Can cities have charisma? Of course they can. Just like people.

 

Charisma usually requires a sense of humor: A Long Beach bike rack. Photo: waltarrrr via Flickr.

In this TEDx SoCal talk, Charlie Gandy, mobility coordinator of the city of Long Beach, Calif., points out that scientists say charisma is about one-third something you’re born with, and two-thirds something you learn.

And he talks about how Long Beach has added to its own natural assets of good weather and relaxed Southern California attitude by investing in high-quality bicycle infrastructure and encouraging bike-related businesses.

It’s a strategy that, as we told you yesterday, makes it the perfect place for the 2012 Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference, organized by the National Center for Bicycling and Walking (NCBW).

Watch Gandy’s talk and ask yourself, how could your city add to its charisma?

Photo: waltarrrr via Flickr.