Auckland’s shared spaces encourage walking

Auckland’s shared spaces encourage significant increase in walking
Pedestrian activity on streets that have been turned into shared spaces in Auckland’s CBD has increased by between 50 and 140 per cent following their introduction.

Transport planners will gather at a walking seminar tomorrow Friday to share ideas on how to build on the recent success of shared spaces and school travel plans. The seminar hosted by Auckland Transport will headline international walking expert Dr Rodney Tolley as the guest speaker. Dr Tolley, conference director of Walk21, a non-profit organisation that developed the International Charter for Walking will speak about the current status of walking policy around the world and what Auckland can do to get more people walking.

The seminar will focus on promoting healthy, efficient and sustainable communities where people choose and are able to walk as a way to travel.

Auckland Transport Community Transport Manager Matthew Rednall says “The needs of pedestrians are integral in all projects undertaken by Auckland Transport.

“The Mayor’s vision of a more liveable city cannot be realised without making Auckland a more walkable city.

“The Queen Street upgrade and continuing city centre improvements are making the walking journey in and around the city centre much more desirable and attractive. Shared spaces may be a new concept for most Aucklanders but pedestrians have really taken to them and as a result are adding healthy walking to their days.

“Pedestrian activity on Darby, Lorne and Fort streets has increased by between 50 and 140 per cent. On Darby Street, there are now fewer cars and they are travelling at slower speeds.
“And the recently completed shared space project on Totara Avenue, New Lynn is another example where the street environment has been made friendly for pedestrians.

“Our TravelWise programme is making a real impact with increasing numbers of students walking to school. School travel plans have reduced crashes involving pedestrians around TravelWise schools by 48 per cent and more than $132 million has been spent on safety infrastructure including a significant investment in pedestrian improvements,” says Mr Rednall.

Dr Rodney Tolley has taught and researched at Staffordshire University in the UK for over 30 years. He is an experienced consultant in the sustainable transport field and a director of Walk 21, a global partnership of walking experts who raise awareness of walking issues.

He has edited three editions of “The Greening of Urban Transport: Planning for Walking and Cycling in Western Cities,” which has been described as the ‘bible’ of green mode planning. Through these activities he has a unique oversight of developing practice in walking in the UK, Australasia, Europe and across the world.

What: Stepping into the future: Auckland walking seminar
When: Friday 2 December
Where: Mecure Hotel, Auckland
Registration: aucklandtransport.govt.nz

ENDS