Streets and People

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy hosts Professor Lynette Cheah, a sustainable transport expert from the University of the Sunshine Coast. They discuss Lynette’s research, which includes efficient and sustainable mobility, urban freight transport, and the environmental impact of electric vehicles, as well as current opportunities for PhD students.

The conversation also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in transport planning, the challenges and opportunities in making transport systems sustainable and equitable, and the role of community involvement in shaping transport policies. Lynette emphasises the need for practical, real-world applications of academic research to benefit communities both locally in Queensland and globally.

Find out more at the UniSC Sustainable Mobility Lab: https://sites.google.com/view/sustainablemobilitylab/home

And resources at the International Association of Public Transport: https://www.uitp.org/

We also chat about Robert Martin's Mobility Diet Tool: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e11-pp-robert-martin-how-the-mobility-diet-opens-up-curious-inclusive-conversations-about-how-we-move/

And Lisa Stafford's approach to Trips Not Made: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e10-pp-lisa-stafford-on-transport-equity-why-trips-not-made-matter/

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What does it take to get more children riding bikes to school? In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, host Wendy speaks with James Reynolds, a traffic engineering and road safety expert, about practical ways to build community support and avoid roadblocks – the kind that stop good projects before they even begin.

James brings experience from the ground up. As a researcher funded by the Victorian state government, he shares nine clear strategies to make transport initiatives feel reasonable, supported, and worth sticking with.

In the show, we also talk about Rachel Gallagher’s earlier episode. She ran a simple, thoughtful survey to help build legitimacy for getting children riding to school. Her work is a strong example of what listening can do – and how data, when gathered well, speaks to what matters most.

Here’s the 9 strategies James developed – each one applicable to any kind of project or change.

Here's a 2-pager of the 9 Pragmatic Strategies and James' PhD.

The 9 Pragmatic Strategies by James Reynolds

A. Build legitimacy before implementation

C. Build support through implementation

7. - C1 Start Small and Build Up
Begin with smaller actions that demonstrate success. Use early wins to justify further steps, scaling up gradually.

This episode shows how you can work with what you’ve got. How you can notice what matters to others. And how pilot projects and clear data can help prove a point without needing to shout.

If you care about safe streets, better habits, and fairer options for children and families, this one’s for you. Listen in for simple, concrete tools you can use straight away.

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In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, host Wendy chats with architect Robert Martin,originally from outer Sydney and now based in central Copenhagen. Robert shares his journey from the Blue Mountains to Denmark, with stops in Saudi Arabia and the U.S., and introduces his innovative ‘Mobility Diet’ - a flexible, inclusive way to discuss about how we would like to move through cities.

We explore how different places shape our transport choices, with a focus on how Copenhagen and Paris have advanced cycling and multimodal transport. Robert also reflects on his PhD research, community involvement, and why transport planning must be dynamic and people-centred.

🎧 Whether you're into urban design, transport, or just curious about howyou can build better cities—this one’s for you.

You can find the Mobility Diet tool here: https://mobilitydiet.com/

Robert's PhD: https://vbn.aau.dk/en/publications/points-of-exchange-spatial-strategies-for-the-transition-towards-

Acknowledgements
The Mobility Diet has been developed as part of the industrial PhD project Points of Exchange: Spatial Strategies for the Transition towards Sustainable Urban Mobilities. The PhD project was conducted in collaboration with JAJA Architects, Aalborg University's Department of Planning, and The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts' Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation.

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🎙️ What happens when transport fails people with disabilities? Dr. Lisa Stafford  ARC Future Fellowwith Inclusive futures Griffith University joins Wendy on this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast to break down the often-overlooked crisis of transport in outer suburbs, peri-urban and regional areas like Caboolture and Lutrawita/Tasmania. She reveals the devastating impact of ‘Trips Not Made’—those journeys people with disabilities and people living in regional communities want to take but can’t. From lost job opportunities to social isolation, the consequences are huge.

👩‍🏫 With a background in social sciences (major psychology) and community planning, Lisa shares her research, advocacy work, and collaborations (including with Dr. Bridget Doran) to push for systemic change. Learn how small community-driven efforts can make a big difference and what practical steps you can take to be part of the solution.

🛑 We also discuss:
🚏 Eletromidia’s Guarded Bus Stops in Brazil – A promising initiative tackling safety concerns for public transport users. Read more

🤝 Stronger Together: Loneliness & Social Connectedness in Australia – A study on how transport affects social inclusion. Read here

🦽 Week Without Driving: A challenge to experience transport without driving – raising awareness of mobility barriers. Read more

📚 Explore Lisa’s work:
🔗 Overview of Lisa’s research and bio: Inclusive Futures: Dr. Lisa Stafford
🔗 Planning Inclusive Communities – Five Core Elements & Change Needed Framework: Learn more
🔗 Planning for Disability Equity and Inclusion – Discussion Paper: Read here
🔗 Trips Not Made (2022) – Research on transport equity in Tasmania: Project report and the Summary report.
🔗 “I have mentally cancelled a lot of trips” – Public Transport Inequity in Tasmania: Full study
🔗 690 Transport Experiences of Disabled People in NZ (2022) – MRCagney & Dr. Bridget Doran for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency: Read here
🔗 Universal Design for Transport – Transport Australia Discussion Paper (2022): Download
🔗 Future of Transport – Engineers Australia Discussion Paper (2023): Read here

🔊 Hit play to hear why transport justice matters more than you think!

www.GetAroundCaboolture.au

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-30kph

• Becky, 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-enjoyable

www.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-area

Tim 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-know

Sara 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-good

James Laing on creating good enough bike infrastructure https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s2e2-pp-james-laing-making-cities-move-with-active-travel

William 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-trust

Rachel 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-more

https://getaroundcaboolture.au

Safer streets don’t happen by accident. Sara Stace has spent years working inside government and alongside communities to make walking, cycling, and public transport easier for you. From writing Australia’s National Active Transport Strategy to leading Better Streets, she knows what it takes to cut through red tape, bring people together, and make real changes to the places you move through every day.

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Sara shares practical ways you can push for better streets. She breaks down the five key shifts Better Streets is working towards, explains how to get local councils on board, and shows why small wins add up. Whether you’re a transport professional, a policy maker, or just someone who wants to walk or ride without stress, this conversation will give you tools to make a difference.

Sara mentions Greg Satell's book Cascades https://gregsatell.com/cascades

Find out more at Better Streets.org.auhttps://www.betterstreets.org.au

We also chat about safer road speeds and a previous episode with Rod King from 20s Plenty: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/And Becky who shared her experience as a driver about the newer speedshttps://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e53-ned-becky-shares-her-experiences-disliking-driving-at-30kph-to-finding-it-enjoyable/.

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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/

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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.com

Why We Walk movie:https://www.whywewalkfilm.comandhttps://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/why-we-walk

What’s a hookah?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookah

This is a People & Projects episode on the Streets and Peoplepodcast presented byGetAroundCaboolture.au