Why I started Modemix

Modemix logo: a train, a bicycle, and a person walking on a teal background.

Nejat CanFounder of Modemix

People choose the fastest way to get around. Most American commuters drive because driving is faster. Most Manhattan commuters take transit because the subway beats traffic. If we want people to drive less, the alternative has to be faster than driving.

When I was in grad school, I personally felt the kind of efficiency gains that biking has on speeding up public transit. My commute to campus was 1 hour 11 minutes via walk+transit, but only 30 minutes via bike+transit.

Most people think the future of transportation is autonomous taxis. But the truth is, an autonomous taxi is still a car, which gets stuck in traffic. Autonomy does not solve the inefficient geometry of cars.

The future of transportation is changing modes based on where you are. This doesn’t mean abandoning cars everywhere. Cars do have a place in sparsely populated areas with no traffic. However, the status quo is trying to put cars in cities where they don’t fit is not the future. The mode must change if you want the fastest way to travel.

Nejat Can, founder of Modemix, leaning on a black cargo e-bike beside a second e-bike on a waterfront path, with the Golden Gate Bridge behind.Nejat Can, founder of Modemix, giving a thumbs-up over one shoulder while riding a blue rental bike down a red city bike lane with a suitcase strapped to the rear rack.Nejat Can, founder of Modemix, in a helmet and sunglasses, standing over a touring bike with red and black panniers on a dirt road above green hills.