Tech Won't Save Us Why We Need a War on Cars w/ Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear
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Nov 6, 2025 
Doug Gordon, a TV producer and co-host of The War on Cars podcast, and Sarah Goodyear, a journalist and co-author of Life After Cars, delve into the detrimental effects of car dependence on society. They explore how cars have reshaped urban landscapes and societal interactions, leading to isolation and political polarization. The duo argues that technology won't solve these issues, advocating for local actions like bike shares and congestion pricing to reclaim urban spaces. Their insights shed light on a movement to challenge car culture and promote more sustainable living.
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Motordom Engineered Car Culture
- The automobile's dominance was engineered by a coalition of corporate interests dubbed "motordom."
- Fossil fuel, auto, insurance and construction industries shaped policy and culture to normalize driving.
Cars Are A Geometry Problem
- The core problem is geometry: too many cars in limited urban space breaks the system.
- Electric or autonomous cars don't fix street space or livability; non-car alternatives do.
Choose Tech That Reduces Harm
- Pursue technologies that reduce harm like speed governors and small electric personal vehicles.
- Avoid tech that preserves large cars and sprawl, and prioritize solutions that save space and lives.
