Streets and People

Imagine this. You're gliding along a shared pathway on an e-scooter when a sudden jolt reminds you of the challenges on our streets. In this episode of Road Rules 360, Wendy Nash sits down withJohn Burrill, a former Transport and Main Roads official with 20 years of experience. Together, we unpack the history, complexities, and quirks of Queensland’s personal mobility device (PMD) legislation. Did you know the first laws for PMDs were designed for Segways? It took years of determined work to adapt them to cover eScooters and other devices. Today, the rules include strict speed limits (maximum 25 km/h), size requirements, and guidelines for where you can legally ride. But many of these regulations now feel outdated and overly complicated. John shares detailed stories about PMD users navigating rough paths and tight spaces, showing how the rules often clash with real-world challenges. We explore the struggle to align PMD rules with those for bicycles and other mobility options while keeping streets safe and accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned eScooter user or someone keen to understand how to ride legally, this episode sheds light on how we can make the system work better for all. https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/initiatives/pmd-rules www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

In this Road Rules 360 episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy Nash and John Burrill tackle a road rule question from Ryan, a listener. The issue? What happens when a cyclist and a car both move through an intersection. John brings his extensive expertise from years in transport and road rules to break down the key responsibilities for both drivers and cyclists in this situation. He makes the point that while drivers must be vigilant and check their surroundings especially when turning left, cyclists have a clear responsibility to give way when it's behind a turning car. This episode cuts through the complexity of road safety and looks into Queensland’s road rules highlighting the pressures on drivers to maintain awareness at every moment. John and Wendy discuss the burden on drivers to constantly shoulder-check while navigating the road and the need for smarter road design to make everyone’s journey safer. The hosts argue that effective road engineering could help ease the mental load on drivers and prevent confusion at intersections where cyclists and cars share the space. As John points out it’s not just about rules – it’s about understanding them and knowing how to use them in the real world. You’ll walk away with a deeper grasp of the rules that apply to cyclists and drivers alike and why safer road design should be a priority. www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

Imagine if suburban buses became a go-to service, where seamless, frequent, and connected rides weren’t just an option but a game-changer. This week on The Streets and People podcast, Wendy sits down with Jonathan English, a transport expert from NYU’s Marin Institute of Urban Management, to talk about how suburban bus services can be built to stick - really stick - with riders, instead of falling into the “empty bus, poor service” trap so common in North America, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Drawing from Toronto’s success story, Jonathan explains how setting up consistent and high-quality bus services from the very start made all the difference in newer suburban areas. It's about more than just buses arriving on time - it’s about creating a true alternative to cars. Jonathan's insights span Toronto to Zurich and car-dependent Espoo on the outskirts of Helsinki, offering a front-row view of how integration and frequency can transform buses from overlooked to essential. Wendy and Jonathan talk about what it takes to make these services thrive: cohesive networks, big-picture transport planning, and sound financial models that create a real foundation for growth. The conversation wraps with practical tips for local leaders, residents and anyone invested in improving suburban bus services. Because building bus networks that work - and that people want to use - takes a smart approach and a commitment to stick to it. We mention the bus services in Espoo in Finland which Jonathan speaks on https://youtu.be/vAygH6SZg28?si=ew6pbxszLN5B8ju1 Why Did America Give Up on Mass Transit? (Don’t Blame Cars.) Streetcar, bus, and metro systems have been ignoring one lesson for 100 years: Service drives demand. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-08-31/why-is-american-mass-transit-so-bad-it-s-a-long-story www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

How often do we talk about making spaces safe without truly asking what welcoming could look like? In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Marina Milosev challenges the status quo, sharing her insights into creating spaces where women and girls can feel seen, involved and empowered. As a landscape architect and urban planner in London, Marina’s work on the London Legacy Development Corporation's handbook plunges into an often-overlooked reality – urban spaces need to be designed with everyone in mind. Marina’s journey takes her from Serbia to London, where she leads work on urban regeneration and sees the crucial need for gender-informed spaces that resonate with lived experiences. Marina explains why a genuine, inclusive design approach doesn’t just tick off safety boxes. It reaches deeper. She unpacks how urban design can reinforce or dismantle social injustice, showing how involving women and girls from diverse backgrounds transforms planning and outcomes alike. From engaging young people to questioning established norms, Marina reveals what it takes to create a cityscape that’s not only functional but inspiring for all. Imagine spaces crafted with gender equality at their core, with every decision thoughtfully inclusive and each street or park space designed for a more connected, more just community. You’ll hear Marina discuss how genuine change demands an intersectional approach, including community-driven insights and pushing for representation where it counts. This episode will challenge the ways we think about cities and show you what’s possible when urban planning becomes a tool for empowerment. Listen to this episode and explore how we can all reimagine spaces to support women and girls. The guide that Marina Milosev delivered is Creating Places that Work for Women and Girls - Handbook for Local Authorities, Developers and Designers https://live-qeop.pantheonsite.io/sites/default/files/attachments/Handbook%20Creating%20Places%20that%20Work%20for%20Women%20and%20Girls%20FINAL.pdf  Marina's website: https://beyondtheredline.co.uk/gender-equality-in-design Marina referred to the inclusion organisation We Made That https://www.wemadethat.co.uk Wendy mentioned the UK Office of Science Futures thinking and foresight - a brief guide https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/futures-thinking-and-foresight-a-brief-guide www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

Tim Gill, an independent expert on child-friendly planning and author of "Urban Playground," explores the alarming decline in children's freedom to roam outdoors. He highlights how our car-centric cities limit children's opportunities for play and growth. The discussion covers the importance of safe spaces like Play Streets and School Streets that foster community and allow kids to learn independence. Gill emphasizes that balancing safety with freedom is crucial for developing resilience and confidence in children, while also urging a return to outdoor culture.

In this Not Everyone Drives episode of The Streets and People podcast, Wendy chats with Becky from Oxfordshire UK about the transition from 50kph to 30kph (30mph to 20mph) speed limits in villages and residential streets. They explore the effects on commuting, driving comfort and local congestion. The discussion also touches on the environmental benefits of slower speeds, challenges of rural driving and the lack of cycling infrastructure. Becky describes mixed reactions to the changes. The dialogue underscores the tranquility and increased awareness from lower speed limits and how lower speed limits affect driving behaviours, commute times and safety while also touching on the environmental benefits and urban planning considerations. Additionally, the conversation explores public opinions on speed limit changes, emphasising the need for improved cycling infrastructure and public transport to foster safer and more child-friendly streets. For more about the transition from 50kph to 30kph, check out our conversation with Rod King at 20s Plenty. https://open.spotify.com/episode/46CrXPURfYxqG0KgrbwpJk?si=507c99f60c794386 www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

In this conversation with Professor Ian Walker, a psychology expert on transport, listeners dive into the concept of 'motonormativity'—the societal bias that prioritizes motoring. Ian reveals how car dependence mirrors addiction, and discusses the need for cultural shifts to embrace diverse transport options. He critiques current infrastructure that favors cars and highlights the systemic change required for public health and sustainability. Ultimately, he calls for collective action to challenge norms and rethink urban mobility for a more inclusive future.

This People & Projects episode on the Streets and People podcast with Wendy Nash and Richard Buning focuses on the role of micromobility solutions particularly e-scooters and e-bikes in urban tourism. Richard, a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and lead of the UQ Micromobility Research Cluster, discusses the benefits of these technologies in expanding tourist mobility, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing the tourist experience. They explore the perception and reality of using e-scooters, considering safety, convenience and environmental impact. The conversation highlights the potential for micromobility to contribute to local economies by encouraging broader spending and highlights ongoing challenges, such as infrastructure and regulation to better integrate these solutions into urban landscapes. Richard's profile and the Cluster website: https://business.uq.edu.au/profile/1340/richard-buning https://business.uq.edu.au/research/research-areas/tourism/micromobility-research-cluster Richard referred to a study with Brisbane City Council and the results can be found here. https://business.uq.edu.au/article/2023/09/brisbanes-e-scooters-and-e-bikes-winning-over-tourists-and-residents https://getaroundcabocarfree.com.au

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy interviews Pete Finn of Scootmasters. They discuss Pete's journey from being frustrated with high fuel costs to founding Scootmasters, a group dedicated to the legalisation and safety of electric scooters. Despite safety challenges, like fatalities due to misuse of scooters, Pete emphasises the importance of education and infrastructure. With nearly 5,000 members, Scootmasters has been pivotal in advocating for legal riding on footpaths and bike paths, endorsing safety gear, and promoting sensible speed limits. Pete also discusses the complexities of integrating e-scooters with other modes of transport. The conversation highlights the financial benefits and the need for political will to make transformative changes in urban transport. https://scootmasters.com.au/index.html https://scootmasters.com.au/scoot-reviews.html https://www.facebook.com/groups/scootmasters Community groups www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

Join Professor Graham Currie, a leading public transport expert from Australia, as he tackles the pressing issue of transport poverty. He uncovers the disparities in transport access between Australia and the UK, focusing on the struggles faced by low-income individuals. The conversation dives into the challenges of suburban sprawl and the impact of car dependency, particularly with the surge of SUVs. Currie also offers innovative solutions like mobility hubs to enhance urban livability and calls for integrated planning to improve transportation access for all.