From Barcelona to Paris, cities thrive with women in charge. It’s all about sharing public space | Melissa and Chris Bruntlett

From Barcelona to Paris, cities thrive with women in charge. It’s all about sharing public space Melissa Bruntlett and Chris Bruntlett Female mayors have had notable successes in making transport in urban areas benefit everyone, not just a wealthy few A ccording to the UN 68% of the global population will be urban dwellers by mid-century. Urbanisation at this rate, unprecedented in modern times, means cities are facing an equally unprecedented convergence of crises, from a shortage of affordable housing to increased traffic congestion causing pollution, while reducing safety and liveability. The consequences are exacerbated by the climate emergency bombarding many regions with severe heatwaves, rainfall, flooding and other extreme weather events. While everyone will feel the effects of these changes, the fallout from failing to cater for them is disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable groups. The status quo in many cities is to design them for private vehicles, based on the assumption that nearly everyone can and will need to drive. This overlooks the reality that for children, but also many women, older adults and people living with disabilities, this is simply not an option. More cars means less space to walk, cycle, push a pram or use a mobility aid safely. It means the stress of navigating noisier and more congested streets. Ultimately it means less diversity in street activity. Conversely, in cities such as Delft in the Netherlands, where we live, authorities have worked for a better balance of space allocation for walking, cycling, public transport and motor vehicles. As a result, Delft’s public spaces are vibrant and active with all types of people moving in social and connected ways. As our family discovered after moving here from Canada, children are able to roam more freely, older adults and disabled people maintain access to their communities, and women feel safer to travel independently. Given the challenges that city dwellers face, what’s needed ...