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

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.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Are Down on Highways

Two outlets recently featured articles on the harmful effects of ongoing freeway projects.

April 26, 2024

Commentary: There is Zero Ambiguity to the West Portal Tragedy

What happened in West Portal was entirely predictable and preventable. The city must now close Ulloa to through traffic and make sure it can never happen again.

April 25, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Details of Development Reform in Minnesota, Part I

Jim Kumon of Electric Housing discusses his work as a developer and urban policy educator in the Twin Cities.

April 25, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines Don’t Like Riding on the Passenger Side

Can you take me to the store, and then the bank? I've got five dollars you can put in the tank.

April 25, 2024

Study: When Speed Limits Rise on Interstates, So Do Crash Hot Spots on Nearby Roads

Rising interstate speeds don't just make roads deadlier for people who drive on them — and local decision makers need to be prepared.

April 25, 2024
See all posts