Streets and People S2E6 P&P Sara Stace. Building streets that work: The simple idea changing cities for good
Feb 28, 2025
Sara Statham is an active transport policy expert who crafted Australia’s National Active Transport Strategy and leads the Better Streets alliance. She talks about five key shifts to improve urban walking, cycling, and public transport. Sara shares how community advocacy is vital for getting projects approved and why small wins matter. She emphasizes fun and inclusivity to attract broader support, and offers practical advice for residents on advocating for better local infrastructure. Her insights provide actionable tools for anyone wanting to create safer streets.
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Career Pivot From Passion To Policy
- Sara Statham discovered active transport policy after writing a cycling strategy paper for Infrastructure Australia and it redirected her career.
- This led to authoring the National Active Transport Strategy and long-term work across government and NGOs.
Alliance Model Multiplies Influence
- Better Streets is an alliance that educates, connects and empowers communities, businesses and decision-makers for better streetscape outcomes.
- It unites diverse groups behind five clear recommendations to amplify political traction.
Set Clear Measurable Targets
- Set clear, measurable targets like 75% of schoolchildren being able to walk, ride or use public transport to school.
- Use specific KPIs (e.g. 20 crossings per council per year) to define success and drive action.
