A step-by-step guide to testing simple, low-risk ways to create safer, healthier, and more people-friendly streets.

Make your street better - without the wait

Are you:

  • Working in local government and want to trial street improvements quickly and safely?
  • Living or working on a street that could be better for walking, riding, public transport, or driving?
  • Part of a community group looking to bring people together and create positive change?

If yes, this guide is for you.

Read the guide
Contact RAC at community@rac.com.au for more information.


Two young boys wearing orange HIVIS jackets using bright yellow paint rollers
A group of people gathered around a table, sketching and discussing plans for their town

What this guide is:

  • A practical toolkit for testing small, affordable, temporary street changes
  • A way to trial ideas before committing to permanent upgrades
  • A tool to build evidence, trust, and shared understanding in your community

What this guide is not:

  • A guarantee that changes will become permanent
  • A one-size-fits-all checklist
  • A replacement for approvals, safety requirements, or professional advice

What is a Street Remix?

A Street Remix is a quick, low-cost way to test ideas for improving a street - before investing in permanent changes.
Instead of years of planning and costly upgrades, you can trial ideas using temporary materials and real-world feedback.

Examples

  • Add moveable seating to see if people stay longer
  • Use cones or planter boxes to slow traffic and improve safety
  • Rebalance space so streets are not just for cars, but for people too

Street Remixes follow a “lighter, quicker, cheaper” approach and are often part of what’s known as Tactical Urbanism.

Key characteristics
  • Quick to implement
  • Low cost and low risk
  • Temporary and adaptable
  • Led by communities and/or local government
  • Focused on real-world testing

What a Street Remix is not

Permanent street upgrades - like major infrastructure works - require formal planning, design, and approvals.
Street Remixes don’t replace this process, but they can help inform and improve it.

A man in a red shirt plays guitar on a street while young families gather nearby

Why try a Street Remix?

Test ideas in real life: See how people actually use the street - not just what data predicts.

Get direct feedback: People can experience the change and share what works (and what doesn't).

Build support: Temporary changes help communities feel involved, increasing trust and buy-in.

Low risk, high reward: If it doesn’t work, adjust or remove it. If it does, you’ve got evidence for something bigger.