Streets and People S1E52 P&P Ian Walker chats about motonormativity, how cars feel addictive and that car dependence is a form of tax
Oct 18, 2024
In this conversation with Professor Ian Walker, a psychology expert on transport, listeners dive into the concept of 'motonormativity'—the societal bias that prioritizes motoring. Ian reveals how car dependence mirrors addiction, and discusses the need for cultural shifts to embrace diverse transport options. He critiques current infrastructure that favors cars and highlights the systemic change required for public health and sustainability. Ultimately, he calls for collective action to challenge norms and rethink urban mobility for a more inclusive future.
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Two Pathways Shape Car Bias
- Cross‑national studies show both explicit beliefs and unconscious double standards shape pro‑car norms.
- Country, urbanity and environment separately predict explicit support for cars and the tendency to downplay their harms.
Reframe Decisions With General Principles
- Reframe transport decisions by asking if you'd accept the same choice in another policy domain.
- Use general principles to avoid victim‑blaming campaigns that put responsibility on pedestrians.
Infrastructure Signals Car Priority
- Street features like flared junctions and pedestrian signal timing communicate that cars are prioritised.
- These design defaults create constant friction for walking and cycling and signal that pedestrians are unwelcome.