Streets and People

Why do so many Australians feel trapped by car dependency? Our transport system was meant to give us freedom, yet oversized vehicles, unsafe streets, and poor public transport leave many with few real choices. In this People and Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, former transport academic Prof Matt Burke shares how childhood frustration and personal loss led him to rethink how cities move.Matt unpacks the hidden costs of car-dominated suburbs - the toll on public health, the economic burden of inefficient transport, and how poor design leaves communities vulnerable. You’ll hear about the risks of high-speed residential streets, the social impact of big vehicles, and why walking and cycling infrastructure is more than just a convenience - it’s a way to make your neighbourhood safer, quieter, and more connected.What would it take to create streets that work for everyone?Slower speeds, better footpaths, and smarter policies could shift the balance.Could these changes make your daily life easier?We refer to Tim Gill's episode which you can listen to here: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e54-pp-tim-gill-on-kids-need-freedom-to-thrive-or-we-risk-losing-more-than-we-know. If you're interested in 30kph streets, you're welcome to listen to:Rod King share how 20s Plenty shifted to safer street speeds https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e24-pp-rod-king-20s-plenty-in-the-uk-discusses-how-to-get-safe-street-speeds-from-30mph-50kph-to-20mph-30kphBecky, a car driver, about why she disliked driving at 20mph https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e53-ned-becky-shares-her-experiences-disliking-driving-at-30kph-to-finding-it-enjoyablewww.GetAroundCaboolture.au

Getting to school should be simple, safe, and something Your family can enjoy. But too often, traffic chaos, unsafe streets, and outdated habits get in the way.In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy talks to Alice Woodruff about practical ways to make walking, riding, and public transport the best choice for families, schools, and workplaces. Alice shares how the RideScore program on the Sunshine Coast has used technology and community support to help more kids ride to school. She breaks down the power of safer speeds, better footpaths, and small changes that add up over time.You will hear how parents, councils, and schools can work together to shift the way we move. When communities rethink their streets, they build stronger connections, healthier routines, and a future where getting around feels easy and natural.Alice mentions the RideScore program on the Sunshine Coast: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/news/australian-first-ridescore-trial-rolls-into-sunshine-coast-230318and WA's YourMove program https://yourmove.org.au/schoolsThroughout the conversation, we refer to episodes which you may wish to listen to:Stephen Hodge on the RideScore program: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e33-pp-stephen-hodge-weride-discusses-the-economic-social-and-health-benefits-of-riding-your-bike-in-your-local-areaTim Gill on the in-car-ceration of children: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e54-pp-tim-gill-on-kids-need-freedom-to-thrive-or-we-risk-losing-more-than-we-knowSara Stace about how you can connect with resources to make changes in your area https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e6-pp-sara-stace-building-streets-that-work-the-simple-idea-changing-cities-for-goodJames Laing on creating good enough bike infrastructure https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e2-pp-james-laing-making-cities-move-with-active-travelWilliam Bird on how to get more people in the community active by starting a conversation https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e3-pp-dr-william-bird-building-healthier-communities-the-power-of-nature-and-trustRachel Gallagher isn't mentioned. However, in the show notes, there's a survey to ask others about the infrastructure barriers needed to get kids riding bikes to school which you may find of interest https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e-rachel-gallagher-discusses-how-transport-impacts-housing-west-cabo-density-history-of-seq-sprawl-and-much-morehttps://getaroundcaboolture.au

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.

In this Not Everyone Drives episode of The Streets and People Podcast, host Wendy sits down with Tam, a passionate advocate for active and public transport in Brisbane. Their conversation weaves through chance encounters at community events and Tam’s shift from recreational cycling to relying on a cargo bike for daily life with her children.Tam shares the rewards and challenges of navigating a city built for cars - where bike lanes vanish, footpaths fall short, and public transport often doesn’t quite connect. She speaks about the urgent need for safer streets, better cycling infrastructure, and reliable public transport, particularly for families.Together, Wendy and Tam explore the broader cultural and policy changes needed to create a transport system that works for everyone. They discuss the power of community advocacy, the limitations of current policies, and what it would take to build a city where walking, cycling, and public transport are real, accessible choices.During the conversation, we mention a few episodes: Johanna on her bakfiets https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e23-ned-johanna-talks-about-riding-a-bike-in-germany-caboolture-the-social-kudos-of-a-bakfiets-bin-bike Travis on a regular cargo bike https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e40-ned-travis-bassett-talks-about-what-he-enjoys-when-riding-with-his-kids-and-why-he-financially-supported-us Rachel Gallagher on highlighting barriers for riding bikes to school https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e-rachel-gallagher-discusses-how-transport-impacts-housing-west-cabo-density-history-of-seq-sprawl-and-much-more/ Tim Gill on children being raised in captivity https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e54-pp-tim-gill-on-kids-need-freedom-to-thrive-or-we-risk-losing-more-than-we-know/GetAroundCaboolture.au

What if the simplest path to connection, mental clarity and cultural understanding was right beneath your feet? For Vanny Mwamba, founder ofUrban Hikers, it started with a pair of shoes, a group of friends and the streets of Cincinnati. Originally from the Congo, Vanny has spent 21 years walking his way into a sense of belonging.In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Vanny Mwamba describes how Urban Hikers is more than a walking group. It’s a way to experience your city and your neighbours like never before. Vanny took the first steps with friends from different cultural backgrounds. The goal? Comfort and connection in unfamiliar places.Here’s something you won’t forget: Vanny led a62-mile(100km) walk inspired by abolitionist John Brown’s 1859 journey. That’s roughly the distance of two marathons back to back. It wasn’t about the miles. It was about what walking does to your mind, body and relationships. It builds stamina, perspective and trust in the people walking beside you.Walking makes numbers real. A 30-minute walk can reduce stress and improve mood more effectively than a quick fix of screens or snacks. Now imagine what walking 62 miles with others can do.Vanny’s story proves this: If you can walk your way to culturalconnection in Cincinnati, you can walk your way to it anywhere.Listen in for:Urban Hikers isn’t just a group. It’s a movement. One step ata time.Urban Hikers:https://www.urban-hikers.comWhy We Walk movie:https://www.whywewalkfilm.comandhttps://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/why-we-walkWhat’s a hookah?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HookahThis is a People & Projects episode on the Streets and Peoplepodcast presented byGetAroundCaboolture.au

Dr. William Bird, a GP and the founder of Intelligent Health, shares insights on how our environment impacts public health. He discusses staggering health disparities between affluent and disadvantaged areas. Dr. Bird emphasizes the power of community engagement, showcasing initiatives like Beat the Street that gamify physical activity to foster connections and trust among residents. He advocates for placing emphasis on safety and cleanliness to empower communities and tackle health issues collectively, proving that small changes can lead to significant health revolutions.

In this captivating conversation, James Laing, a cycle planner with experience in London and now in Melbourne, shares insights from his journey toward designing more accessible streets for cycling and walking. He discusses the inspiring effects of London’s Healthy Streets initiative and the challenges of traditional traffic models. Laing emphasizes the importance of community engagement, low-cost trials, and shifting focus from cars to people, proving that real urban transformation is possible when the narrative focuses on livability.

When you hit the streets on your e-bike, how often do you think about the laws that keep you rolling safely? Peter Bourke, General Manager of Bicycle Industries Australia, brings years of expertise to unravel the tangled web of e-bike and helmet regulations across Australia. This People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast is your map through the maze, filled with surprising twists, sharp insights, and practical solutions. E-bikes are booming, but did you know that the laws governing them differ from one state to the next? Imagine riding freely across state lines only to discover your bike’s battery doesn’t meet the local rules. These inconsistencies make it hard for consumers and the industry to keep up. Peter explains how smarter, harmonised regulations could pave the way for safer and more sustainable active transport. If safety is your priority, this episode has you covered. Peter shares why investing in high-quality helmets and batteries is non-negotiable. He steps through the latest reforms that make safety gear more reliable and how they could spark a cultural shift in how Australians view active transport. What makes this discussion stick? Picture this: If we can get e-bike laws right in one state, why not nationwide? Peter’s real-world stories and vivid examples give this idea legs. And his background in sports science adds muscle to the conversation, making it both credible and engaging. Discover why e-bikes aren’t just a trend but a revolution waiting for the right rules to take flight. This episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to ride safely and smartly. If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our episode with Stephen Hodge. https://www.bikeoz.org https://www.weride.org.au GetAroundCaboolture.au

In the final Streets and People podcast episode for 2024, in Road Rules 360, John Burrill and Wendy Nash reflect on their journey through road rules. They talk about the highs and lows of explaining the complexities of road regulations. A listener shared they enjoyed when John and Wendy disagreed, offering fresh perspectives. They also discuss a collision between a Hilux, a pedestrian and a cyclist and the importance of clearer road rule legislation. The episode highlights how wording in legal language impacts both public perception and road safety. They explore the need for laws to be simple and clear, as well as for communities to get involved in making changes. Their conversation reveals the importance of making road rules accessible to everyone. John and Wendy conclude with a powerful message about improving road safety legislation and announce an exciting rebranding for the initiative – from 2025 it’ll be Get Around Caboolture.au. Their goal is to help everyone better understand the rules that protect them on the road. Here's the court case transcript https://www.queenslandjudgments.com.au/caselaw/qca/2024/49/pdf www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

How do you transform a senior’s world with the turn of a bike pedal? Ryan Foster shares his journey of launching Cycling Without Age in Brisbane. This international movement started in Denmark and now spans 46 countries, offering free trishaw rides to seniors and those with limited mobility. Ryan reveals the challenges of navigating floods and the pandemic to keep the wheels turning and the laughter flowing. Each ride isn’t just about fresh air. It’s about connection. Imagine a 92-year-old feeling the wind on their face after decades off a bike or rediscovering forgotten neighbourhoods. With specialised trishaws, volunteers, and community support, the Brisbane chapter proves that no matter the obstacle, the power of human connection always finds a way. Ryan also shares the “how” of it all. From sourcing grants to training volunteers, he gives practical tips for starting a chapter in your area. If you’ve ever felt the itch to make a difference or wondered how to combat social isolation for seniors, this episode is for you. Ready to pedal towards a better community? Tune in and be inspired. Find out more about Cycling Without Age Brisbane ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cyclingwithoutagebrisbane⁠ Find your local Cycling Without Age group https://cyclingwithoutage.org.au/where-we-operate www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au This is our final episode for 2024. Have a great Christmas and New Year and look out for us next year with our new name Get Around Caboolture. We already have great episodes lined up for January.