Melissa Bruntlett
Plenary Speaker
Connecting Social inclusion and Emerging Transportation Technology?

Location: Room - Ballroom

In the planning field, little attention is given to the effects that a “low-car” city can have on the human experience at a psychological and sociological level. Studies are beginning to surface that indicate the impact that car dominant space can have on our stress and anxiety levels, as well as how the systematic dismantling of freedom and autonomy for children and the elderly to travel through their cities is causing isolation and dependency. How can investments in improving the built environment improve the human experience, contributing to more inclusive cities regardless of age, gender, physical ability, or economic means? Melissa Bruntlett discusses the benefits made possible by thoughtfully curbing traffic, resulting in a city that is: child-friendly, connected, trusting, feminist, quiet, therapeutic, accessible, prosperous, resilient, and age-friendly.