Skip to content

Can Athletes Help Solve Urbanism’s PR Problem? Soccer Star Tesho Akindele Thinks So

If the typical professional athlete talks about transportation at all, it's usually in the context of a mulit-million SUV commercial. Soccer star Tesho Akindele, though, isn't the typical athlete — and as he transitions out of his career on the field, he wants to make a full-time job out of building walkable, bikeable, equitable cities.
Can Athletes Help Solve Urbanism’s PR Problem? Soccer Star Tesho Akindele Thinks So
Camp North End in Charlotte, N.C., which Tesho Akindele is helping to develop, and Tesho himself. Photos:Camden and Hailey George, CC and Andy Witchger, CC

If the typical professional athlete talks about transportation at all, it’s usually in the context of a mulit-million SUV commercial. Soccer star Tesho Akindele, though, isn’t the typical athlete — and as he transitions out of his career on the field, he wants to make a full-time job out of building walkable, bikeable, equitable cities.

Today on The Brake, we talk to Tesho about how he fell in love with urbanism, why he uses his platform to talk about parking minimums, and the secret to getting non-wonks on board the movement to end car dependency and create people-centered places.

Tune in below, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else you listen, and follow Tesho on Twitter @Tesho13.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog USA

San Francisco Advocates Document Harassment on Public Transit

August 17, 2026

Monday’s Headlines Pony Up

August 17, 2026

Friday’s Headlines Got Charlie Brown Again

August 14, 2026

Friday Video: How Red Curbs and Bike Racks Can Save Lives

August 14, 2026

Trump’s New ‘Roadway Safety Strategy’ Leaves Out The Good Parts

August 14, 2026
See all posts