• Housing shortages and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)

• Economic benefits of walkable cities vs. suburban sprawl

• Street redesigns: Safety vs. parking trade-offs

• Why bikes are better than cars in post-apocalyptic scenarios (and filmmaking challenges)

• Prepper tips: Urban resilience and food shortages

• Falls Church’s development boom and local backlash

• The “shadow debate”: Talking to residents vs. assuming their concerns

• Financial barriers to small-scale development

• Why asking “Who owns the streets?” changes everything

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Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, like our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Website: https://bendurham.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

🎥 Everything I use, in one place: https://bendurham.ca/gear-guide/

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WATCH and RATE the Wheels and Beyond podcast on:

» Spotify: https://bendurham.ca/WAB-spotify

» https://bendurham.ca/WAB-apple

» https://bendurham.ca/WAB-yt

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NERDY RECORDING DETAILS:

This recording took place on the morning of July 19th, 2025 using RiversideFM.

A/V syncing issues are really getting annoying with Riverside's 24fps vs external camera's typical 23.976. Sigh.

Edited and mixed in Davinci Resolve Studio. 1080p render.

Audio is optimized for an ITU-R BS, 1770-4 standard at -1dBTP and -16LKFS, specifically for Spotify standards.

Colin Evans (emergency physician) and I chat about why (and how) he ditched his massive GMC Sierra pickup truck for an Urban Arrow cargo bike.

This simple change saves his large family (wife and four daughters) over $10,000 per year, while not sacrificing anything - actually gaining more time with his family!

We explore a LOT of topics, but some include:

Near-misses with aggressive drivers

Winter biking essentials

Cargo bike durability test

Why hospitals fail cyclists

The “honking paradox”

Truck culture psychology

Bike vs. car community connections

Teaching kids street smarts

Emergency vehicle myths

Suburban vs. urban biking

Emotional shift from truck to bike identity

Cargo bike as conversation starter

Why cable locks fail

Bike infrastructure in new developments

Handling left turns with kids

True cost of car ownership

School commutes by bike

Garbage truck safety policies

Urban Arrow maintenance hacks

Political barriers to bike lanes

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Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, like our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Website: https://bendurham.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

🎥 Everything I use, in one place: https://bendurham.ca/gear-guide/

================

WATCH and RATE the Wheels and Beyond podcast on:

» Spotify: https://bendurham.ca/WAB-spotify

» https://bendurham.ca/WAB-apple

» https://bendurham.ca/WAB-yt

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NERDY RECORDING DETAILS:

This recording took place on the morning of July 8th, 2025 on a park bench in Gibbon's Park, here in London, Ontario, Canada.

Edited and mixed in Davinci Resolve Studio. 1080p render.

Audio is optimized for an ITU-R BS, 1770-4 standard at -1dBTP and -16LKFS, specifically for Spotify standards.

The transformative power of bicycling and cargo bikes in urban mobility need to be talked about. Not only are they a superpower in urban settings, but also in suburban settings.Rob Attrell shares his personal journey of commuting by bike for his whole life and then fairly recently moving out into the “suburbs” of Ottawa. He now bikes 20 km to work but still sees massive benefits of active transportation, cargo bikes, and how reducing car dependency can lead to healthier communities, better urban planning, and a more sustainable future for everyone. Although, he's also realizing some of the downsides of living in a suburb, after having lived in a more “core” area before this.

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Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, like our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Website: https://bendurham.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

🎥 Everything I use, in one place: https://bendurham.ca/gear-guide/

================

WATCH and RATE the Wheels and Beyond podcast on:

» Spotify: https://bendurham.ca/WAB-spotify

» https://bendurham.ca/WAB-apple

» https://bendurham.ca/WAB-yt

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⌚ CHAPTERS ⌚

00:00 - Welcome to the podcast

01:28 - How Rob discovered the podcast

02:08 - Rob's commuting story and biking experience

06:04 - The benefits of cargo bikes

09:05 - Packing essentials for biking to work

12:19 - The impact of biking on family life

18:17 - Understanding urban mobility challenges

22:11 - The importance of community engagement

35:02 - Discussing zoning and urban planning

40:01 - The future of public transit in Ottawa

56:01 - Closing thoughts and call to action

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NERDY RECORDING DETAILS:

This recording took place on the morning of May 26th, 2025 via RiversideFM.

Edited and mixed in Davinci Resolve Studio. 1080p render.

Audio is optimized for an ITU-R BS, 1770-4 standard at -1dBTP and -16LKFS, specifically for Spotify standards.

Tags

urban mobility, cargo bikes, biking, less car living, sustainable transportation, community engagement, urban planning, cycling benefits, bike commuting, public transit, environmental awareness, healthy living, urbanism, local advocacy, city planning, bike culture, transportation alternatives

We're chatting with Michel Durand-Wood today—Winnipeg’s “Elmwood Guy,” municipal finance guru, and author of the upcoming book You’ll Pay for This. Michel’s passion for cities and their financial sustainability is contagious, and we dive deep into why every citizen is a co-owner of their city, not just a customer.

Here’s a taste of what we cover:

🏙️ Why municipal finance is the “connective tissue” of everything you care about—from parks to potholes.

🚗 The hidden costs of car-centric infrastructure and how it’s bankrupting cities (hint: roads are expensive).

📉 The trillion-dollar infrastructure deficit in Canada and the USA and what it means for your daily life.

🚶 How incremental, low-cost solutions—like bike lanes and tactical urbanism—outperform mega-projects.

🏡 Michel’s journey from frustrated citizen to author and advocate—and how YOU can start making change in your neighbourhood.

Michel’s book You’ll Pay for This (out May 20 in Canada, June 24 elsewhere) is a hilarious, eye-opening guide to demystifying city budgets. Pre-order it now or request it at your local library!

Love your city? Check out Michel’s blog DearWinnipeg.com for no-nonsense takes on urbanism that applies to not just Winnipeg, but all cities. Share this episode with a neighbour, too! Let’s build cities that work for everyone—forever.

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If you've found this worth your time, you can get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content access to our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bendurham.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenDurham.ca

Website: https://bendurham.ca

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SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Wheels and Beyond on:

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XgnlWWDihE1WFvEEC1868

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheels-and-beyond/id1761207261

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⏰ CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

02:31 Michelle's background & expertise

06:27 Citizens as city co-owners

09:07 The Portage and Maine story

16:42 Municipal financial realities

24:23 Transportation & infrastructure costs

34:30 Personal mobility choices

43:36 Solutions & citizen action

53:46 Book announcement & closing

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NERDY RECORDING DETAILS:

This recording took place on the morning of April 18th, 2025 via RiversideFM.

Edited and mixed in Davinci Resolve Studio. 1080p render.

Audio is optimized for an ITU-R BS, 1770-4 standard at -1dBTP and -16LKFS, specifically for Spotify standards.

The car-first obsession is bankrupting businesses and strangling cities—and no one’s telling you the truth. Why are entrepreneurs blowing millions on gas-guzzling vans they barely use, while cities bulldoze communities to pave endless parking lots? Andrew Hunniford, co-founder of London Bicycle Café, storms into the Wheels and Beyond podcast to rip apart the delusion that cars equal progress. “We’re burning cash just to avoid rain,” he argues, exposing how businesses blindly buy into a broken system that hemorrhages money, clogs streets, and kills innovation.

From landscapers to dog groomers, small businesses are trapped in a cycle of debt and traffic—but Andrew's got receipts. His café thrives without a single parking spot, proving bikes aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re survival tools in a car-crashed economy. It's time to join the rebellion, tear down myths about “necessary” vans and trucks, and reveal how cities like London could slash costs, boost profits, and actually work if we stopped worshipping asphalt. The revolution isn’t electric—it’s eclectic.

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If you've found this worth your time, you can get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content access to our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bendurham.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenDurham.ca

Website: https://bendurham.ca

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SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Wheels and Beyond on:

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XgnlWWDihE1WFvEEC1868

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheels-and-beyond/id1761207261

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NERDY RECORDING DETAILS:

This recording took place on March 6th, 2025 in-person at the London Bicycle Café in London, Ontario, Canada.

Edited and mixed in Davinci Resolve Studio. 1080p render.

Audio is optimized for an ITU-R BS, 1770-4 standard at -1dBTP and -16LKFS, specifically for Spotify standards.

This is a tell-all interview on the Wheels and Beyond Podcast (with Ben Durham) and a peak behind the scenes of Biktrix with today's guest: Gordon Lai, the Head of Strategy and Customer Experience at the company.

Biktrix is a Canadian-Owned Electric Bike company that's different from many of the other “ebike companies” that you might have stumbled upon online.

It staffs more than 50 employees (majority here in Canada) including mechanics, logistics specialists, customer support agents, research and development personnel, engineers, e-commerce experts, and bike enthusiasts.

Their ebikes are Assembled In Canada (specifically in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, so QC (quality control) is one of the best in the entire industry.

My wife Natalia has been riding her first-generation Biktrix Swift Step-Thru ebike since 2021 and LOVES it! So we've kept in contact with Biktrix and this opportunity to chat with Gordon came up. So now you get to have a nice listen to our conversation!

With the USA/Canada Trade War kicking off via Tariffs being put on everything on both sides of the border, this conversation is important to hear when deciding how to support Canadian and which ecosystem to buy into going forward. Speaking of, Gordon's notes which are featured about midway through this video podcast are also in text format below (scroll a bit) for your reference.

Don't forget, if you've found this information valuable, you can get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content access to our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

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GORDON'S NOTES (SHARED WITHIN THE PODCAST VIDEO)

Canadian Owned with models Assembled In Canada

• Biktrix Electric Bikes (Assembly in Saskatoon)

• Devinci (Assembly in Quebec)

Canadian Owned and Product Imported from overseas

• Envo Bikes

• Rize Bikes

• Zen eBikes

• Surface 604 Bikes

• Voltbike

• Velec

American Owned eBike Brands:

• Rad Power Bikes

• Specialized

• Trek

• Rambo eBikes

• Electric Bike Company

• Lectric

Chinese/European/Other Owned Brands:

• Himiway

• Aventon

• Magicycle

• Giant

• Moustache

• Riese and Muller

• Cube

• Engwe

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Check out Biktrix: https://www.biktrix.ca/

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bendurham.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenDurham.ca

Website: https://bendurham.ca

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SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Wheels and Beyond on:

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XgnlWWDihE1WFvEEC1868

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheels-and-beyond/id1761207261

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NERDY RECORDING DETAILS:

This recording took place on February 13th, 2025 via RiversideFM.

Edited and mixed in Davinci Resolve Studio. 1080p render.

Audio is optimized for an ITU-R BS, 1770-4 standard at -1dBTP and -16LKFS, specifically for Spotify standards (not using the YouTube standard which is a bit hotter of a signal than I like for podcasts).

My sister and I sit down and chat about how even though we live in entirely separate places (London and Waterloo & Ottawa), we're both incredibly similar, ESPECIALLY when it comes to how we get around our cities!

But she's definitely one-upped me when it comes to her commuting habits… because she's NEVER DRIVEN TO WORK! See, even I can't claim that I've absolutely never driven to work because I totally have. And here she is in Canada's capital, routinely transporting herself by anything BUT driving for her commutes.

Running to work? Check.

Biking to work? Check.

E-biking to work? Check.

Busing to work? Check.

As you'll hear, it all kinda started when she was younger but then got reinforced through her teenage years, university years (in Kitchener/Waterloo), and then when she moved back to Ottawa!

Anyway, have a listen to this brother-sister chat. Love you, Jamie! :)

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Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content access to our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bendurham.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenDurham.ca

Website: https://bendurham.ca

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SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Wheels and Beyond on:

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XgnlWWDihE1WFvEEC1868

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheels-and-beyond/id1761207261

By not investing in more options other than driving infrastructure (which is very expensive for many reasons), $2.5 million Canadian rupees are spent per day on everything to do with collisions (a lot of factors). That's A LOT OF MONEY. And it's even MORE wild on “bad days.” Bus riders in London, Canada proportionally pay SIGNIFICANTLY more for their fares than any other peer cities. We dive deep into how public transit funding is split up and how it affects everyone in the City of London. A great question that came out of this chat was: “why do PUBLIC transit systems 'need to generate a profit' when police services, roadways, etcrahrah, aren't expected to turn a profit?”Andrew's quick bio: Andrew Hunniford, the General Manager of London Bicycle Café and a lifelong Londoner passionate about cycling and active transportation. With a background in product management, he now helps people find the right bike for their needs. An avid rider, he commutes, shops, and adventures by bike while engaging in civic initiatives.Two of Andrew's articles that are brought up in this podcast: 🔗 The Hidden Costs of Our Roads: A Case for Change: https://andrew-hunniford.medium.com/the-hidden-costs-of-our-roads-a-case-for-change-d7bcd8426fd5🔗 London Rides the Bus: Why Our Transit System Deserves More Support: https://andrew-hunniford.medium.com/london-rides-the-bus-why-our-transit-system-deserves-more-support-a9ec5cb96289Check out London Bicycle Café: https://www.londonbicyclecafe.com/Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content access to our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurhamDo you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]• where to find me •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.caTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bendurham.caFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenDurham.caWebsite: https://bendurham.ca================SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Wheels and Beyond on: » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XgnlWWDihE1WFvEEC1868» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheels-and-beyond/id1761207261

Patty Wiens is the 50-year-old Bike Mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada! Hopping on her bike has changed her life, as have ebikes! Now she's a hardcore cycling advocate! Clearly, if SHE of all people, as a Brazilian who lives in “Winterpeg”, can bike as often as she does and who's sold her car can do it, so can a MASSIVE number of other people! We chat about that and much, MUCH more!

Patty's quick bio is: I am a Brazilian woman living in Winnipeg, who went through a transformative journey from a fair-weather cyclist to a dedicated winter commuter and advocate for cycling. Initially hesitant to bike in winter, my perspective shifted as I discovered the joy and freedom of riding year-round. With the support of my partner and the local cycling community, I overcame challenges, including cold weather and snowy conditions, by embracing e-bikes and documenting my experiences on YouTube. My passion for cycling led me to engage in advocacy work and I joined the Board of Directors of Bike Winnipeg, where I’m the newsletter editor.

Join the Global Bike Advocacy Discord that Patty mentions at the end of this episode!

🔗 https://discord.gg/6gUbPjxm

Get early access to videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content access to our extensive brainstorming sessions, full interviews, and video commentaries over at https://www.patreon.com/bendurham

Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want me to cover? Submit via email: [email protected]

• where to find me •

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendurham.ca

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bendurham.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenDurham.ca

Website: https://bendurham.ca

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SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Wheels and Beyond on:

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XgnlWWDihE1WFvEEC1868

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheels-and-beyond/id1761207261