Streets Ahead
85 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Cities around the world are finally discovering the pitfalls of a car-centric transport system, with the most progressive cities implementing protected cycle lanes, liveable streets and low traffic neighbourhoods for improved cycling and walking. Each episode, we discuss the news and views in the fast-paced world of active travel, cycling, walking and urban planning in a jargon-free safe space.
Streets Ahead is co-hosted by Adam Tranter, Laura Laker and Ned Boulting.
For all enquiries, please email [email protected].
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Episodes
Being Positive with Brian Deegan
January 02, 2021 14:46 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBEpisode 19 rounds up the year that was, er, pretty well awful - but you can count on us to look at the positives and so we’ve collated all the things we can be thankful for in active travel. Now, if there is a small silver lining to the year 2020, it came in the form of progress on cycling, walking and electric scooters. We're joined by renowned urban planner Brian Deegan, who is Chris Boardman's technical advisor in Greater Manchester, to review 2020 and what interesting things we have to ...
Cargo Bikes
December 20, 2020 21:13 - 58 minutes - 79.9 MBFor Episode 18, we're discussing cargo bikes; the ingenious contraptions designed to move people and things in our towns and cities. Ned, Laura and Adam discuss the weirdest things they've carried on their bicycles - and we speak to some experts: Ben Knowles, co-founder of cargo bike logistics firm Pedal Me and Jim Blakemore, CEO at community interest company Bikeworks. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and ...
Episode 17: Tranche 2
November 13, 2020 14:57 - 1 hour - 83.8 MBFor Episode 17, Christmas has come early! Tranche 2 of the (no longer Emergency) Active Travel Fund has been announced along with renewed guidance on consultation and research showing the majority support measures to reallocate road space. If you want to get the low down on the latest £175m announcement, Laura, Adam and Ned have all the info you need. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urba...
Tranche 2
November 13, 2020 14:57 - 1 hour - 83.8 MBFor Episode 17, Christmas has come early! Tranche 2 of the (no longer Emergency) Active Travel Fund has been announced along with renewed guidance on consultation and research showing the majority support measures to reallocate road space. If you want to get the low down on the latest £175m announcement, Laura, Adam and Ned have all the info you need. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urba...
Episode 16: E-Scooters
October 29, 2020 17:48 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBFor Episode 16, we're talking e-scooters. Will they change the way we travel? Are E-Scooter trials a bit weird? What would Alan Partridge think of them? There's all this, some more serious stuff, and much more in this packed episode for Halloween, so there's a spooky intro as a treat. We're thankfully joined by Phil Ellis, CEO of micro-mobility company Beryl, whose company has been taking part in UK E-Scooter trials. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to th...
E-Scooters
October 29, 2020 17:48 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBFor Episode 16, we're talking e-scooters. Will they change the way we travel? Are E-Scooter trials a bit weird? What would Alan Partridge think of them? There's all this, some more serious stuff, and much more in this packed episode for Halloween, so there's a spooky intro as a treat. We're thankfully joined by Phil Ellis, CEO of micro-mobility company Beryl, whose company has been taking part in UK E-Scooter trials. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to th...
Road Collision Reporting Guidelines
October 08, 2020 07:00 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBFor Episode 15, we're discussing how we talk about road collisions and, in particular, the new Road Collision Reporting Guidelines: why they're important, what they are and what they're not. We consider why we should be using the word "collision" or "crash" instead of "accident", as well as the impact our language can have on the families of road collision victims. We also reflect on a week where the guidelines were somewhat misrepresented in some media outlets, and talk about the time that...
Episode 15: Road Collision Reporting Guidelines
October 08, 2020 07:00 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBFor Episode 15, we're discussing how we talk about road collisions and, in particular, the new Road Collision Reporting Guidelines: why they're important, what they are and what they're not. We consider why we should be using the word "collision" or "crash" instead of "accident", as well as the impact our language can have on the families of road collision victims. We also reflect on a week where the guidelines were somewhat misrepresented in some media outlets, and talk about the time that...
Episode 14: We Need To Talk About Worcestershire
September 28, 2020 08:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBFor Episode 14, we need to talk about Worcestershire. The county, and its city, Worcester have been on the receiving end of much criticism relating to their apparent lack of enthusiasm for active travel. Laura, Adam and Ned discuss the importance of local campaigning along with guests (also known locally as "Cycle Mad Morons") Dan Brothwell (Bike Worcester) and Cllr Matthew Jenkins (Green Party). There's also bonus content from Ned on how to successfully grow a basil bush. You can read th...
We Need To Talk About Worcestershire
September 28, 2020 08:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBFor Episode 14, we need to talk about Worcestershire. The county, and its city, Worcester have been on the receiving end of much criticism relating to their apparent lack of enthusiasm for active travel. Laura, Adam and Ned discuss the importance of local campaigning along with guests (also known locally as "Cycle Mad Morons") Dan Brothwell (Bike Worcester) and Cllr Matthew Jenkins (Green Party). There's also bonus content from Ned on how to successfully grow a basil bush. You can read th...
Is the UK’s golden age of cycling in jeopardy?
September 07, 2020 15:58 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBFor Episode 13, we explore whether the UK's golden age of cycling is in jeopardy. Has "Gear Change" become "Gear Slip", and if so, why? Laura, Adam and Ned discuss the politics at play and the battle between local authorities and the government. Ned does so from a 12th century castle in Kent and explains how he and Chris Boardman have had their daily commutes hindered by grounds staff. You can read the articles we refer to here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/09/05/councils-must-sto...
Episode 13: Is the UK’s golden age of cycling in jeopardy?
September 07, 2020 15:58 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBFor Episode 13, we explore whether the UK's golden age of cycling is in jeopardy. Has "Gear Change" become "Gear Slip", and if so, why? Laura, Adam and Ned discuss the politics at play and the battle between local authorities and the government. Ned does so from a 12th century castle in Kent and explains how he and Chris Boardman have had their daily commutes hindered by grounds staff. You can read the articles we refer to here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/09/05/councils-must-sto...
Hospital Parking (+ Bonus Politics)
August 19, 2020 21:07 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBFor Episode 12, we thought we'd go for the lighthearted and totally uncontroversial topic of free hospital parking. Rather than get ourselves embroiled into a row with what seems like the entire population, we thought we'd invite Peter Walker to tell us why free hospital parking is often not a good idea. Peter is The Guardian's Political Correspondent and author of Bike Nation: How Cycling Can Save the World. Because Peter explained the flaws of free hospital parking so wisely and succinctl...
Episode 12: Hospital Parking (+ Bonus Politics)
August 19, 2020 21:07 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBFor Episode 12, we thought we'd go for the lighthearted and totally uncontroversial topic of free hospital parking. Rather than get ourselves embroiled into a row with what seems like the entire population, we thought we'd invite Peter Walker to tell us why free hospital parking is often not a good idea. Peter is The Guardian's Political Correspondent and author of Bike Nation: How Cycling Can Save the World. Because Peter explained the flaws of free hospital parking so wisely and succinctl...
Episode 11: Changing Gear
August 04, 2020 07:35 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBFor Episode 11, we're answering your questions about the Prime Minister's "Gear Change" active travel announcement. Are we changing gear? How much will it all cost? Can you really get a Mini Holland for a fiver? What will Active Travel England do? Did the Dutch invent the Dutch reach? Nearly all will be answered. If you can hear birds chirping in the background, it's Ned showing off that he's back at work, commentating bike races in Italy. If you wanted to nominate and vote for Streets Ahe...
Changing Gear
August 04, 2020 07:35 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBFor Episode 11, we're answering your questions about the Prime Minister's "Gear Change" active travel announcement. Are we changing gear? How much will it all cost? Can you really get a Mini Holland for a fiver? What will Active Travel England do? Did the Dutch invent the Dutch reach? Nearly all will be answered. If you can hear birds chirping in the background, it's Ned showing off that he's back at work, commentating bike races in Italy. If you wanted to nominate and vote for Streets Ahe...
Talking Walking
July 21, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBFor Episode 10, we're talking walking; the most accessible form of travel. We learn that the podcast was nearly called "Talkie Walkie" but, perhaps more insightfully, we discuss walking in planning and even how it can support therapy with two experts. Thanks to our guests Susan Claris from Arup and Carmen Rendell, walking therapist at Soulhub, for their contributions. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and peo...
Episode 10: Talking Walking
July 21, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBFor Episode 10, we're talking walking; the most accessible form of travel. We learn that the podcast was nearly called "Talkie Walkie" but, perhaps more insightfully, we discuss walking in planning and even how it can support therapy with two experts. Thanks to our guests Susan Claris from Arup and Carmen Rendell, walking therapist at Soulhub, for their contributions. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and peo...
The West Midlands
July 07, 2020 08:00 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBFor Episode 9, Ned and Laura bravely venture outside of London and visit Adam's neck of the woods, to explore what's happening in terms of active travel in the West Midlands. We're joined by Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council. We ask: What is Birmingham doing well, and what else can be done for cycling and walking in the West Midlands? Hint: It's not using the canal network. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast d...
Episode 9: The West Midlands
July 07, 2020 08:00 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBFor Episode 9, Ned and Laura bravely venture outside of London and visit Adam's neck of the woods, to explore what's happening in terms of active travel in the West Midlands. We're joined by Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council. We ask: What is Birmingham doing well, and what else can be done for cycling and walking in the West Midlands? Hint: It's not using the canal network. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast d...
Our First Live Q&A
June 23, 2020 08:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBFor Episode 8, we did our first live Q&A. It was all in aid of the fantastic Herne Hill velodrome as part of their Virtual Velofete event; the velodrome is a venue very close to all of our hearts. It was lots of fun, so thanks for all of your great questions. If you're able to, please donate to the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust and keep this amazing London home of cycling funded for future generations: https://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/velofete/ We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead...
Episode 8: Our First Live Q&A
June 23, 2020 08:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBFor Episode 8, we did our first live Q&A. It was all in aid of the fantastic Herne Hill velodrome as part of their Virtual Velofete event; the velodrome is a venue very close to all of our hearts. It was lots of fun, so thanks for all of your great questions. If you're able to, please donate to the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust and keep this amazing London home of cycling funded for future generations: https://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/velofete/ We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead...
School Streets and Play Streets
June 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 88.7 MBIn Episode 7, we're discussing school streets and play streets; two types of temporary road closures that make our communities, well, a bit more pleasant. We find out what's involved with school and play streets and the wider benefits to the community, which spurs Adam to have a moan about bollard removal and Ned to have a moan about local authorities. Laura interviews two experts on the subject: Alice Swift, Project Coordinator for School Streets at Sustrans and Alice Ferguson, co-founder o...
Episode 7: School Streets and Play Streets
June 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 88.7 MBIn Episode 7, we're discussing school streets and play streets; two types of temporary road closures that make our communities, well, a bit more pleasant. We find out what's involved with school and play streets and the wider benefits to the community, which spurs Adam to have a moan about bollard removal and Ned to have a moan about local authorities. Laura interviews two experts on the subject: Alice Swift, Project Coordinator for School Streets at Sustrans and Alice Ferguson, co-founder o...
Infiltrating The All-Powerful Motor Lobby
June 02, 2020 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBEpisode six and the Streets Ahead team have managed to infiltrate a significant part of the all-powerful motor lobby. It helped that Edmund King, President of The Automobile Association (now known as The AA), quite likes to ride a bike too. King has recently called for the government to reconsider its £28.8bn road building programme, backed temporary walking and cycling infrastructure and called for "park and cycle" hubs outside cities to encourage active travel for longer journeys. It's n...
Episode 6: Infiltrating The All-Powerful Motor Lobby
June 02, 2020 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBEpisode six and the Streets Ahead team have managed to infiltrate a significant part of the all-powerful motor lobby. It helped that Edmund King, President of The Automobile Association (now known as The AA), quite likes to ride a bike too. King has recently called for the government to reconsider its £28.8bn road building programme, backed temporary walking and cycling infrastructure and called for "park and cycle" hubs outside cities to encourage active travel for longer journeys. It's n...
Episode 5: A Chicken and Egg Situation
May 22, 2020 09:24 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBEpisode five and things are moving fast, or so it seems. But is active travel in the UK in a chicken and egg situation? The current government advice is "cycle or walk if you can" meaning more people than ever are interested; but two weeks later, apart from a few select councils, there's barely any infrastructure for the potentially huge increase of people on bikes, and traffic is returning. Councils claim they still don't even know how they will get their hands on the £250m emergency fundin...
A Chicken and Egg Situation
May 22, 2020 09:24 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBEpisode five and things are moving fast, or so it seems. But is active travel in the UK in a chicken and egg situation? The current government advice is "cycle or walk if you can" meaning more people than ever are interested; but two weeks later, apart from a few select councils, there's barely any infrastructure for the potentially huge increase of people on bikes, and traffic is returning. Councils claim they still don't even know how they will get their hands on the £250m emergency fundin...
That Government Announcement
May 13, 2020 08:13 - 55 minutes - 76 MBEpisode four and we've convened to bring you a special emergency broadcast. In the last week, the UK government has announced a raft of measures, some more helpful than others, to help get more people cycling and walking for short journeys. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. That Government Announcement A lot can happen in a week, but the challenge in front of us will be the d...
Episode 4: That Government Announcement
May 13, 2020 08:13 - 55 minutes - 76 MBEpisode four and we've convened to bring you a special emergency broadcast. In the last week, the UK government has announced a raft of measures, some more helpful than others, to help get more people cycling and walking for short journeys. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. That Government Announcement A lot can happen in a week, but the challenge in front of us will be the d...
Episode 3: Chris Boardman
May 03, 2020 16:57 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBEpisode three and we're joined by Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester's Cycling and Walking Commissioner. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a new podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. Cycling and Walking Commissioners We wanted to find out more about the increasing number of Cycling and Walking Commissioners across the UK, and who better to speak to than Chris Boardman? Chris has travelled from his first job in carp...
Chris Boardman
May 03, 2020 16:57 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBEpisode three and we're joined by Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester's Cycling and Walking Commissioner. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a new podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. Cycling and Walking Commissioners We wanted to find out more about the increasing number of Cycling and Walking Commissioners across the UK, and who better to speak to than Chris Boardman? Chris has travelled from his first job in carp...
Behaviour Change
April 24, 2020 19:51 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBIt's our second episode and we're focusing on Behaviour Change, with our first guest, Dr Ian Walker. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a new podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. Behaviour Change Streets Ahead welcomes our first guest, Dr Ian Walker, Environmental Psychologist at the University of Bath. Ian is most famous for dressing up as a woman and impersonating a Police officer, all in the name of research on ...
Episode 2: Behaviour Change
April 24, 2020 19:51 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBIt's our second episode and we're focusing on Behaviour Change, with our first guest, Dr Ian Walker. We hope you enjoy this episode of Streets Ahead, a new podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. Behaviour Change Streets Ahead welcomes our first guest, Dr Ian Walker, Environmental Psychologist at the University of Bath. Ian is most famous for dressing up as a woman and impersonating a Police officer, all in the name of research on ...
Pilot: Transport during and after COVID-19
April 14, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 63.9 MBIt's our first episode. We hope you enjoy our pilot for Streets Ahead, a new podcast dedicated to the world of active travel, liveable streets and people-focused urban design. Transport during and after COVID-19 In mobility terms, COVID-19 has been a large scale experiment in forced behaviour change. In cities around the world, cars remain largely parked while people re-engage with their community via local shops and amenities, reached through walking and cycling. Many who need to make es...