Listening, learning, and looking ahead
Last week, the Stride team spent several days on the ground in Melbourne, meeting with a diverse range of people to better understand the city’s transport landscape and how we can help improve it.
From users to researchers, small businesses to major stakeholders, our time in Melbourne was packed with insights, ideas, and plenty of conversation about how cities move and what makes them work.
A city in motion
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most dynamic cities. Its size, layout, and mix of residents and visitors make it a uniquely exciting (and complex) place for shared transport. With large crowds, dense foot traffic, and a growing demand for sustainable options, there’s both opportunity and responsibility in designing urban mobility here.
That’s why our visit focused on more than just showing off our product. We spent our time listening to the people who live, work, and move through the city every day.
- Local residents and everyday transport users.
- Community organisations and advocacy groups.
- Academic and research partners at leading universities.
- Representatives from both small businesses and major institutions.
What we heard
Across the board, people told us the same thing; Melbourne needs more options that fit them. It needs well-designed, thoughtful, and safe services that actually work for the community.
Choice and accessibility
Many people shared the view that the city would benefit from more options on two wheels. While e-scooters have become a familiar sight in many parts of Melbourne, not everyone feels comfortable using them. Shared e-bikes were mentioned frequently as a valuable addition, especially for people with longer commutes, or who prefer a more stable or familiar ride.
Safety and infrastructure
Safety was a big theme not just for riders, but for pedestrians and other road users. Concerns about rider behaviour, proper parking, and large or bulky vehicles were raised in nearly every conversation. There’s a clear need for better education, better incentives for compliance, and smart design that makes it easier for people to do the right thing.
Local focus
One of the most encouraging takeaways was how much people care about the local character of their city. From urban design to community accountability, there’s a strong appetite for operators who actually engage with the city not just extract value from it. That means being responsive to feedback, hiring locally, and working with organisations already doing good work.
Technology with purpose
We also heard a lot about the need for technology that solves problems, rather than just creating novelty. That includes smart parking systems, real-time safety features like helmet detection, and simple but secure user experiences that protect data and encourage responsible use.
What we shared
During the trip, we gave people a closer look at what Stride is building and what sets us apart.
We’re not just another app or operator. We’re a small, local team with a focus on long-term impact. We’re committed to clean streets, smart design, and transport that fits the people and places it serves.
- Our roadmap for introducing e-bikes in cities where they make sense.
- Our in-house technology stack and app design focused on user privacy and safety.
- Our draft Memorandum to help set a national standard for responsible shared mobility.
- Our partnerships with academic institutions for AI and safety research.
- Our new initiative to promote local businesses through Stride’s platform.
Building the future together
This trip wasn’t about making promises. It was about listening and starting the conversations that will shape what comes next. We’re here to do things differently, and that means building alongside the communities we hope to serve.
As we explore the next steps for Stride in Melbourne, we’ll continue to work with local voices and experts to make sure our service fits the city.
What’s next?
We’ll be back soon with updates on our progress, including what’s rolling out next in terms of vehicle options, features, and city partnerships.
If you’re part of a local group, business, or just want to learn more about what we’re doing, reach out. We’re always looking to collaborate with people who care about making cities better.
Thanks to everyone who made time for us this week, and especially those who shared their honest feedback and ideas. Melbourne is full of thoughtful, passionate people and we’re lucky to have had the chance to hear from so many of them.
