Testimonials:


Gil --You are so inspiring, and I can't tell you how much it means to have such a great partner and ambassador supporting our work both here and around the world. All best and thanks again from one of your biggest fans.
Janette Sadik-Khan
Commissioner DOT
New York City, USA



Gil Penalosa is one of those charismatic leaders that deserve to be heard. His contribution in Bogota and then subsequently in many cities around the world in providing simple solutions to improve the liveability of cities makes him a very important player in this age of urbanisation.
Prof Rob Adams, AM
Director City Design
City of Melbourne, Australia



I have had the pleasure of working with Gil in my former role as Toronto’s Chief City Planner and in my current role as a Director of Metrolinx, the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority. He is a passionate, creative and inspirational leader who has the rare ability to motivate large numbers of people to embrace new ways to think and act about transforming their own community. I am an active supporter of his work.
Paul Bedford
Former Toronto Chief Planner
Director at Metrolinx
City of Toronto



Your keynote address laid out a series of very practical illustrations of how municipal leaders can take leadership to make our cities and towns more liveable and sustainable. By introducing us to leading examples from municipalities worldwide, you are helping us set a high benchmark for our Canadian communities. You are encouraging us to be bold in our leadership and prompt in our actions. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on your presentation.
Brock Carlton
Chief Executive Officer
Federation of Canadian Municipalities



Your 8-80 Cities test resonated with many of us and your many examples were brilliant in demonstrating a common sense approach to the creation of cities for people, by focusing on improving their quality of life through links between walking, cycling and parks. Your presentation provided us with many new insights and opportunities, and has shown us the importance of active management of the places we create.
Ellie Schwab
Project Director-Victoria Harbour
Lend Lease Development, Australia



Gil has the strength for change, the ability of involving crowds towards better cities, better lives and better human kind. His talk and presentation touched the audience in a way that little else can. For the public agents of the City Hall of São Paulo, Gil’s presence was one of the most important happenings of the year. Thank you!
Walter Feldman
Federal Deputy and Secretary
Sports, Leisure and Recreation
City Hall of São Paulo, Brazil




Part of the solution in dealing with air quality problems, climate change, and the obesity epidemic is to design neighbourhoods around active forms of transportation, such as walking and bicycling. Gil clearly understands this concept and gives a passionate, inspired presentation on the importance of community design to support active transportation. His stories and pictures superbly illustrate his message.
Dr. Bob Nosal
Medical Officer of Health
Halton Region, Ontario, Canada



Gil: Your broad experience, clear-eyed analysis, infectious enthusiasm and amazing accomplishments make you a "global treasure" in the urban parks movement. Keep up your great work!"
Peter Harnik
Director Center for City Park Excellence
Washington, D.C., USA



Gil is a forceful, passionate speaker about places that create happiness and community well-being. He is articulate as well as knowledgeable; he can put these issues into terms that a politician, lay-person, designer, transportation planner or community center manager can see the benefits these issues can bring to their community.
Fred Kent
President, Project for Public Spaces
NYC, USA



Your presentation on the role of walking and cycling in the transportation mix was exceptional. Your ability to articulate the importance of active transportation and its many benefits captivated our audience. Your enthusiasm and passion is contagious and I hope that this experience will change the outlook of the transit professionals in attendance for many years to come.
Michael W. Roschlau
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Urban Transit Association



Gil Penalosa brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to the urban parks movement. He challenges us all to work together through partnerships and alliances so that parks and greenways are recognized as a critical component of healthy and vibrant cities.
Catherine Nagel
Executive Director
City Parks Alliance
Washington, D.C., USA



I am truly impressed with how you (Gil Penalosa) have been able to use your excellent speaking skills and extensive experience on the topic, to influence how our organization designs and manages bikeways and parks. Thanks to you, our Corporation is committed to provide priority to pedestrians and to develop communities by integrating them into the development of public spaces, a policy that is being implemented on a national scale.
Inigo Orvananos
Director, Casa GEO
Largest Housing Developer in Mexico