The first 2017 New Zealand Walking Summit is only one week away on 28 July in Wellington, New Zealand. This exciting opportunity for those with an interest in walking will explore the theme of 'how to make New Zealand a world leading walking place'.
Ben Wooliscroft will be the keynote speaker asking the big questions about "Why can't we walk?". Ben will report on two national surveys (total sample over 4000) on transportation in New Zealand and New Zealander's appetite for active transportation, with a focus on walking. There is clearly demand for safe, comfortable and walkable cities in New Zealand. This new research is part of the Transport Indicators work project of the Ministry of Transport, part of which looks at travel behaviour and transport choices.
Ben Wooliscroft is the Associate Dean Research in the Otago Business School, University of Otago based in Dunedin. His research focuses on sustainable business, ethical consumption and active transportation. Throughout his research is the theme of quality of life and justice.
Being election year we have some political parties stepping up to share their ideas on how to make walking work in New Zealand. Julie Anne Genter from the Greens, Kris Faafoi from Labour and Geoff Simmons from The Opportunity Party talk walking.
Tom Platt from Living Streets UK will open the day sharing the latest developments in the UK and how the great London transport strategy came to life. Ben Rossiter from Victoria Walks in Australia will share the issues and progress that is being made in Melbourne and Victoria.
And there will be time to workshop on three important topics for walking
- promoting walking
- public transport and walking
- and vehicles and clutter off footpaths please - keeping pedestrian space safe and pleasant for pedestrians.
We will also have time to reflect on what we have seen, heard and discussed during the day with our wrap up panel discussion.
Why should you come to the NZ Walking Summit? We all need to take urgent action on climate change, and pedestrian friendly design and walking must be part of the solution to meet the necessary zero GHG emissions. We all need to address our serious health issues of both pedestrian safety and inactivity. Recent reports on both show that we can, and must, do much better. We need to accommodate a growing population including significant numbers of older people - how can we design for young and old alike? And saving the best reason til last, walking is just fun and a great way to get out and be part of our communities.
Register today for the limited spaces left at the NZ Walking Summit.