The Impact of Walkable Towns on Daily Life
How much do you walk each week, and would you walk more if the infrastructure in your town allowed? A recent study by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania has revealed that regional Australians living in “walkable” towns walked 75 minutes more each week than those without access to footpaths. This finding highlights the importance of walkable environments in promoting physical activity and improving public health.
Verity Cleland, a senior author from the institute, explained that walkable towns are designed with footpaths and pedestrian access that make it easy for residents to move between home, work, public transport, and shops. She posed a critical question: “Are you able to get around easily on foot or a bike to get to the places you need to go, or do you run into dead ends?” According to her, connectivity is essential for creating walkable communities.
Beyond the health benefits, such as combating chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, Cleland pointed out that walkable towns could also help residents save money on fuel. For vulnerable members of the community, including children and those with mobility issues, safe and accessible footpaths are crucial to avoid walking on roads.
Historically, government planning has prioritized roads and driving over developing footpaths and other infrastructure. Cleland noted that in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a strong car-dominated mentality in urban planning. However, she emphasized the need for a cultural shift to encourage more people to walk.
Walking Trends in Victoria
The decline in walking distances in Victoria since the COVID pandemic has been highlighted by health promotion agency VicHealth. Their data shows that the average walking trip distance has dropped by nearly 30% since restrictions eased, from 820 metres pre-COVID to 586 metres. This trend underscores the need for continued investment in walkable infrastructure.
Warrnambool’s Efforts to Improve Walkability
One regional city working towards becoming more walkable is Warrnambool in south-west Victoria. The city has taken several steps to enhance its walkability, including adding numerous crossings in the CBD that give pedestrians right of way, lowering the speed limit to 40 km/h, and installing bike lanes. Additionally, the council is working on a major long-term plan to improve crossings, footpaths, and traffic flow in the city’s east, along with a project to build 1.7 km of footpaths in the west.
Warrnambool City Council Mayor Ben Blain described the latter project as the largest footpath initiative in 20 years, costing $534,000 with support from both the council and federal government. He stressed that making the CBD and surrounding suburbs more accessible by foot is a key priority but requires financial assistance.
Benefits of Walkable Communities
Jo Eady, a senior advisor at not-for-profit Victoria Walks, emphasized that walkable towns offer benefits beyond physical health. These include fostering a sense of community and belonging, boosting local economies, and providing environmental advantages. She suggested measures such as raised pedestrian crossings and ensuring accessibility to shops, services, and public spaces on foot.
Eady also highlighted the importance of lowering speed limits, citing a new study from the Monash University Accident Research Centre. The study found that reducing speed limits to 40 km/h can significantly improve road safety, especially for pedestrians. She added that people are more likely to walk to local shops, let children walk to school, or use bikes if they feel safe and protected from traffic.
Government Support for Active Transport
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning stated that it collaborates closely with local governments to improve active transport options across Victoria. Meanwhile, a federal government spokesperson mentioned the creation of a $100 million Active Transport Fund aimed at upgrading and building bicycle and walking pathways. This funding reflects a growing recognition of the importance of walkable infrastructure in enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable transportation.
