In the wake of the recent 15-minute city conspiracy theories, which you can read about here and here, I thought I would consult an expert on the topic – ChatGPT. Here’s what AI thinks about the 15-minute city.
Request to Chat GPT: “Please write a 300 word blog in a casual tone about the benefits of 15-minute cities while addressing the conspiracy theory.”
What is a 15-Minute City?
Have you ever heard of the term “15-minute city”? It’s a concept that’s been gaining traction in urban planning circles lately, and for good reason. A 15-minute city is a place where everything you need is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from your home. This means that you can easily access things like grocery stores, schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and entertainment venues without relying on a car or public transportation.
What are the benefits of the 15-minute City?
There are many benefits to living in a 15-minute city. For one, it can greatly improve your quality of life. When everything is close by, you can spend less time commuting and more time doing the things you enjoy. You can also save money on transportation costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, walking or biking around your neighbourhood can be great exercise, which is important for your physical and mental health.
What about this conspiracy theory?
But some people have expressed concerns about the 15-minute city concept, claiming that it’s just a ploy to control people’s movements or restrict their access to certain areas. Let me be clear: there is no conspiracy behind the 15-minute city. It’s simply a way to create more livable, sustainable, and equitable communities.
In fact, the 15-minute city concept has been around for decades, and it’s been successfully implemented in cities around the world. For example, in Copenhagen, Denmark, more than half of all trips are made by bike, thanks in part to the city’s extensive network of bike lanes and pedestrian streets. And in Barcelona, Spain, the city is working to transform its streets into “superblocks” that prioritize people over cars, making it easier for residents to walk or bike to their destinations.
Thanks ChatGPT!
Of course, implementing the 15-minute city concept isn’t easy. It requires a lot of planning, investment, and collaboration between different stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and local governments. But the benefits are clear: more livable, sustainable, and equitable communities that prioritize people over cars. So let’s embrace the 15-minute city and work together to create a better future for everyone.
If you need to bring a group together to explore the 15-minute city approach for your community reach out to Dan: dwilson[at]whistlercentre.ca