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 But too often, traffic chaos, unsafe streets, and outdated habits get in the way.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/.

GetAroundCaboolture.au

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.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

Dr. William Bird, a GP and founder of Intelligent Health, shows us how our environment shapes our health. He highlights the stark health differences between wealthy and deprived areas and the role of community engagement in overcoming these challenges. With initiatives like Beat the Street, Dr. Bird reveals how simple community-driven activities can get people moving, build trust, and connect people to the natural world. He argues that public health isn't just a government issue – it's about community, nature, and finding new ways to work together.

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People Podcast, Dr. Bird’s journey from medicine to urban health shows how small steps can create big changes. He explains how nature, safety, and trust are the keys to solving the health disparities in our communities. But it’s not enough to have a good idea – it’s about getting everyone on board and making it easy to act.

By listening to this episode, you'll understand how one simple change – like gamifying physical activity – can spark a health revolution. Dr. Bird’s work proves that with the right approach, we can make a lasting impact on public health. If it works in one place, it can work anywhere.

During the episode, we mention Tim Gill's work. You can find Tim's episode here: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/s1e54-pp-tim-gill-on-kids-need-freedom-to-thrive-or-we-risk-losing-more-than-we-know

intelligenthealth.co.uk

www.GetAroundCaboolture.au

What if your childhood bike rides could shape an entire city?

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, cycle planner James Laing from Stantec reveals how those early rides inspired his mission to design streets where everyone feels welcome.

James shares stories from London’s Healthy Streets initiative, where cycling superhighways proved that small, bold changes can ripple across a city. He recalls overcoming roadblocks like outdated traffic models and resistance to trial projects – challenges that might feel familiar to you.

But James doesn’t just talk about problems. He explains how listening to communities and starting with simple, low-cost trials can lead to streets where kids can bike, parents feel safe walking, and congestion isn’t the only story. His message? Real change is possible when you focus on people instead of just numbers.

If Melbourne, London, and even car-dominant parts of America can rethink urban spaces, so can your city. Tune in for practical advice and fresh perspectives you can use in your own neighbourhood.

James mentions Will Symons thesis https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/items/9ee4887b-3d01-4149-aa88-112f2b6620f9

For bike lane design resources for professionals, you're welcome to check out our page https://getaroundcaboolture.au/resources-for-professionals

www.GetAroundCaboolture.au

When you hit the streets on your e-bike, how often do you think about the laws that keep you rolling safely? Peter Bourke, General Manager of Bicycle Industries Australia, brings years of expertise to unravel the tangled web of e-bike and helmet regulations across Australia.

This People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast is your map through the maze, filled with surprising twists, sharp insights, and practical solutions.

E-bikes are booming, but did you know that the laws governing them differ from one state to the next? Imagine riding freely across state lines only to discover your bike’s battery doesn’t meet the local rules. These inconsistencies make it hard for consumers and the industry to keep up. Peter explains how smarter, harmonised regulations could pave the way for safer and more sustainable active transport.

If safety is your priority, this episode has you covered. Peter shares why investing in high-quality helmets and batteries is non-negotiable. He steps through the latest reforms that make safety gear more reliable and how they could spark a cultural shift in how Australians view active transport.

What makes this discussion stick? Picture this: If we can get e-bike laws right in one state, why not nationwide? Peter’s real-world stories and vivid examples give this idea legs. And his background in sports science adds muscle to the conversation, making it both credible and engaging.

Discover why e-bikes aren’t just a trend but a revolution waiting for the right rules to take flight. This episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to ride safely and smartly.

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our episode with Stephen Hodge.

https://www.bikeoz.org

https://www.weride.org.au

GetAroundCaboolture.au