News / walking
Creating a pedestrian environment that is safe and convenient for all
A newly revised booklet from Bristol Walking Alliance sets out ways to improve our city’s walking environment.
The booklet, 50 Ways to Better Walking, hopes to remind policy makers and others of the action needed to create a pedestrian environment “that is welcoming, safe and convenient for all”.
BWA members will try to give one copy of the booklet to every Bristol councillor as they walk into City Hall ahead of a full council meeting on Tuesday.
is needed now More than ever
BWA chair Alan Morris said: “50 Ways to Better Walking sets out how to achieve the walking-related actions adopted in Bristol’s 2019 Transport Strategy.
“We include measures that need political commitment and funding, and actions for businesses, communities and individuals too.”
The booklet is a revised version of the booklet released in 2019, with Morris saying that it was important to bring it up to date “to reflect the latest policies and guidance”.
The updated booklet also reflects positive changes such as more School Streets and the commitment to Liveable Neighbourhoods; as well as worsening problems such as the flooding of underpasses.
Morris said: “We look forward to working with everyone involved, especially Bristol City Council, to achieve our ambition of making Bristol the best city for walking in the world.”
Navigating Bristol by foot sometimes feels like a game of ‘Total Wipeout’ – photo: Ellie Pipe
Ed Plowden, chair of the transport & connectivity committee, said: “ I found the first edition of 50 Ways to Better Walking a useful source of inspiration and I hope it provided many people in Bristol with a reminder of how important walking is.
“I am delighted that the Bristol Walking Alliance has revised it just as our new committee system gives us new opportunities to take action for the good of the city across the whole range of the council’s work and across all political parties.
“We have already taken action in line with some of the booklet’s proposals, notably in our commitment to developing a Kerbside and Parking Strategy and a second Liveable Neighbourhood in south Bristol.”
The newly opened Old Market Gap scheme makes walking and cycling much safer – photo: Martin Booth
In related news, six councillors have accepted an invitation from BWA to become walking champions within their political parties.
The six councillors are Graham Morris (Tory); Andrew Brown (Lib Dem); Katja Hornchen (Lab); and Lorraine Francis, Lisa Stone and Christine Townsend (Green).
In a joint statement, the new walking champions said: “All political parties are committed to encouraging walking as the healthiest and most sustainable form of transport.
“We welcome this updated account of 50 ways to transform walking in Bristol. We will do our best to make sure the City Council and others take action.”
Lisa Stone added: “As a member of the Woman’s Commission, I have been inspired by the booklet. The booklet highlights the need to improve the safety of our street so that walking can be accessible for everybody.
“This booklet helps to tackle and break down the barriers to walking in our city. I would encourage everybody to read it.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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