Less traffic is not a controversial idea. Most of us wish we spent less time stuck in it, and none of us want cars speeding through our neighborhoods. So why do Low-Traffic Neighborhoods, or LTNs, spark so much debate?

In this talk with 1014 and Open Plans, Jon Jon Wesolowski, the Happy Urbanist, explores how cities like Hamburg, London, and Barcelona are successfully reclaiming their local streets. These places have created safer, quieter, and more livable neighborhoods by keeping through-traffic out while maintaining access for residents.

Jon Jon breaks down what makes these efforts work, what problems they solve, and how the United States can create its own version. The talk includes real-world examples, smart framing strategies, and practical steps for getting started in your own community.

This is not a story of failed experiments. It is a story of good ideas that are often avoided because they are challenging. But with the right approach, LTNs can be one of the most transformative tools we have for safer and more joyful streets.