Seattle has been a target of anti-car activism since at least the early 1960s, when the construction of I-5 carved up the Chinatown International District.

Washington architect Paul Thiry said the creation of the freeway signaled when Seattle started to lose its identity as a city.

But what would a less car-centric Seattle actually look like? Whom would it benefit? And is it even feasible? 

The hosts of "The War on Cars" podcast join "Soundside" for more. They’ve co-written a new book: “Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves From the Tyranny of the Automobile.”

They’re both based in Brooklyn, New York, but joined KUOW's Paige Browning in our Seattle studio. 

GUESTS: 
Sarah Goodyear, host, The War on Cars podcast
Doug Gordon, host, The War on Cars podcast

RELATED LINKS: 
What Comes After the ‘War on Cars’? - Bloomberg
‘Life After Cars’ with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon - Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Seattle has been a target of anti-car activism since at least the early 1960s, when the construction of I-5 carved up the Chinatown International District.
Washington architect Paul Thiry <a href="https://www.seattlemet.com/travel-and-outdoors/2024/06/seattle-friday-afternoons-travel-traffic">said the creation</a> of the freeway signaled when Seattle started to lose its identity as a city.
But what would a less car-centric Seattle actually look like? Whom would it benefit? And is it even feasible?&nbsp;
The hosts of "The War on Cars" podcast join "Soundside" for more. They&rsquo;ve co-written a new book: <a href="https://www.lifeaftercars.com/">&ldquo;Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves From the Tyranny of the Automobile.&rdquo;</a>
They&rsquo;re both based in Brooklyn, New York, but joined KUOW's Paige Browning in our Seattle studio.&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Sarah Goodyear, host, The War on Cars podcast</li>
<li>Doug Gordon, host, The War on Cars podcast</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-10-17/-life-after-cars-book-makes-a-plea-to-go-automobile-free">What Comes After the &lsquo;War on Cars&rsquo;?</a> - Bloomberg</li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-cars-with-sarah-goodyear-and-doug-gordon/id1382983397?i=1000732780234">&lsquo;Life After Cars&rsquo; with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon</a> - Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast</li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Nearly one in three Americans don't have a driver's license. But most places in America are still built around cars, including Seattle. We talk to the hosts behind "The War on Cars," about why — and what we can do about it.

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