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-people
• Will’s Masters thesis: https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/items/9ee4887b-3d01-4149-aa88-112f2b6620f9
• Austroads Cycling and Micromobility guidance: https://austroads.gov.au/publications/active-travel/ap-r724-25
• Healthy Streets assessment tools: https://www.healthystreets.com/resources#on-street-assessment
• Victorian 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.pdf
• Our podcast episode with James Laing: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e2-pp-james-laing-making-cities-move-with-active-travel/Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | Bensound

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