Mahatma Gandhi's utilization of non-violent civil disobedience to fight for civil rights is taught to school children around the world, but his views on the importance of biking and walking are less well known. Navdeep Asija investigates.
"Gandhi was [a] strong supporter of cycling and walking, who can perhaps be credited with starting the sustainable transport movement in India," writes Asija, the 2011 recipient of the National Award of Excellence from India’s Ministry of Urban Development. "In his book Hind Swaraj, he defined the principle of sustainability as, 'More from less for more'."
As Asija explains, walking and biking were an essential part of Gandhi's daily routine and both the method and subject of his protests. However, modern India has strayed from sustainable transport. "Today’s urban planning is dominated by motorized vehicles," he laments.
"It’s impossible to imagine what might have happened if had India followed Gandhi’s ideals on sustainable transport and urban planning from its founding, and given support to the local informal sector, which includes non-motorized transport," says Asija. "Although it’s sad to see that none of the principles given by Gandhi are currently being adopted into India’s transportation policies, it’s not too late to implement them."
FULL STORY: Ahead of his time: Gandhi’s ideals on sustainable transport and urban planning
Partisan Splits for Transportation Politics
Researchers found that while left-leaning respondents were more likely to favor transportation reform and sustainable modes, conservatives are not as far behind as we think.
Making Climate Change a Priority for Transportation Planning
The threat of climate change has not guided transportation planning in Chicago, and the city and region could be doing much more to promote sustainable transportation, according to the article.
California E-Bike Rebate Demand Far Exceeds Supply
The queue to apply for California’s new e-bike incentive program, which only offered 1,500 vouchers, reached 100,000 people.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing
Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.
Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi
One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.
Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.
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.
Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing
Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.
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.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research