Streets and People

Why do cities keep saying they support bike lanes — yet so few actually get built?In this People and Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, transport planner Will Symons joins the podcast to unpack the real-world barriers that stop bike lanes from being delivered as everyday transport. Drawing on his master’s research and current work with local councils, Will explains how approval processes, car-centric design standards, and community resistance shape what ends up on our streets.We talk about the power imbalance between state and local government, why outer suburbs struggle most, and how councils can build effective local bike networks using quieterstreets and small design changes. Will also shares practical insights on community engagement, safety-focused advocacy, and what Australian cities can learn from international examples.If you’ve ever wondered why bike lanes are so hard to deliver — or how they can actually work as transport — this episode breaks it down.For a more detailed description, head to our website: More info on our website: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/will-symons-bike-lane-planning/About the hill of hysteria: https://thelabofthought.co/library/the-hill-of-hysteria and https://wbrassociation.org.uk/why-changing-our-environment-is-so-hard/Article about Renkum's Mobility Vision and Plan: https://urbancyclinginstitute.substack.com/p/renkums-bold-step-towards-peopleWill’s Masters thesis: https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/items/9ee4887b-3d01-4149-aa88-112f2b6620f9Austroads Cycling and Micromobility guidance: https://austroads.gov.au/publications/active-travel/ap-r724-25Healthy Streets assessment tools: https://www.healthystreets.com/resources#on-street-assessmentVictorian State Government Department of Transport and Planning Speed Zoning Policy: https://content.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/Speed-Zoning-Policy-Edition-3-August-2025.pdfOur podcast episode with James Laing: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e2-pp-james-laing-making-cities-move-with-active-travel/Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | BensoundGetAroundCaboolture.au

Patrick Siegman joins Wendy to reveal how parking policy secretly shapes housing, community, and urban life. Learn why small reforms can make cities more liveableand equitable.Wendy talks with Patrick Siegman about the hidden impact of parking policy on housing, community, and urban life. From costly university garages to minimum parking rules that inflate rents, Patrick explains why rethinking parking matters for both cities and suburbs. He shares practical ways communities and planners can drive change, showing that even small shifts in policy can make neighbourhoods more liveable, equitable, and sustainable. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that goes far beyond cars, into the heart of how we design and live in our communities.Check out our chat with Tony Jordan from PRN: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/tony-jordan-parking-reform-journey/Find Patrick on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-siegman-412b33209/Patrick’s website: www.siegman.bizPRN’s website: www.parkingreform.orgA good article: https://www.lincolninst.edu/publications/articles/2022-10-shifting-gears-eliminating-off-street-parking-requirements/Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | BensoundGetAroundCaboolture.au

What happens when an advertising creative turns his skills toward safer streets? In this episode, Wendy sits down with Tom Flood to explore how bold visuals, humour, and human-centred storytelling can transform the way we talk about road safety and urban space. From a family bike ride that sparked unexpected advocacy to poster campaigns that challenge “what’s normal” on our streets, Tom shares how creativity can cut through politics, data, and jargon to connect with everyday people. Together, they unpack the power of reframing, fighting car-centric narratives with wit, and using art to humanise policy debates. A conversation about empathy, imagination, and how redefining the norm can help build streets that work for everyone.Follow Tom on Instagram @rovelocreativeBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tomflood.bsky.socialTo connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-flood-7a91b411/To share Tom's posters, follow his Facebook page  - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583795684294Here's Tom's website: creativebyrovelo.comGetAroundCaboolture.au

What if the simple act of riding a bike could change an entirecommunity?In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Megan Ramey — a bold voice reimagining how children, parents, and neighbourhoods move through their streets. From joyful bike trains" to quick-build street transformations, Megan shows how two wheels can unlock independence, calm traffic, and reconnect people to the places they live.This isn’t a conversation about cycling — it’s a conversation about freedom, confidence, and the kind of communities we want our kids to grow up in.You’ll hear:How mobility shapes childhood and mental wellbeingWhy safer streets can strengthen entire neighbourhoodsThe unexpected power of joy in driving social changePractical ideas any community can start tomorrowUplifting, thought-provoking, and full of real-world wins —this episode reminds us that big change can begin with something small, simple,and wonderfully human.One bike. One street. One spark.Press play — and imagine what could happen next. 🚲✨During the conversation, we discuss the following:Marco te Brommelstroet. Here's his episode.https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e44-pp-marco-te-brommelstroet-on-how-to-talk-about-transport-without-talking-about-transportWhat is the Hill of Hysteria?https://thelabofthought.co/library/the-hill-of-hysteriaLife After Cars by Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon and AaronNaparstek https://www.lifeaftercars.comGet AroundCaboolture.au

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.