Streets and People

James Reynolds, a traffic engineering and road safety researcher, shares his expertise on promoting cycling among schoolchildren. He discusses nine pragmatic strategies to enhance community engagement and support for bike initiatives. Key highlights include the importance of tailored reporting to convey safety data, the need for strategic planning to align cycling goals with broader transport visions, and the advantages of participatory processes to identify barriers. James emphasizes incremental changes and pilot projects to build a culture of cycling that feels both feasible and enjoyable.

Robert Martin, an architect and researcher based in Copenhagen, shares his fascinating journey from Australia's Blue Mountains to urban design across the globe. He introduces the innovative 'Mobility Diet,' a flexible tool for discussing city transport options. The conversation dives into how city designs, like those in Copenhagen and Paris, influence mobility choices, emphasizing cycling and multimodal integration. Martin also highlights the importance of community engagement and sustainable planning in fostering better urban spaces.

Dr. Lisa Stafford, an ARC Future Fellow at Griffith University, delves into the critical issue of transport equity for people with disabilities. She discusses the concept of 'Trips Not Made,' highlighting how lack of transport leads to job losses and social isolation in regional areas. Lisa emphasizes the importance of local advocacy and practical solutions, like safety tech for public transport. Additionally, she shares insights on transforming research into actionable policies and the need for community-driven efforts to enhance inclusivity in transport.

Freeways keep growing, but where does that leave you if you don’t drive? In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Emeritus Professor Peter from the University of Queensland explores how Southeast Queensland’s urban sprawl and road-heavy planning have shaped the way you move. He shares childhood memories of walkable neighbourhoods, unpacks the decades-long grip of the roads lobby, and looks at how political choices keep cars in control.You’ll hear about shrinking green spaces, the disconnectbetween transport planning and real needs, and the limits of current infrastructure. With insights from Brisbane’s busways and Melbourne’s rail network, the discussion turns to practical fixes—like smaller electric buses and smarter public transport. When streets are built for speed instead of people, what does that mean for your future?Looking for the article on the 200km city? You'll find it here. www.GetAroundCaboolture.au

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.