This talk will ask the question what would a city where people didn’t need to own a car look like? This, after all, is part of the vision of Leeds City Council – but it is not a future which has been created anywhere around the world. In a world where low traffic neighbourhoods, new bike lanes or pavement parking can all cause public flashpoints talking about car ownership sounds provocative and, given some of the options available to people today “pie in the sky”. The INFUZE project is a five year research study which is asking people in Leeds to imagine and design such a city. Not a car free city but one where people could access the transport they need when they need to, but without individual ownership, at least to current levels. There are lots of different options for meeting people’s mobility needs and only a handful of these are currently in Leeds at any sort of scale. The INFUZE project is built on principles of co-design and the talk will explore what people say they want from their lives in Leeds and, therefore, how transport might play into that (positively and negatively). It will then set out why current policy, and any continuation of it, will fail to meet people’s needs. This opens a window for different solutions which could enable the creation of greener spaces, more connected communities and promote greater economic and social well-being. The question we are asking our participants is “what would better look like”? The talk will pose some questions to the audience so you can have your say.

About Professor Marsden
Professor Greg Marsden PhD. Meng, FCIHT, FHEA
Greg is Professor of Transport Governance at the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. He has researched issues surrounding the design and implementation of new policies for over 20 years. He is an expert in climate and energy policy in the transport sector and the governance of smart mobility. He leads the Place theme in the national Energy Demand Research Centre and is Director of the INFUZE project which is exploring post car-ownership futures.

About Cafe Economique

Café Economique is a voluntary organisation whose aim is to provide interesting talks and invite discussion about current socio -economic, social justice  and environmental topics. We meet on a Wednesday at Seven Arts.