National level

Walk2Work Day was celebrated this week by thousands of New Zealanders getting out on their feet (or in their wheelchair) and enjoying their daily trek to work, school or their daily activity. This special day is the national recognition of the important part walking plays in our lives, our urban fabric and our transport system. This year we highlighted the important, indeed essential, links between walking and public transport - they can not work without each other. Walking and use of public transport is the way to extend the range of your journey and carry those awkward packages.

I recently sent this letter to Minister Nick Smith following some comments from him about urban design and footpaths. High quality urban design that encourages walkable neighbourhoods around public transport nodes is essential for the future or our cities. Good urban design makes economic sense both for individuals and communities as a whole.

Here is the letter I sent. I will post the response when it arrives.

Andy Smith - Living Streets Aotearoa President

This report is from the Ministry of Transport

http://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Research/Documents/Pedestria...

and last months road crash stats

http://www.transport.govt.nz/research/roadcrashstatistics/monthlyovervie...

Living Streets Aotearoa e-bulletin

 December  2014

Feel like you should be in two different places this Christmas. This photo is a real direction board from Oakley Creek Auckland (don't ask).