Not Just Bikes is a Canadian‑based media platform that produces a podcast, website, and related digital content focusing on urban planning, sustainable transportation, and the design of livable cities. The initiative was founded by urban planner and author Jason Ball in 2019 and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.
History and Development
- Founding: Jason Ball launched the Not Just Bikes podcast in early 2019 to explore how cities can transition away from automobile dependence toward more pedestrian‑ and transit‑oriented environments.
- Expansion: Following the podcast’s growing popularity, the brand expanded to include the Not Just Bikes website (notjustbikes.org), which publishes articles, research summaries, and resources for planners, policymakers, and the general public.
- Funding: The project has been supported through a combination of listener donations, sponsorships, and occasional grants from municipal and non‑profit organizations interested in promoting sustainable mobility.
Content and Themes
The platform’s output typically addresses:
- Transit‑Oriented Development (TOD): Analyses of how integrating high‑frequency public transit with mixed‑use neighborhoods can reduce car reliance.
- Active Transportation: Discussions of cycling and walking infrastructure, safety standards, and policy measures that encourage non‑motorized travel.
- Urban Design: Examination of street design, public spaces, zoning reforms, and the impact of street layouts on social equity and environmental outcomes.
- Policy and Governance: Interviews with city officials, planners, and activists regarding legislation, funding mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement.
Each podcast episode ranges from 30 to 90 minutes and often features expert guests, case studies of cities worldwide, and data‑driven commentary. The website supplements audio content with written articles, infographics, and curated lists of resources.
Reception and Impact
- Audience: As of 2024, the Not Just Bikes podcast has amassed over 150 000 downloads per month, with a listenership primarily in North America and Europe.
- Influence: The series has been cited in municipal planning reports and academic research focusing on active transportation and climate‑resilient urbanism.
- Recognition: In 2022, the podcast received a nomination for the Canadian Podcast Awards in the “Best Documentary/Non‑Fiction” category.
Related Initiatives
- Not Just Bikes Live: Periodic live‑streamed events and webinars that facilitate dialogue between listeners, planners, and community groups.
- Educational Resources: The platform provides downloadable guides and toolkits for local activists and city officials aiming to implement bike‑friendly and multimodal policies.
See also
- Urban planning
- Sustainable transportation
- Transit‑Oriented Development
- Bicycle transportation planning
References
- Ball, Jason. The Not Just Bikes Podcast (official website). Accessed June 2026.
- “Not Just Bikes: A New Voice in Urban Mobility.” CityLab, 15 May 2021.
- “Canadian Podcast Awards 2022 nominees announced.” The Globe and Mail, 9 June 2022.
Note: Information presented reflects publicly available sources up to June 2026.