Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
bus

How Mayors Can Lead The Way to a Sustainable Transportation Future (Hint: Listen to John Bauters)

Not enough U.S. mayors make sustainable transportation a priority, and even the ones that do don't always get much done. On today's episode of The Brake, though, we spoke with one elected official who's making massive progress to make streets safer, greener and more equitable in his small town — and sharing lessons in leadership that can scale to even the biggest cities.

In this extended conversation with Mayor John Bauters of Emeryville, Calif., we learn more about his successful effort to put a seat at every bus stop in his town, which Streetsblog covered last month, and what it takes to get humble yet ambitious mobility projects like this done. And along the way, we chat about why he thinks climate change is a losing campaign issue even though it's the most important issue of our time, why elected officials should get outside more, and why he thinks that you — yes, you — should run for office.

Tune in below, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else you listen.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

The Talk of D.C.: Rumors Flying that Trump Wants to Undo Bike Lanes in Capital

The feds appear to be mounting an argument that bike lanes cause congestion in the nation's capitol — and advocates are bracing for a fight.

January 26, 2026

Monday’s Headlines Fund Transit (Mostly)

A federal transportation bill keeps most of the funding for transit from the Biden administration's infrastructure act, except for steep cuts to intercity rail.

January 26, 2026

New York State’s Car Insurance ‘Affordability’ Pitch Will Shortchange Crash Victims

Gov. Kathy Hochul's Uber-backed bid to make car insurance affordable hides harmful policies for victims of car drivers.

January 25, 2026

Big Tech is Secretly Behind NY State’s Auto Insurance Rate Cut Push

Is Uber really interested in a more affordable, safer New York?

January 25, 2026

Friday Video: Why The Latest Wave of E-Bike Restrictions Are So Stupid

New Jersey just set a new standard for over-reaction on e-bikes by passing a victim-blaming law. Here's why no state should follow suit.

January 23, 2026

Friday Video: The Fight to Expand A South Carolina Freeway … For Bikes

Greenville is looking for the good kind of induced demand — by expanding a popular rail-trail.

January 23, 2026
See all posts