ITE Webinar: Beyond the Car: Reallocating Road Space in Melbourne and Montréal

When: September 29, 2026 | 7:00 -- 8:30 PM ET

Webinar Description:

Cities worldwide are rethinking how streets can better support walking, cycling, public transport and vibrant local communities. This webinar series explores how cities are overcoming the practical, political and community challenges of creating streets for people.

This session brings together experts from Montréal and Melbourne two cultural hubs working to reduce car dependence and expand sustainable transport. From Montréal’s protected cycling network and green alleys to Melbourne’s upgraded tram stops, pedestrian plazas and safer streets, both cities offer valuable lessons. Join us to learn how Montréal and Melbourne are reshaping their streets to create safer, greener and more liveable communities.

This event will take place at 9am Melbourne time on September 30th.
 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies used in Montréal and Melbourne to reduce car dependence and expand walking, cycling, and public transportation options.
• Describe approaches for overcoming practical, political, and community challenges associated with reallocating street space and implementing people-focused transportation projects.
• Apply lessons from Montréal and Melbourne to their own communities by identifying policies, infrastructure improvements, or engagement strategies that can support safer, greener, and more livable streets.

Moderator:  Katie Barnshaw, Policy Officer | Infrastructure Victoria  | Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Presenters:

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• Bartek Komorowski, Team Leader - Street Design Practices | City of Montreal | Montreal, QC, Canada
• Stephane Blais, Director of Expertise and Research | Velo Quebec | Montreal, QC, Canada
• Raelene (Rae) Stratton, Associate Director, Movement and Place | Victorian Department of Transport and Planning | Melbourne, VIC, Australia
• Luke Poland, Senior Strategic Transport Planner | City of Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC, Australia