Streets and People

Why are pedestrians packed onto narrow footpaths while cars glide through wide, empty lanes? In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy speaks with Chris de Gruyter, researcher at RMIT's Centre for Urban Research, about why street space so often feels unfair—and what we can do about it.Chris shares the simple but powerful story that sparked his work: watching foot traffic squeeze past a busy Malaysian restaurant while car lanes sat mostly empty. That moment led to a study of 60 shopping strips across Melbourne, where he found a pattern—people were crammed into a small fraction of street space, while vehicles were given far more than their share.Traditional ways of measuring street use, Chris explains, often focus only on car flow. But people walking use space differently. He describes the new methods he developed that account for how people move, gather, and spend time, adjusting for space efficiency. His research shows that when you measure what's happening on the ground, the case for reallocating space becomes clear.Chris and Wendy also talk about how local governments started using parklets and outdoor dining to rethink street design during COVID-19. They explore challenges like public resistance to losing parking spots, and how to tackle those barriers through better community engagement and smarter policy.If you're wondering how we can make streets more vibrant and equitable—not just for drivers but for everyone—this conversation offers a hopeful, practical roadmap.🎧 Listen in to hear why measuring time and presence on our streets might be the key to unlocking better places for us all.Link to research paper that develops six measures of street space use: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692325000882The research paper that compares street space allocation with street space use in Melbourne’s activity centres: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S096669232200062XThe working paper that compares street space allocation with street space use for individual activity centres across Melbourne: https://cur.org.au/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/street-space-allocation-study-final-working-paper-september-2021.pdfThe Cities People Love article about street space allocation and use: https://citiespeoplelove.co/article/street-space-allocation-and-use-in-melbourne-s-activity-centresWe also mention these episodes:James Reynolds on bike lane implementation https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e12-pp-james-reynolds-james-reynolds-on-what-it-really-takes-to-get-kids-riding/Rod King on 30kph https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e24-pp-rod-king-20s-plenty-in-the-uk-discusses-how-to-get-safe-street-speeds-from-30mph-50kph-to-20mph-30kph/Becky on driving at 30kph https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e53-ned-becky-shares-her-experiences-disliking-driving-at-30kph-to-finding-it-enjoyable/Lisa Stafford on Trips Not Made https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e10-pp-lisa-stafford-on-transport-equity-why-trips-not-made-matter/GetAroundCaboolture .au

In this conversation, Professor Lynette Cheah, a sustainable transport expert from the University of the Sunshine Coast, dives into efficient urban mobility and the environmental impacts of electric vehicles. She explores urban freight challenges and equitable access to transport, highlighting the importance of community involvement in shaping policies. Lynette emphasizes collaboration for real-world applications of research, the role of behavioral change in reducing car dependency, and opportunities for upcoming PhD students interested in sustainable transport.

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