Podcast - Enrique Peñalosa Discusses The Importance Of Public Spaces

Planetizen Podcast, 18 November 2006 - Enrique Peñalosa Discusses The Importance Of Public Spaces

1 minute read

November 18, 2006, 12:00 AM PST

By Planetizen

As mayor of Bogotá between 1998 and 2001, Enrique Peñalosa ushered in broad improvements to the Colombian capital's public transportation infrastructure with one of the world's most efficient bus rapid transit systems. His administration also pushed to created hundreds of miles of bikeways, pedestrian-only streets, and public parks. Restrictions in private car use in the city have also decreased congestion in the city of more than .5 million people.

In this speech, Peñalosa discusses his experiences in making Bogotá a more transit- and pedestrian-friendly city and how creating great public places is essential to creating great cities. The speech was recorded November 13, 2006 in Los Angeles.

Enrique Peñalosa addresses the audience in Los Angeles
Enrique Peñalosa addresses the audience in Los Angeles (Photo by Christian Peralta).

Please note that the audio of the speech is free of charge.

Related Story:
Lessons From Colombia: Ex-Bogotá Mayor Enrique Peñalosa Lectures City Officials On How to Steer a Car-less Future
Los Angeles Downtown News, November 20, 2006

An above-ground solution for Wilshire traffic
Los Angeles Times, November 18, 2006

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog