Podcast - Enrique Peñalosa Discusses The Importance Of Public Spaces

Planetizen Podcast, 18 November 2006 - Enrique Peñalosa Discusses The Importance Of Public Spaces

1 minute read

November 18, 2006, 12:00 AM PST

By Planetizen

As mayor of Bogotá between 1998 and 2001, Enrique Peñalosa ushered in broad improvements to the Colombian capital's public transportation infrastructure with one of the world's most efficient bus rapid transit systems. His administration also pushed to created hundreds of miles of bikeways, pedestrian-only streets, and public parks. Restrictions in private car use in the city have also decreased congestion in the city of more than .5 million people.

In this speech, Peñalosa discusses his experiences in making Bogotá a more transit- and pedestrian-friendly city and how creating great public places is essential to creating great cities. The speech was recorded November 13, 2006 in Los Angeles.

Enrique Peñalosa addresses the audience in Los Angeles
Enrique Peñalosa addresses the audience in Los Angeles (Photo by Christian Peralta).

Please note that the audio of the speech is free of charge.

Related Story:
Lessons From Colombia: Ex-Bogotá Mayor Enrique Peñalosa Lectures City Officials On How to Steer a Car-less Future
Los Angeles Downtown News, November 20, 2006

An above-ground solution for Wilshire traffic
Los Angeles Times, November 18, 2006

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3, 2025 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of smart phone with USDOT website open.

USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations

A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.

March 13 - Smart Cities Dive

Two people waiting to board arriving bus on a snowy day.

Study: Drops in Transit Ridership Linked to Extreme Weather

Unsurprisingly, people are less likely to use transit during extreme weather events, which are becoming more common around the country.

March 13 - Streetsblog USA

Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington.

Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent

House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.

March 13 - Washington State Standard

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Write for Planetizen