Streets and People

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.

In this Not Everyone Drives episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy chats with Antoine Burdett about his experiences with e-scooters and his involvement in the Scootmasters community. Antoine discusses how he first discovered e-scooters in 2018, his transition from personal pleasure riding to community volunteering, and the growth of the Scootmasters group to nearly 5,000 members. The conversation covers various aspects of e-scooter use, including infrastructure challenges, safety concerns, and the potential for e-scooters as a complement to traditional transportation. Antoine emphasises the importance of thoughtful urban planning, education, and considerate use of e-scooters to foster a more accepting and safer environment for all users. https://scootmasters.com.au/index.html https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/personal-mobility-device-riding-rules-and-fines www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

This People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast builds on our conversation with Conrad Kickert about hybrid zones and fostering a sense of place https://getaroundcabocarfree.com.au/s1e45-pp-conrad-kickert-on-how-front-yards-make-or-break-community-cohesion-and-connectedness. Wendy chats with Chris Bingham from Friends of Lagoon Creek about how gardening can strengthen community ties and help reduce social isolation. Chris shares his personal journey in gardening and conservation, offering practical advice for creating vibrant, diverse gardens using both native and non-native plants. They discuss how to design gardens that are more welcoming and accessible, particularly for people with disabilities, and highlight the importance of being active within the community. Chris offers suggestions for affordable, sensory-friendly plants, and explains the key role of soil quality and mulching. The episode wraps up with encouragement to join local community groups and make personal spaces more inclusive. Visit Friends of Lagoon Creek at www.FriendsOfLagoonCreek.com where you can buy high-quality, well-cared-for native plants. For more, visit www.GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au.

In this Road Rules 360 episode of the Streets and People podcast, host Wendy Nash and retired road rules expert John Burrill navigate the complexities of parking trailers, tiny homes, and mobility devices on public roads. They break down the intricacies of registering and parking box trailers in suburban Queensland, discuss the implications of using these trailers as mobile gardens or bike lockers, and explore the legalities of parking mobility scooters, bicycles, and potentially tiny homes. They also highlight the broader social implications of utilising street spaces for non-vehicular purposes, emphasising the importance of considering neighbourhood aesthetics and road legalities. The episode aims to clarify misconceptions and provide practical advice to ensure compliance and harmony within community spaces. Video referred to during the episode: Carspiracy - You’ll Never See The World The Same Way Again https://youtu.be/-_4GZnGl55c?si=ebTB2mS8AvS1dWcY

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, A/Prof Conrad Kickert at the University of Buffalo, New York, shares insights into the social significance of front yards in urban environments. Drawing on his research in Buffalo and observations from cities around the world, Conrad explains how front yards act as a crucial 'hybrid zone' that fosters social interactions and a sense of place. The conversation explores the impact of physical elements like seating, vegetation, and decorations, illustrating how these features contribute to community connectivity and personal ownership. They also discuss the challenges and broader implications of urban design in promoting social resilience amid modern trends of car dependency and isolated living. Street-Level Architure: The past, present and future of interactive frontages https://www.routledge.com/Street-Level-Architecture-The-Past-Present-and-Future-of-Interactive-Frontages/Kickert-Karssenberg/p/book/9780367486105? Do The Right Thing directed by Spike Lee available at https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/do-the-right-thing Conrad Kickert, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Planning, University at Buffalo, Director of Programs, Rudy Bruner Center for Urban Excellence, www.conradkickert.com

In this engaging People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, join us as Marco te Brömmelstroet, a prominent voice in urban mobility and co-author of the book Movement, shares his journey and insights with Wendy Nash. Marco invites you to explore the vibrant world of urban development and mobility. Marco chats about the impact of car dependency on our cities, vividly illustrating how it shapes our urban landscapes and influences our daily lives. He brings to life the importance of holistic thinking in city planning, advocating for a shift away from car-centric approaches towards more inclusive, child-friendly, and sustainable urban systems. Hear Marco's captivating story as he reflects on his journey from an early fascination with the spatial dynamics of cities to his groundbreaking work at the University of Amsterdam. With a keen eye on the broader social costs of our current transportation systems, Marco emphasises the need to rethink our public spaces, enhance children's autonomy, and prioritise societal well-being over vehicle-centric designs. In this conversation, you’ll discover practical steps communities can take to foster more sustainable and playful urban environments. Marco's insights and the transformative ideas from his book Movement offer a fresh perspective on how we can reshape our cities for a better future. Movement: How to take back our streets and transform our lives. Thalia Verkade, Marco te Brömmelstroet (trans. Fiona Graham) https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/movement-9781922310798 Urban Cycling Institute free courses https://urbancyclinginstitute.org/courses-training/ The Culture of Stopping by Harald Welzer https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Culture+of+Stopping-p-9781509555871 Donnella Meadows on Externalities https://theecologist.org/2022/sep/26/leverage-points-60-year-legacy Sam Belto on how to start a bike bus https://bikeportland.org/2022/10/05/sam-balto-on-how-to-start-a-bike-bus-of-your-own-364734 Bike is Best: The best tool for the job: https://youtu.be/V6ChTqII-Yk?si=XqEXLT2hZPYBK0BX Go to GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au to hear Tom Taylor speak at La Trobe University about riding a bike in Melbourne from 4yo and his observations at 16yo.

Stephen Hodge, an experienced cycling advocate from We Ride Australia, shares his journey from competitive cycling to promoting safe transport policies. He highlights the economic, health, and social benefits of cycling, emphasizing that many short trips are suitable for bike riding. Stephen discusses innovative initiatives like the 'RideScore Active Schools' program, which improved student cycling rates significantly. He encourages community involvement in advocating for better cycling infrastructure, emphasizing that small changes can lead to significant improvements in local transport and health.

In this episode of the Streets and People podcast, tune in as you listen to Ruth Rosas from America Walks share her inspiring journey. Imagine growing up in a car-centric small town in Illinois, only to later embrace the vibrant, car-free life in Chicago. You'll feel the energy as Ruth discusses the sights, sounds, and sensations of moving through the city using alternative transportation modes. Hear about the powerful impact of robust public transit and dive into the mission of America Walks, from campaigns to decriminalize jaywalking to the dynamic National Walking College. This conversation is a vivid exploration of the challenges and rewards of living without a car and the push to create walkable, accessible cities for everyone, especially those who can't drive by choice or circumstance. weekwithoutdriving.org GetAroundCaboCarFree.com.au

In this Road Rules 360 episode of the Streets and People podcast, Wendy Nash and John Burrill discuss often overlooked road rules pertaining to pedestrians. John, a retired road rules expert, highlights the complexities and inconsistencies within these regulations. They explore rules for crossing roads, interacting with vehicles at roundabouts and using pedestrian crossings among other topics. Their conversation emphasises the challenges of navigating streets safely as a pedestrian and questions the car-centricity of current road design, infrastructure and legislation. The episode aims to entertain and inform, without providing legal advice.

Irene McAleese, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of See.Sense, shares her journey from cycling enthusiast to innovator in bike safety technology. With a focus on urban cycling experiences in Singapore and London, she discusses how See.Sense’s AI-driven bike lights improve visibility and data collection to enhance urban planning. Irene also explores gendered riding patterns, community projects to encourage cycling, and her vision for safer, people-friendly cities. Join her as she reveals insights from her journey and the importance of inclusivity in cycling.