I recently sent this letter to Minister Nick Smith following some comments from him about urban design and footpaths. High quality urban design that encourages walkable neighbourhoods around public transport nodes is essential for the future or our cities. Good urban design makes economic sense both for individuals and communities as a whole.
Here is the letter I sent. I will post the response when it arrives.
Andy Smith - Living Streets Aotearoa President
Vienna is 'stepping ahead'!
The City of Vienna will host the Walk21 conference with the motto ‘stepping ahead’ from 20 - 23 October 2015. The conference in Vienna City Hall provides space for a comprehensive discussion of strategies for the promotion of walking.
The vibrant and dynamic program will engage side events and thrilling walkshops, promise to create a memorable event and the possibility to gain new insights.
Here is an article from the NZ Medical Journal by Alistair Woodward, Jamie Hosking, Shanthi Ameratunga
is that road users should drive, ride or walk carefully to avoid injury. There are three problems with this approach to road safety. The underlying logical model is circular. Not paying attention, or not being careful, is defined by the consequences.
This report is from the Ministry of Transport
http://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Research/Documents/Pedestria...
and last months road crash stats
http://www.transport.govt.nz/research/roadcrashstatistics/monthlyovervie...
Living Streets Aotearoa e-bulletin
December 2014
Feel like you should be in two different places this Christmas. This photo is a real direction board from Oakley Creek Auckland (don't ask).
Andy Smith will be representing LSA at Walk21 in Sydney on October 21-23. This annual conference brings together all the walking and urban design people from around the globe. Brent Toderian is a keynote speaker there and is touring NZ before that conference.
You are invited to participate in a University of Canterbury research project about pedestrian crossing laws in New Zealand by completing the following questionnaire. It will take approximately 5 - 10 minutes to complete. Everybody who completes the survey can go in the draw to win a $50 grocery voucher.
http://canterbury.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_dhaeQXAUKcEps0d
Auckland Active Modes research report
Key take out points for walking for us were:
· 56% are normally walking and these need to be maintained; 20% are primed for walking so we need to encourage these people; and 24% are not primed for walking and will be harder to encourage.
· 32% of people are walking more often than a year ago and 35% expect to walk more this coming year.
A great collection of Hamilton Walking maps are available on the Hamilton Branch page
See our Maps Page for other areas.
The Trust that fromed from the Getacross movement has launched the Skyath website
It details the progess in getting across the Waitemata.
We wait with baited breath
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10846015
Air New Zealand has joined forces with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation to protect and enhance some of New Zealand’s most inspiring natural environments. Together we are on a global search for keen walkers to get amongst it and take on all of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks in nine weeks.
Our campaign to make laws safer for pedestrians gets NZ Herald coverage.
I can't believe how useful this iPhone application is. Anywhere in NZ I can take a photo of the street problem (car on path, overhanging trees), write a description the phone uses GPS to tell where I am. Press REPORT and it will send it to the council in charge of that area. And it works well.
A must use for any walking advocate
GetAcross is a campaign that has been lobbying and advocating for cyclists and walkers to get across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. LSA have been involved in supporting Getacross since its beginning. Its is a great project and will transform the way people use the bridge and connect our communities. Most importantly it will give a transport choice in these uncertain times.
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.
We want more people walking and enjoying public spaces be they young or old, fast or slow, whether walking, sitting, commuting, shopping, between appointments, or out on the streets for exercise, for leisure or for pleasure.
