This annual global event, organised by the World Car-free Network, encourages people in more than 1,5000 cities to change to socially and environmentally sustainable methods of transport.
Persuasive evidence about the storm and drought impacts of Climate Change, caused partly by rising greenhouse gases from transport, coupled with the obesity epidemic, make this day even more relevant in 2008.
At the end of a very successful NZ Walking conference, Living Street Aotearoa members expressed dismay at the lack of funding announced in the Government Policy Statement committed to improving the walking environment.
Walking has been overlooked in favour of Think Big transport projects for too long.
"We are under-whelmed by the targets and funding" Ms Wade-Brown said in a closing address to the delegates in Auckland.
Celia Wade-Brown says "Let's look at the Great Harbour Way and plan for its implementation sooner than later."
A wide scenic route from Wellington to Hutt would be terrific for recreation and commuting.
It's shameful that tourists coming off the ferry from South Island can't cycle or walk along our magnificent harbour in either direction.
Wellington has a lovely waterfront and Petone's foreshore is attractive but there is an ABYSS between.
Living Streets Aotearoa says the recent Ministry of Health report A Portrait of Health is an indictment of New Zealand's urban form and transport options.
Fewer than half of children aged 5 to 14 years use active transport (walk, run, cycle, scoot or skate) to get to school.
"The journey to school offers an easy way to be active and forms the active transport habit early", says Councillor Celia Wade-Brown. Children can also get exercise by walking part of the journey to the bus or train.
Living Streets Aotearoa President, Celia Wade-Brown, says the Government's proposal to ban hand held phones is welcome but doesn't go far enough.
"It's not just the physical distraction, it's the sense of the driver being absent from the real driving situation. Trying to catch a driver's eye as a turning cyclist or pedestrian waiting at a crossing is MUCH more difficult if the driver's on the phone."
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.
