The Week with the Bruntletts
Evening Talks & Discussion with the Bruntletts
- October 6th, 7pm to 9pm – Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby
- October 10th, 7pm to 9pm – Museum of North Vancouver.
- Tickets start at $11
Women Changing Cities Book Launch & Discussion
- October 9th, 7pm to 9pm – Fletcher Challenge Theatre, SFU Harbour Centre
- Tickets start at $11
Coffee Meet & Greet + Group Ride
- October 11th, 10am to 1pm – Lynn Valley Library, North Vancouver
- Free Admission – Only 50 spaces available, so sign up quickly!
REGISTRATION for all the events at this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/cc/a-week-of-learning-with-the-bruntletts-4560263
Celebrated authors, advocates, and former Vancouverites Melissa and Chris Bruntlett return to Metro Vancouver this October 6th to 11th for a multi-day series of events exploring how cities and its residents can become safer and healthier when they prioritize active transportation such as walking and cycling. The series includes public talks, a community group ride, and the launch of the new book Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation.
The Bruntletts took their children and left Vancouver to become Dutch citizens living in Delft. They have chronicled their family’s journey and their passion for cycling in cities in the acclaimed books Building the Cycling City (2018) and Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in Our Lives (2021). They reveal what it means to trade a car-centric lifestyle for a people-first, cycle-friendly city, and how these changes shape emotional wellbeing, social connections, and freedom at every age.
Their newest book is ‘Women Changing Cities’ and will have its global book launch at SFU Vancouver on October 9, 2025.
From quieter streets that ease stress to neighbourhoods where children and elders can move independently, their work highlights why the built environment is about more than getting from A to B; it’s about creating happier, healthier communities.
The Week with the Bruntletts is organized by a consortium of non-profit and public agencies including Voor Urban Labs, Dutch Cultural Association of BC, Dutch Cycling Embassy, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lynn Valley Library, SFU Urban Studies, TransLink, City of Burnaby, City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, Urban Systems, ISL Engineering, Museum of North Vancouver, HUB Cycling.
A Week of Learning with the Bruntletts – Series Overview
Register for all the events at this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/cc/a-week-of-learning-with-the-bruntletts-4560263
Evening Talks & Discussion with the Bruntletts
- October 6th, 7pm to 9pm – Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby
- October 10th, 7pm to 9pm – Museum of North Vancouver.
- Tickets start at $11
Register for the evenings with Chris and Melissa for two inspiring events exploring how Metro Vancouver could look if we designed our cities around people, not cars. They reflect their decision to move from Vancouver to Delft, Netherlands. They chronicle their experience from living in a city that treats cars as visitors rather than owners of the road. Follow their personal story as they share how living in a city designed for people has significantly improved their quality of life. The event includes opening remarks by TransLink and City Councillors from the
District and City of North Vancouver, a presentation by the Bruntletts with a call to action to Vancouverites to transform their city, and a Q&A with community advocates and the audience.
Women Changing Cities Book Launch & Discussion
- October 9th, 7pm to 9pm – Fletcher Challenge Theatre, SFU Harbour Centre
- Tickets start at $11
In partnership with Voor Urban Labs, Women in Urbanism, Women Transforming Cities and SFU Urban Studies, Chris and Melissa Bruntlett celebrate the launch of their new book, Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation. This book highlights and celebrates the accomplishments of women implementing positive changes in transportation, urban planning policies, and design practices. Whose effects helped shape their cities to become more inclusive, sustainable, and livable for everyone.
The event will feature speakers from Women in Urbanism and Women Transforming Cities, where they will discuss the book’s content. Attendees can leave with a signed copy of the book for an additional cost, while also experiencing an inspiring evening that celebrates the accomplishments of women in planning and policy.
Coffee Meet & Greet + Group Ride
- October 11th, 10am to 1pm – Lynn Valley Library, North Vancouver
- Free Admission
The Bruntletts visit to Vancouver would not be complete without a group ride celebrating our region’s growing cycling culture. Organised with HUB Cycling, participants will connect with the Bruntletts over pastries and coffee to discuss active transportation planning in our communities.
Continue the conversation on two wheels with a group ride from Lynn Valley Library to Lower Lonsdale via the scenic Spirit Trail, ending at the Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) and its Transportation Exhibit. Open to riders of all ages and abilities. Riders are required to bring their own bike and helmet. Only 50 spaces available, so sign up quickly!
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