Promotion of Walking in London Richard Smith Head of Business and Consultancy Services PIMMS Transfer Masterclass, 25 March 2009

Overview Introduction Central London example Wayfinding Promotional Campaigns Outer London example

Who are Living Streets? Living Streets is the UK charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk

What do we do in London? We influence policy makers We run walking campaigns and projects We support councils through training and consultancy support

Money for Walking? Mayor sets overall transport strategy Local councils bid for money each year from Transport for London Walking Budget £9M managed by TfL

Priority Walking Routes To shops Schools Public Transport Leisure, health and community facilities Also Strategic Walks Network

How is walking being promoted in central London? The Covent Garden Experience

Community Street Audit Evaluated quality of streets from the viewpoint of people on foot Facilitated walkabouts of area with small groups of local people Identified problems and solutions

Tourist, commercial and social hub in historic area High footfall day & night Loyal residents & businesses who want to have a say Community Street Audit Findings: Positives

Limited width and capacity Cluttered and variable condition Key Issues: Footways “This corner’s a real pig’s ear with all this fencing – you can’t get out”

Not catering for pedestrian desire lines Lack of dropped kerbs Key Issues: Crossings “Look at this – I wouldn’t want to be a pedestrian OR a driver here.”

Wayfinding provision not meeting visitors’ needs Alternative routes and attractions not well promoted Key Issues: Legibility

Give greater pedestrian priority Enhance alternative pedestrian routes Promote permeability to provide safe, pleasant, interesting, direct routes Key Audit Recommendations

How can you find your way? Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace?

Public Transport Journey Planner Walking is fastest 20 minutes Bus takes over 30 minutes

Route Map Directions Start Finish

Walking Planner Low pollution route option Fast, medium, slow speed CO2 Saving

New Wayfinding System Legible London Tested in central London Now also in outer London

Promoting Walking to the Public Public events, festivals, guided walks

Walking Works Living Streets campaign to promote walking to work Promoting Walking to Work

Aims of Walking Works Encourage employees to walk more as part of daily commute Help employers to promote walking Share best practice

Walk to Work Week - 27 Apr to 1 May Participants pledge to take part online

Challenges 1.Walk all or part way to work 2.Go on a walking meeting 3.Take a walk at lunch time 4.Walk with a friend 5.Walk all or part way home

The resources Promotional materials for sale Free materials to support challenges Online tool to support participation Press Launch of new research

Supporting Employers Walking Advice Maps Organised Walks Walking Buddies Workplace Audit

Walk to School Aim to get primary school children and parents to walk to school promotes regular physical exercise WOW Walk once a week

Walk to Secondary School (11-18) Encourage secondary school students to walk more Give students the skills to promote walking in their schools Share knowledge

Step Up Activities Campaign in a box Walking Zone Challenge Online Pedometer Game

Improving Walking Links in Outer London

What was good for improving walking links? Shops nearby Cluster of Schools & Children’s Centre Recreation Ground & Canal Temple

What was not working so well? Main road difficult to cross Poor access to housing estates, park and schools Canal towpath floods

88% for new canal bridge 72% for more estate access 80% would be more satisfied if Walking Links were better What did other residents think?

Improvements Before After Also new paths and gateways Improved crossing being investigated

Feedback “When I mentioned it a big smile came across the mum's face…much better… made the walk to school easier… The kids seemed to have more energy to run over the park...great exercise for all! “ "It's safe and I don't mind crossing it night or day. It's much better now "

Neighbourhood approach in Brent Community Street Audit Report has led to improvements Walking Map with school Area Travel Plan developed

Conclusion London is leading the way in promoting walking in the UK by funding infrastructure, information and campaigns Come to London Olympics 2012 on foot as an active spectator to see more.

Richard Smith Head of Business and Consultancy Services Living Streets Tel Thank You