Walking is worth more than $1 a km

Living Streets Aotearoa
Media release for immediate use
4 August 2008

Walking makes good economic sense, Minister of Transport Annette King told 170 delegates at a walking conference in Auckland today.

Research prepared for the New Zealand Transport Agency showed that benefits to the individual, including avoided health costs, exceed $1 for every kilometre walked.

American walking expert, Dan Burden, said walkable cities are prosperous cities.

“Land values in Seattle, considered the most liveable city in the USA, have continued to rise during the recession.”

“Businesses in walkable locations are 2 –5 times more profitable.”

“Cars are not the villains; it’s the way we design cities that needs fixing. Cars matter, but people come first.”

For more information: www.livingstreets.org.nz

ENDS