Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Wider Footpaths A Big Step Forward

Living Streets Aotearoa welcomes Associate Transport Minister Genter’s announcement today of funding for widening footpaths

“Walking is healthy and popular both in lockdown and normal times,” says Celia Wade-Brown, Living Streets Aotearoa National Secretary. “Walkers of all ages need decent spaces to walk, jog or run. Far too many town and city streets are too narrow or poorly maintained although there are already more people on foot than driving in many locations, especially at the moment. More people walking makes a place more vibrant, enjoyable, safe and will help local businesses return to economic prosperity”.

Ms Wade-Brown adds “People need to feel safe, to be willing to walk and to let their children walk to school post-lockdown. These temporary extensions should be made permanent as soon as possible. I call on citizens to tell their Councils which streets are top priority. In Wellington I’d pick the Wellington South Coast for wider paths and Jervois Quay for pop-up cycle lanes but there must be many more around the country. Bigger projects like Skypath and the Great Harbour Way need to be advanced too but that’s beyond the scope of Innovating Streets. ”

“Walking is great medicine too. It’s accessible, it’s inclusive, and it’s affordable. Humans need to walk!”

Living Streets Aotearoa also supports Innovative Streets funding for pop-up cycleways. More people cycling instead of driving is good news for air quality and health but space needs to be created so cyclists aren’t unnerving people on foot, especially those with disabilities. Former Mayor Wade-Brown is a keen walker and cyclist and says, “Cyclists logically want to go faster than walking speed. Let’s give them the separate space to do so. I hope this announcement signals a change in direction for the Government away from putting cyclists of all ages onto existing footpaths.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Background

Living Streets Aotearoa is the New Zealand organisation for people on foot, promoting walking-friendly communities. We are a nationwide organisation with local branches and affiliates throughout New Zealand.

Walking helps children to develop independence and enhances their physical health and mental well-being.

Walking helps elderly people to maintain health, independence and social connection.

Walking helps everyone’s mental and physical wellbeing. Walking is great medicine especially for depression, muscle mass, reducing obesity, increasing bone density and cardiovascular health.

Walking is essential for retail success and public transport viability.

Walking is permitted during Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown as long as people maintain 2m physical distancing.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.