The Do’s and Don’ts of Engaging on Transport Planning
Because it’s never “just a bike lane.”
Transport planning is where lifestyle, livelihood, and identity collide. Whether you’re reducing parking, introducing new bike infrastructure, or improving walkability, changes to transport systems can spark joy - or outrage. Community engagement plays a powerful role in shaping not only the outcome, but the public sentiment toward the process.
At Conversation Co, we’re constantly experimenting with different techniques, positionings and methods to make sure every conversation on transports supports the community and industry transition.
Below is a summary of what we’ve found works (and what doesn’t), informed by mishaps, our aha moments and everything in between. We wish it was a perfect science, it's not and it's a conversation that needs to be had with empathy and sincerity.
The Do’s
Do: Engage Early and Broadly
Start conversations before decisions are locked in.
Broaden your reach beyond just the squeaky wheels - capture quiet voices, diverse communities, and those most impacted.
Treat early-stage engagement as a chance to educate, explore trade-offs, and build community understanding of the broader vision.
Do: Create Space for Nuance
Use deliberative methods or “pick and mix” choices, allowing people to weigh trade-offs rather than choose “yes” or “no.”
Recognise there’s a big gap between agreeing in principle (e.g., “kids should ride to school”) and agreeing in practice (“but not on my street”).
Do: Consider the Psychology
People are more open to gains than losses. Talk about what will be better, not just what’s being removed.
Acknowledge fear of change. Even when the benefits are clear, loss aversion kicks in - especially when tied to convenience, control, or identity.
Make the invisible visible: use real-life stories, visual aids, and modelling tools to show impact beyond the street front.
Do: Show You’re Listening
Let people know how their feedback shaped decisions.
Clearly explain what’s negotiable and what’s not—and why.
Use transparent methods for weighing competing views and communicate the rationale for final choices.
The Don’ts
Don’t: Reduce Engagement to “Notification”
“Telling” people rather than “asking” invites backlash and makes even well-intended plans feel top-down and undemocratic.
Don’t: Force a Binary Choice
Avoid yes/no voting on complex issues without nuance.
Binary choices shut down conversation and force people into a corner, creating “winners” and “losers” rather than shared solutions.
Don’t: Underestimate the Power of Parking
Parking taps into emotions around ageing, independence, and fairness.
Planners may see it as a technical issue, but to residents, it’s often personal. Think about messaging, alternative access, and who loses what, when.
Don’t Assume Everyone Is Already On Board
Assuming people “should” understand the benefits is a fast track to disengagement.
Residents may support sustainable transport in principle—but implementation without empathy can quickly erode goodwill.
Transport planning engagement is less about justifying pre-made plans and more about understanding people: their routines, fears, values, and vision for their community.
By tapping into the psychology of behaviour change, meeting people where they are, and designing for shared ownership - not just compliance - you’ll create plans that are not only more resilient, but more respected.
Specialists we’ve partnered with
Trafficworks
Trafficworks is a leading traffic engineering and design consultancy based in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Skills we tapped into (they do more):
Traffic engineering & design: from signal plans and intersection layout to roadway and lighting design
Traffic impact assessments: essential for road, carpark, and development approvals
Road safety audits: covering freeways, intersections, pedestrian and cycle paths, and traffic management plans
Work we have done together:
Active Travel Program on behalf of the City of Port Phillip Council to engage and work with two schools to identify actions and initiatives to support students walking, cycling and scooting to and from school; promoting healthier habits, reduced congestion, and safer streets.
Mainlines Project on behalf of Hobson Bay City Council early consultation was used to understand how to improve walking and cycling in Seabrook and Altona Meadows making active transport safer and more connected.
Sensible Transport (Institute for Sensible Transport)
Led by Dr Elliot Fishman, Sensible Transport is a Melbourne-based consultancy specialising in transport innovation, sustainable mobility, and policy development.
Skills we tapped into (they do more):
Develop strategic transport policies to reduce car dependence and promote walking, cycling, and public transport.
Design bike share systems, electric vehicle charging frameworks, and green travel plans for new developments.
Work we have done together:
Active Travel Program on behalf of the City of Port Phillip Council to engage and work with two schools to identify actions and initiatives to support students walking, cycling and scooting to and from school; promoting healthier habits, reduced congestion, and safer streets.
Personas for you to plan with
Download our free set of transport personas, featuring characters like Norm the cautious senior, Hayley the eco-conscious advocate, and Sarah the time-poor school parent.
Use them to travel in your stakeholders' shoes and plan with real-life context in mind.
Let's connect – If you're working on a movement-related project, we’d love to hear about it. Reach out to us at hello@conversationco.com.au and let’s chat about how we can help your project move forward—together.