Why our streets are so unsafe? Rachel Aldred l HC E07 l Ruchita Bansal

About the Episode: We talk about road accidents — but not the near misses that make people give up cycling.We talk about car bans — but not the data that shows where walking and cycling could actually thrive.In this episode of The Human City Podcast, I speak with Dr. Rachel Aldred, Professor of Transport at the University of Westminster, whose groundbreaking research is changing how cities think about safety, fairness, and everyday mobility.We unpack:• The Near Miss Project — what near misses reveal about fear and safety.• The Propensity to Cycle Tool — how data helps cities plan better cycling networks.• Lessons from London’s Congestion Charge and what it teaches us about shifting from cars to people.• How gender, care work, and social equity shape the way we move through cities.If you’ve ever wondered why our streets still feel unsafe — even when they’re designed for safety — this episode will make you see mobility differently.--------------------------About the Guest:Dr. Rachel Aldred is Professor of Transport at the University of Westminster and Director of the Active Travel Academy. Her research explores cycling, walking, and transport equity — focusing on how gender, risk, and social factors shape everyday mobility.She is best known for the Near Miss Project, Propensity to Cycle Tool, and her influence on UK transport policy through data-driven insights that make cities safer and fairer for everyone.Learn about her workNear Miss Project Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/sc... Propensity to Cycle Tool: https://www.pct.bike/------------------------About the Host: The Human City Podcast is hosted by Ruchita Bansal, an accomplished urban planner and project management professional with 15+ years of experience. She has led multi-billion-dollar development projects and sustainable mobility programs across India, including her leadership role at the Ayodhya Development Authority.Ruchita is also the founder of SheCity India, a platform for gender-inclusive urban planning, storytelling, and data-driven advocacy.--------------------------About The Human City Podcast: This podcast brings together global voices and local insights to explore how cities can be made more inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered. Each episode uncovers what it takes to design cities that truly work for people.“The Human City Podcast is an initiative of SheCity India — building gender-inclusive, human-centered cities.”