Department for Transport has called for evidence on measures to boost walking and cycling. Read London Living Streets’ argument for why walking is better for shorter journeys.
Living Streets Walking Summit
The Living Streets annual Walking Summit was a huge success with lively discussion and inspirational presentations from speakers including:
- Chris Boardman, former cycling world champion and Greater Manchester’s first walking and cycling commissioner;
- Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner;
- Pascal Smet, minister of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region for Mobility and Public Works;
- Lucy Saunders, developer of the Healthy Streets approach;
- Lynda Addison OBE, Chair CIHT Sustainable Transport panel
- and London Living Streets’ Brenda Puech and David Harrison.
Recordings of the main sessions are available on the Living Streets website. More material will follow.
Draft National Planning Policy Framework endorses walking
This week Prime Minister, Theresa May, launched the new National Planning Policy Framework. The main focus is housing, but there is a welcome mention of active travel.
Paragraph 105 states that, forthwith, planning policies should “minimise the number and length of journeys needed for employment, shopping, leisure, education and other activities” and “provide for high-quality walking and cycling networks and supporting facilities such as cycle parking – drawing on Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans”.
However, there are concerns that strategic plans could be weaker on health and wellbeing, and on adherence to the provisions of the Climate Act 2008.
You have until May 10 to respond.
City of London calls for responses to Transport Strategy
The City of London Corporation is keen to get views on its long term Transport Strategy. Fill in the survey and be bold in asking for a major reallocation of road space to pedestrians and cyclists, and closing many roads to through-traffic.
Also, see the amazing research the City has undertaken that reveals that pedestrians make up over 50% of people on streets in the City, but gain only 9% of street space.
Street myths and misconceptions
Not everyone agrees that walking, cycling or public transport are the best way to get around London. Here we tackle some common myths and misconceptions about streets, traffic and public space that are preventing people looking beyond the automobile to see a more democratic, open and liveable version of urban life.
Click on the myths below and comment in order to contribute to the discussion. Let us know about more myths that need debunking.
- Streets were designed for cars and movement. They are not places to enjoy.
- I don’t have time to walk or use public transport.
- Public transport is for losers.
- Cutting traffic is bad for business.
- Cutting space for cars will increase congestion and pollution.
- Walking is fine in Inner London, but people need to drive further out.
- Cycling safety deserves greater focus than pedestrian safety.
- This isn’t Amsterdam. London is different.
- Improvements for walkers and cyclists only help the middle classes.
Author: Emma Griffin, Hackney resident, writer and London Living Streets campaigner intricateminglings.com
The journey begins
London Living Streets is made up of volunteers and individuals interested in making London’s streets healthy, safe and more enjoyable. We hope this blog will bring together views and comment from across our wide network. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch.
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