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Martyn Schmoll

@martyn.bsky.social
6.9K followers 832 following 434 posts

Toronto. Vancouver. Safe streets. Strong towns. Next-generation cities and mobility. Progressive politics. Craft beer. Co-founder of betternorthshore.ca. Work: martynschmoll.com

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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Andrew Robertson @akhrobertson.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
CNV GO Zone Improvement #1: Incentivize the right designs Surprisingly, re-legalizing 4-floor heritage style buildings by increasing floor space ratio and floor count limits can help multiplexes fit better into our neighbourhoods Let’s compare two ground oriented building styles to see how (1/9)
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
We are going backward on climate action. No carbon tax. A possible new pipeline. Now Vancouver is allowing gas heating and cooking back into new builds. Short term thinking. www.betternorthshore.ca/blog/carbon-...
betternorthshore.ca
Reducing carbon emissions and building more homes are NOT mutually exclusive goals — Better North Shore
Reducing carbon emissions and building more housing are not mutually exclusive goals. Better emission standards contribute to healthier populations and lower building operating costs over the long run...
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
E-bike share is the perfect solution to the last-kilometre problem. From home to transit or transit to work it’s the perfect way to beat traffic and speed up your commute. Our latest Instagram post is up: www.instagram.com/reel/DdTGV2D...
instagram.com
Instagram
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Trees are infrastructure. Trees reduce the urban heat island effect by blocking sunlight and cooling our air. Ask your council candidates what they’re doing to ensure that your municipality is preserving/building a beautiful, effective tree canopy. #BetterNorthShore www.instagram.com/reel/DdDp61j...
instagram.com
Instagram
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The September newsletter is out! Get informed. See who’s running for council on the North Shore, find out about upcoming events, and have your say about the Roche Point Park Dedication in Seymour. www.betternorthshore.ca/newsletter/s...
betternorthshore.ca
September 2026 on the Shore — Better North Shore
Who’s running in the upcoming municipal elections? Find out here. Community events and Where on the Shore return after the summer break. Welcome back.
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Mihai Cirstea @mihai-cirstea.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
I'm inherently against cops ticketing cyclists for going through stop signs by default, but you'd be hard pressed to find a location more needlessly punitive than this one.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Beyond refreshing to see some young candidates throwing their hats in the ring for District of North Vancouver council. Check out Aidan Kyle’s platform here: www.aidankyle.ca #northvan
aidankyle.ca
Aidan Kyle for District Council
A fresh voice for North Vancouver. Grounded ideas, straight talk.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
There are a few folks on District of North Vancouver council who are getting a little long in the tooth so it’s great to see some new faces in the race. Check out Stephanie Wilson’s platform. heystephwilson.ca#northvan
heystephwilson.ca
Stephanie Wilson for DNV Council
I'm running for Council in the District of North Vancouver because I believe in brighter future for everyone.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Great tool here to fight back against misinformation around the Cowichan ruling, DRIPA, and other tropes used against First Nations folks. dripafacts.ca/en/
dripafacts.ca
DRIPA Facts: What they're not telling you
A sourced, plain-language fact-check of British Columbia's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
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Andrew Robertson @akhrobertson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
City of North Vancouver wants to hear how new family-sized housing should fit into “heritage areas” This survey is a great chance to say you want balanced and inclusive growth, not exclusive and classist “heritage character” designations for our hood with the most parks, transit, and schools
letstalk.cnv.org
Virtual info session
Visit the virtual information session for Bill 25 alignment engagement.
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
A new development proposal in Lynn Valley Centre protects existing renters, sits steps from transit and shops, and checks every box in the Official Community Plan. So why is it still being built around the car? #housing #transportation #northvan www.betternorthshore.ca/blog/buildin...
betternorthshore.ca
Lynn Valley’s new housing proposal looks good. Its parking plan doesn’t. — Better North Shore
A new, 397-home development in Lynn Valley Centre is exactly the kind of project our community needs—and the opposition to it reveals exactly the kind of thinking we need to move past.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
The City of North Van scaled back its original traffic safety plan around the new Cloverley school to preserve on-street parking spaces. It’s a decision that’ll put kids at risk of being hit by drivers as they arrive/leave school. Ask them to reverse the decision at citycouncil@cnv.org.
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
A school is reopening in North Van and that's exciting. We think some of the decisions around how kids can get there need to be revisited. #safestreets #northvan #visionzero www.betternorthshore.ca/blog/cloverl...
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Elle @biknmusicmama.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
From cycling under the light of moon on a beautiful night, to looking around and adding up the obscene amount of money we spend on cars, this article echoes so much of my thoughts about riding a bike and how CONNECTING it is- to people, to nature, to life- and how cars sever that connection.
irishtimes.com
I’m driving less. I don’t want to see the world through a driver’s eyes any more
Before I began driving less, I had long had a melancholic sense that the city lifestyle I lived was cut off from the seasons and nature
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
We've built a North Shore where driving is the only realistic option for most trips. Safe, connected bike routes are a public health investment with a proven return. 💪 Here's the case www.betternorthshore.ca/blog/make-tr...
betternorthshore.ca
How I quit feeling guilty about not working out enough — Better North Shore
Riding an e‑bike turns errands and commuting into effortless, stealth exercise. When movement is the easiest option, the not exercising guilt disappears—not because we’re more disciplined, but becaus...
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
A new development proposal in Lynn Valley Centre protects existing renters, sits steps from transit and shops, and checks every box in the Official Community Plan. So why is it still being built around the car? My latest for @betternorthshore.bsky.social www.betternorthshore.ca/blog/buildin...
betternorthshore.ca
Lynn Valley’s new housing proposal looks good. Its parking plan doesn’t. — Better North Shore
A new, 397-home development in Lynn Valley Centre is exactly the kind of project our community needs—and the opposition to it reveals exactly the kind of thinking we need to move past.
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Andrew Robertson @akhrobertson.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
City of North Vancouver is considering missing middle housing (6 homes/lot) in this map’s orange areas because of new BC law Most is in my childhood and current neighbourhood: Grand Boulevard Let’s look at Grand Boulevard and why it’s the perfect area to add more housing for families (1/7)
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
The housing crisis isn't just about cost. It's a credibility crisis. 🏚️ A generation increasingly feels the system isn't working for them — and so far, they're right. Read why housing has become a test of institutional trust, not just policy. 📖 www.betternorthshore.ca/blog/can-mis...
betternorthshore.ca
Can missing middle housing ever be truly affordable on the North Shore? — Better North Shore
Building more homes on a single lot doesn’t make housing truly affordable in the same way that it once was. But it does make homes incrementally cheaper.
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Streetsblog NYC @nyc.streetsblog.org · 26/01/2026
No fares, no homeless encampments, high-quality service. One suburban county shows the way for the new mayor.
buff.ly
Letter to Mamdani From Maryland: Free Buses Are Working Great - Streetsblog New York City
No fares, no homeless encampments, high-quality service. One suburban county shows the way for the new mayor.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Welp. No charges for driver in North Vancouver crash that killed 16-year-old German exchange student Dali Zissu last year. Huge surprise. The system is broken. www.nsnews.com/local-news/n...
nsnews.com
No charges for driver in North Vancouver crash that killed teen
The RCMP recommended a charge but the Crown said the evidence did not meet its standards for a prosecution
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
“In like 95% of situations where a disengagement or accident happens with autonomous vehicles, it’s a very regular, routine situation for humans … These are not challenging situations whatsoever.” www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
bloomberg.com
We Still Don’t Know if Robotaxis Are Safer Than Human Drivers
And even if self-driving technology proves to be less dangerous, there are many better ways to improve traffic safety and prevent fatal crashes.
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Andrew Robertson @akhrobertson.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Calgary’s homes: 57% single-family, 27% apartments Vancouver: 15% SFH, 62% apartments CNV: 11% SFH vs 67% apartments Our politicians shouldn’t ignore these differences when looking at Calgary as a bellwether of public support for the missing middle housing choices that our younger residents need
vancouversun.com
Calgary's recent move to repeal multi-unit zoning provides 'beacon of hope' for some B.C. politicians
A big shift in Calgary's municipal politics is being welcomed as a hopeful sign by some British Columbians worried about densification.
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Want to know what District of North Vancouver is (not) doing to make sure we get affordable homes in every neighbourhood? Do you like dogs, climate solutions, beer, good conversation? Our November newsletter has something for everyone. Join our mailing list! www.betternorthshore.ca/newsletter/n...
betternorthshore.ca
November 2025 on the Shore — Better North Shore
Did the District of North Vancouver’s plan for how to accommodate growth go the dogs? Or what? Housing and Official Community Plans are the big issue this month in all three municipalities. Spotlight ...
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Seth Klein @sethdklein.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
BC moves from leader to follower on zero-emission vehicle mandates -- a follower in retreat. Sad to see: vancouversun.com/news/bc-chan...
vancouversun.com
B.C. to scrap requirement that all new vehicles be zero-emission by 2035
Energy Minister Adrian Dix plans to introduce legislation in the spring to revise the EV mandate and said any new rebates are up to Ottawa
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
TONIGHT’S new-ish book in the #UrbanismBookClub is an important one — “Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities” by @veronicaodavis.bsky.social via @islandpress.bsky.social (2023). Foreword by @tamikabutler.bsky.social, cover art by @martyn.bsky.social. Great read. 2/
Photo of book cover
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Vision Zero Vancouver @visionzerovancouver.ca · 09/11/2025
Awesome event tonight!! More photos to come. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported!
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Full house for the #Vancouver launch of Life After Cars tonight with @brooklynspoke.bsky.social @sgoodyear.bsky.social @lucymaloney.bsky.social @tomflood.bsky.social Thanks to @visionzerovancouver.ca for organizing. #urbanismbookclub
Panelists Doug Gordon, Sarah Goodyear, Lucy Maloney, and Tom Flood seated on stage for the book launch of Life After Cars.
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Reposted by Martyn Schmoll
Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com · 02/11/2025
Whenever you cycle in the Netherlands, you are riding on the shoulders of giants. Tens of thousands of regular citizens who, five decades ago, took to the streets to fight back against the rampant rise of the car in their community. Without this defiant act, their country would look like any other.🧵
Photos of pages from a colour coffee-table book entitled: “50 Jaar Fietsersbond: Een Halve Eeuw Strijd Voor Fietsgeluk”.Photos of pages from a colour coffee-table book entitled: “50 Jaar Fietsersbond: Een Halve Eeuw Strijd Voor Fietsgeluk”.Photos of pages from a colour coffee-table book entitled: “50 Jaar Fietsersbond: Een Halve Eeuw Strijd Voor Fietsgeluk”.Photos of pages from a colour coffee-table book entitled: “50 Jaar Fietsersbond: Een Halve Eeuw Strijd Voor Fietsgeluk”.
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
NEW: Who are the 7 inaugural inductees enshrined into the URBANISM/CITY-BUILDING SOCIAL MEDIA HALL OF FAME? My new STARTER PACK! @modacitylife.com @streetfilms.bsky.social @jasonthorne.bsky.social @katharinehayhoe.com @dieworkwear.bsky.social @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social @hackneycyclist.bsky.social
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Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com · 02/11/2025
Like the circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the human body, Amsterdam’s 1,300 km network of bike paths, lanes and streets delivers half a million daily cyclists—the lifeblood of the city—to their work, school and everywhere in between. From the “Amsterdam in Motion” exhibit.
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Modern Day Bartleby @moderndaybartleby.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
The bicycles in those pics are called "mamacharis" and I see them as additional traffic calmers in Tokyo along with what you've already mentioned here moderndaybartleby.wordpress.com/2025/05/25/a...
moderndaybartleby.wordpress.com
A Mamachari Will Lead Us
Let us praise the mamachari. Well, to do that for folks outside of Japan, I must explain what the mamachari is. The mamachari is an electric bicycle with child seats, often a child seat both in fro…
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Paul Graf @paulginva.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Remember earlier this year when Trump said he wanted Japan to import more American cars. Take a look at these streets. This is typical of the streets in villages and towns in Japan. Off the main routes, the same is true in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Can you imagine driving an SUV on them?
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Fun to come across my tweets from my trip to Tokyo earlier this year again.
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Better North Shore @betternorthshore.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Want to get more involved in your North Shore community? Love mountain biking? Want a free tree for your street? Interested in stormwater management or food security? Public art? The October newsletter is out with something for everyone. Join our mailing list! www.betternorthshore.ca/newsletter/o...
betternorthshore.ca
October 2025 on the Shore — Better North Shore
So many opportunities to participate in public life—from joining a civic committee to attending a workshop, or having fun at a pub night—the North Shore is activity central. Join in!
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Shabazz Stuart @shabazzstuart.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Some news: This winter Team Oonee is launching NYC's first Dutch-Style🚲 parking hub in Brooklyn's Sunset Park. The Hub will provide free parking for 100+ bikes/scooters, and will include safe charging, and appt based repairs + lite service. This will make history in several ways. More deets in 🧵👇🏾
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Awesome new bikeway on St George Street in #Vancouver, flanked by pollinator gardens and bioswales. This is how you do it.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
“Calls are increasing for more to be done to reduce the number of SUVs in London, with campaigners arguing that drivers of these cars should pay more to park and use the roads in the capital.” www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Is London set to put the brakes on SUVs?
The number of SUVs in London has increased tenfold in 20 years, prompting calls to curb their use.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
“By signing up to mutual recognition of vehicle standards with the United States, the European Union has waved the white flag on road safety. This is not a technical detail – it is a political choice that puts trade convenience ahead of saving lives.” etsc.eu/etsc-mutual-...
etsc.eu
ETSC: Mutual recognition deal with U.S. will cost lives on Europe’s roads
By signing up to mutual recognition of vehicle standards with the United States, the European Union has waved the white flag on road safety. This is not a technical detail – it is a political choice…
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Bowinn Ma @bowinnma.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
The future North Shore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will span 21 km with 16-17 stations, connecting the North Shore, Vancouver, and Burnaby. This rapid transit service will be fast, reliable, and comfortable. Take the survey now: translinklistens.ca/bus-rapid-trans…
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Brilliant evening for the Vancouver Big Tent Urbanist meetup. Always so much positivity and great ideas to take away from these conversations. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones tonight at the Vancouver Big Tent Urbanist event. Weather’s looking great! 🌞
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
I often get folks showing up in my timeline insisting that riding a bike on the road is perfectly fine - even safer - than riding in protected bike lanes. Yeah, no. Protected bike lanes enable families on the go. This is the Beach Avenue bikeway in Vancouver.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Chasing the sun in Vancouver.
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John Munro @johnmunro.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
You can't police your way to mobility justice. You have to do something harder: redistribute public space.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
This is how you keep cities moving. Give people safe, convenient options for getting around, whether by car, bike, scooter, or on foot. This is Hornby Street in Vancouver.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
I agree with everything here except the idea that rapid transit has to be in the form of light rail (LRT). Bus rapid transit (BRT) is cheaper than light rail and could be implemented more quickly, often with existing livery, on roads we already have. www.nsnews.com/opinion/opin...
nsnews.com
Opinion: North Shore needs rapid transit before explosion of high-density development
We need rail rapid transit built before a massive wave of development hits North Vancouver and West Van, this transportation expert says
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
You love to see these modal filters - redirecting motoring through-traffic and providing a convenient connection for people on bikes makes streets quieter and safer for the people that live there. This one is in Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Strathcona.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Union Market v2 #Vancouver
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
vancouversun.com/news/new-van...
vancouversun.com
Terrace-born Donny van Dyk is Vancouver's new city manager
Van Dyk has been Delta city manager for less than two years after a five-year stint leading Penticton. Find out more.
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Martyn Schmoll @martyn.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
yle.fi/a/74-20174831
yle.fi
Helsinki goes a full year without a traffic death
A city traffic engineer credits the success to lower speed limits and smarter design.
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