We continue our mini-interview series with the Velo-city 2019 Keynote Speakers! #VC19Keynote #MeetTheSpeakers #CyclingForTheAges

Philippe Crist is Advisor for Innovation and Foresight for the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

His work focuses disruptive urban mobility scenarios, including automated driving, and examines how car-based and active mobility, public transport and taxis must adapt to these. He leads ITF work on data science how to leverage new and rapidly growing data sources to improve transport decision-making and is investigating how policy and regulation might adapt to an increasingly algorithmically-driven world. His work also encompasses helping public authorities think about how public space allocation, including curb management, will change under new travel practices and business models.

He is also a recognised world expert on cycling safety and policy, and in 2016 he won the Danish Cycling Embassy's Leadership Award for Cycling Promotion.

A French-American dual national, he is an ex-competitive cyclist and avid mushroom hunter. He also does much of his best thinking on a bicycle.

What does “Cycling for the ages” mean to you?

For me “Cycling for the ages” evokes the broad and timeless attraction of the bicycle. Cycling for all people, young and old, wealthy and poor, women and men, the abled and the differently abled.  Cycling for all ages because the bicycle is one of the few machines humans have invented that make us better the more we use it. And cycling at all times. In the past, today and in the future.

How will the city of the future look like taking into consideration the gaps in the developing and developed world?

The city of the future should (will!!) look like it helps humans achieve their potential – wherever it may be in the world. In a nutshell, cities built for people moving themselves and meeting other people! So that means more people and fewer machines on the streets. More space for meeting, thinking, producing and playing – less mono-use of the city. More diverse streets, spaces and housing. Cities with physical activity “baked” into the built environment without excluding those who face mobility limitations. Cities that maximise access to opportunities for the whole population. A city that allows the young to explore safely and the old to move securely. A city where we move fast enough to get around and slow enough to greet each other. A city that makes us healthier and wealthier. This city has more cycling, more walking, more smiles and – would it be too much to ask? – fewer screens!

What do you expect from Velo-city 2019 Dublin?

Velo-city is like the bicycle. Every time I come along for the ride, I feel it improves me, my outlook and my capacity to contribute to a more human world.

Mr. Philippe Crist is a speaker in the first plenary session of Velo-city 2019 Dublin, entitled “The City of the Future” to take place on Tuesday June 25th 2019 at 09.15-10.15.
More info on the Velo-city 2019 Programme, Speakers and Sessions at: https://www.velo-city2019.com
Early Bird Deadline 1st April 2019 – don’t miss it! https://www.velo-city2019.com/registration