Streets and People

Transport expert Todd Litman, founder of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, joins us to talk about rethinking mobility, reducing car dependence, and his research on the Mobility Productivity Paradox—why more driving can actually lower productivity. We discuss how walkability, public transport, and cycling make communities healthier and fairer, and how better planning can help suburbs like Caboolture become more multimodal. After the recording, Todd shared that Caboolture’s Walk Score is 33, highlighting its car dependence—and its potential to changewith investment in footpaths, pedestrian crossings, bikeways, and public transport. We also touch on Jennifer Kent’s research about how many everyday trips, like walking the dog, show the hidden value of walkable communities.GetAroundCaboolture.au

What if parking wasn’t really free? Tony Jordan from the Parking Reform Network joins us to explain how parking rulesquietly shape housing costs, transport choices, and the look and feel of our neighbourhoods.In this People and Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Tony shares how one blog post changed his life — and how rethinking something as ordinary as a car park canmake towns and suburbs fairer, safer, and easier to get around.        🎧 Tune in tohear how parking reform could transform the places we live, work, and play.Links and ResourcesRead the article that first inspired Tony: The High Cost of Free Parking – Metafilter: https://www.metafilter.com/93712/The-High-Cost-of-Free-ParkingVisit the Parking Reform Network: https://parkingreform.orgExplore Portlanders for Parking Reform https://pdxshoupistas.comChapter: Parking and the City – Chapter 1 available on our website: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shoup-2018-Parking-and-the-City.pdfChildren’s Book to buy: Spot’s Parking Lot: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/096724661X/ref=cbw_us_au_dp_ags?smid=A4XRJ8S0WXSO0Book to borrow: Anna Zivarts – When Driving’s Not an Option at Moreton Bay Libraries: https://library.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?ENTRY=When+driving+is+not+an+option+%3A+steering+away+from+car+dependency+Zivarts%2C+Anna+Letitia&ENTRY_NAME=BS&ENTRY_TYPE=K&SORTS=SQL_REL_BIB&GQ=When+driving+is+not+an+option+%3A+steering+away+from+car+dependency+Zivarts%2C+Anna+Letitia&NRECS=20&QRY=&QRYTEXT=Full+catalogue&_SPQ=2More episodes at GetAroundCaboolture.au

In this People & Projects episode of Streets and People, we chat with Paris Lord, a passionate advocate who is reshaping communities in Canberra through cycling. From reconnecting neighbourhoods after the pandemic to inspiring people of all abilities to get involved, Paris’s journey shows the power of bikes to transform lives.Rediscovering Cycling's JoyParis shares how his love for cycling began as a child in northern NSW, and how it has become a way to bring people together. His personal experience shows how cycling can create joy and freedom, helping to build stronger bonds within communities. Bike Tours and Cultural ExplorationThrough "Canberra by Bike", Paris takes locals and visitors alike on tours exploring the city's rich history, architecture, and culture. These tours aren't just about seeing the sights—they’re about bringing people closer to the heart of Canberra in a fresh, engaging way. The Bike Bus RevolutionThe Bike Bus is Paris’s innovative project that’s getting kids to school in a fun and active way, reducing congestion and promoting independence. The initiative has rallied support from families, local politicians, and activists, showing the power of community-led change.Cycling for All AbilitiesParis emphasizes inclusivity in his projects, partnering with groups like Fit Ability to offer cycling events for people with vision impairments. His work highlights how cycling can be adapted to all abilities and how communities can grow by ensuring no one is left out.Challenges on the JourneyParis opens up about the obstacles he’s faced, from technical issues to low turnout at events. Through each setback, he's found resilience, proving that persistence and adaptability are key in any community-driven project.Paris’s story is a powerful reminder that by engaging with our communities, we can all contribute to making our neighbourhoods more connected and vibrant. His work shows how cycling, and grassroots initiatives, can shape more people-centred cities.Keep Pedaling ForwardParis leaves us with a hopeful message: every small action matters. Whether you're joining a Bike Bus or cycling around your block, you’re contributing to a larger movement that encourages connection, creativity, and positive change.You'll find the info on Paris' website and Lyneham BikeBusGetAroundCaboolture.au

Russell King, an experienced transport policy adviser and former local councillor, shares insights on how conservatives can advocate for active and public transport. He argues that these modes align with conservative values like independence and cost-effectiveness. The conversation covers transforming transport policy, appealing to libertarian ideals of freedom, and addressing the hidden subsidies of cars. King highlights the importance of walkable town centers and suggests innovative solutions like school streets to enhance community health and reduce congestion.

In this engaging discussion, urban planner Steven Burgess, a leading advocate for parking reform and people-centric streets, shares insights from his transformative work in Brisbane's New Farm–Teneriffe area. He challenges the notion that empty carparks are harmless, arguing instead that reducing car dependency strengthens community ties and enhances safety. Steven envisions vibrant urban villages connected by public transport, demonstrating how effective design can revitalize outer suburbs. His call for bold reform reveals a future where communities thrive rather than just survive.

Anna Gurnhill, an expert in active living from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, shares her journey from cultural geography to promoting walkable communities. She discusses the Healthy Active by Design initiative and its crucial guidelines that foster physical activity and heart health. Anna highlights the challenges of peri-urban transport and advocates for community involvement in urban planning. She also outlines eight design features that enhance walkability and shares successful case studies, emphasizing the importance of mixed-use development and community advocacy.

In this People and Projects episode of the streets and people podcast, Wendy sits down with Prue Oswin, a professional engineer and active transport specialist based on the Sunshine Coast. The conversation takes you through Prue's journey, from childhood days spent on bicycles and rollerblades to her experiences as a triathlete and her transition into transport planning.Prue shares her deep passion for making communities safer and more accessible for active transport. She discusses the gap she noticed in her knowledge after becoming a mother and how it reshaped her approach to transport engineering. Her projects focus on making walking and biking safer, particularly for children. One of her standout achievements? Improving school safety by engaging with the community to identify infrastructure needs, leading to practical, cost-effective solutions like safer crossings that have resulted in more children biking to school.In this insightful episode, Prue explores the power of low-cost interventions, highlighting how simple changes can have a significant impact on road safety and community well-being. From surveys at local schools to practical solutions for active transport infrastructure, Prue provides a comprehensive look at how we can create safer, more inclusive communities.For more resources on the topic, check out the following links:Various Articles: Sidelines Traffic ArticlesYandina Active Transport Infrastructure Improvements Survey Outcomes: Survey ResultsOther articles:Footpaths: Stranded Assets in the SuburbsThe All User TriangleIf you're interested in learning more about creating safer streets, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and join the conversation on how to improve active transport for all.⁠Get Around Caboolture.au⁠

In this People on Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, we explore road safety education with John Duncan from Brake Australia.John shares his journey from psychology to road safety, inspired by his father’s experience as a police officer delivering life-changing news to families of crash victims. This deeply personal connection is the foundation to Brake Australia's mission to improve road safety for high school students across Queensland.Unlike its UK and New Zealand counterparts, Brake Australia focuses on the psychological and behavioural aspects of driving, such as risk assessment and peer pressure. The organisation’s evidence-based programs, developed in collaboration with CARRS-Q and crash research centres, are helping to shift young people's attitudes and behaviours towards safer driving.John also highlights the crucial role of teachers and parents in delivering and reinforcing these important messages. The impact is clear, with the program achieving significant improvements in student attitudes toward driving. Brake Australia is now scaling its efforts with support from government grants and community partnerships.Tune in for an insightful conversation about road safety education, community involvement, and how Brake Australia is expanding its reach across the country.BRAKE Website: www.brake.org.auBRAKE Parents Dashboard: www.brake.org.au/parentsRegister for BRAKE: www.brake.org.au/register-for-brake-nowSupport BRAKE: www.brake.org.au/brake-partners-and-supportersBRAKE E-mobility Safety Program: www.brake.org.au/pmd-escooter-optional-moduleBRAKE LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brake-australiaBRAKE Facebook: www.facebook.com/brakeaustraliaContact BRAKE: admin@brake.org.auGetAroundCaboolture .au

In this People and Projects episode of The Streets and People Podcast, Andrew Talati discusses the transition from BunchRides to NeighbourlyRide. He explains the motivation behind NeighbourlyRide, focusing on using cycling to address loneliness, encourage community engagement, and promote physical activity. Andrew also covers the challenges of securing grant funding, the diverse community participation, and the broader implications of building social infrastructure. He highlights the importance of fostering human connections in today’s digital society and how initiatives like NeighbourlyRide help strengthen neighbourhood ties while promoting inclusivity and health.Join Andrew and Wendy for an insightful conversation on community-based cycling programs and the value of neighbourly connections.Read Andrew's blog Go for a NeighbourlyRide GetAroundCaboolture.au

What if we told you the best way to shape your neighbourhood isn’t with blueprints or boring public meetings - but with toys, laughter, and found objects?In this People and Projects episode of Streets and People, Wendy chats with James Rojas and John Kamp, the creative minds behind Dream Play Build. These two are flipping the script on community engagement. Forget jargon-filled consultations and slide decks. James and John show how playful, hands-on methods unlock people’s imagination and voice.You’ll hear how James went from building miniature worlds as a kid in East LA to reshaping real urban spaces. And how John’s background in environmental activism taught him the power of humour and joy to shift hearts and minds. Together, they’ve developed a proven method that uses art, play, and sensory experiences to draw people in, build trust, and deliver real-world results.Whether you're an urban planner, community organiser, or just want to make your area better, this episode will inspire you to dream, play, and build with your community at the centre.Dream Play Build: Hands-On CommunityEngagement for Enduring Spaces and Places https://islandpress.org/books/dream-play-build (discount code PLACEIT)One of Planetizen's top planning anddesign books of 2022: https://www.planetizen.com/features/119960-top-urban-planning-books-2022You can contact them at www.prairieform.com⁠GetAroundCaboolture.au