Melissa & Chris Bruntlett in Tallinn: book presentation and discussion “Women Changing Cities”

How would our cities change if women had equal power to shape them?

Join us for an evening of inspiration and live conversation with Melissa and Chris Bruntlett, urban mobility advocates and authors of the book “Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation”! Hosted in partnership with landscape architect and urban cycling advocate Aljona Galazan.

As cities face climate change, traffic congestion and growing inequality, the need for bold, people-first solutions has never been greater. The book shares the work of women mayors, planners, advocates and policymakers who are reshaping urban spaces for the better.

From Paris to Bogotá, from Manila to Montréal, these leaders are reclaiming streets, reimagining mobility and creating safer, more inclusive public spaces, often despite strong resistance.

These stories show why cities work better when women have equal power to shape how they are planned, governed and experienced.

The evening includes a presentation on the stories and ideas behind the book, followed by a local panel on mobility and public space in Estonia.

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Melissa and Chris Bruntlett are authors and urban mobility advocates who strive to communicate the benefits of sustainable transport and inspire happier, healthier, more human-scale cities.

Melissa is the founder of Modacity Creative, an independent consultancy that bridges the gap between creative thinking and behaviour change to develop projects with a positive social impact.

As International Relations Manager for the Dutch Cycling Embassy, Chris shares practical lessons with cities around the world that want to learn from the Netherlands’ extraordinary success.

Melissa and Chris are authors of*:

• “Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality” (2018), which explores the urban and transport planning decisions that established the Netherlands as a bicycle paradise, and how North American communities are translating these ideas to build their own cycling cities.

• “Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars” (2021), which examines the physical, mental and social wellbeing that comes from living in low-car communities.

• “Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation” (2025), which highlights the role of women in leadership to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.

*All published books can be available for purchase on site and can be signed by the authors.

Melissa and Chris were invited to support the work of local advocates and professionals creating an Estonia that is more welcoming and comfortable for people walking and cycling, with public spaces that encourage social activity.

Read more about their work and books: www.modacitylife.com

Event is partially supported by Cultural Endowment of Estonia (Eesti Kultuurkapital).

Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/6Koq94lnD