Cities around the world are reimagining their streets and public spaces, transforming them into places for enjoyment and spending time instead of simply for moving through. As more cities, businesses, and local advocates search for the perfect recipe for urban vitality in their communities, a number of cities are leading the way. Through thinking empathetically about the people they are planning and designing for, these cities are showing the potential that lives within to become beautiful places where people can connect across ages, abilities, and socio-economic status. In their presentation, Melissa and Chris Bruntlett will discuss how more inclusive transport and public spaces can create communities where everyone can thrive. Together we will explore the driving forces of these global trends and the leadership qualities that are helping cities realize the benefits of shifting to urban vitality.

Melissa and Chris Bruntlett are Dutch Canadian authors and urban mobility advocates who strive to communicate the benefits of happier, healthier, more human-scale cities. As long-time mobility advocates in Vancouver, Canada, in 2019, along with their two children Leo and Etienne, they relocated to Delft, the Netherlands, and haven’t looked back.

As an equitable mobility expert, Melissa is the founder of Modacity Creative, an independent consultancy that works with advocates, professionals and leaders to bridge the gap between creative thinking and behaviour change. Her work focuses on developing projects with a positive social impact with global partners to support a just mobility transition. Through storytelling, narrative building, inspiration sessions and interactive workshops, she helps organisations and partners realise a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable mobility future.

Chris is International Relations Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, a public-private partnership that shares the best knowledge and expertise from the Netherlands with cities around the world. In his role he creates multimedia content that shares the qualitative benefits of a multi-modal transport system and strengthens diplomatic and economic relationships.

Melissa and Chris are the co-authors of three books: “Building the Cycling City”, “Curbing Traffic”, and “Women Changing Cities”, and continue to share their message globally through speaking and an extensive online presence.

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