What are the problems?
Vehicles blocking pavements
Junctions difficult to cross
Safety fears on isolated paths
Dog excreta and litter
Heavy traffic on key roads
Poor signs and directions
Moving people around the district on foot in a safe and efficient way is a major part of the Government strategy to encourage better health.
Possible solutions –
- Promote “walk share” for those who would rather not walk alone
- Encourage employers to provide showers and lockers for walking employees
- Encourage employers to offer walking allowances instead of car mileage payments
- CCTV and emergency phones along routes which require improved safety
- Improved strategic crossing facilities with short pedestrian waiting times
- Maintain all footpaths and pavements to a high quality and ensure they are treated in adverse weather conditions
- Provide high quality maps with distances and walking times as well as giving direction
- Provide maps which adopt a “head up” approach, which means orientation matching the users view
- Advertise & deliver pedestrian safety training in schools and colleges, workplaces, and to members of the public
- Offer incentives to get people started, e.g. lunch vouchers, folding umbrellas, etc
Development of Lancaster District’s cycle network has opened up routes for walkers, although there are still many areas which need developing – e.g. White Lund.
Complete all of the missing linkages in the Draft Lancaster District Walking Strategy 2004 and include connections to - Lancaster Royal Infirmary, Lancaster Station, Lune Industrial Estate, Mossgate, Heysham.
Case study – Bristol
The Bristol Legible City Initiative was conceived by Bristol City Council in 1996. It’s projects include direction signs, on-street information panels with city and area maps, plus printed walking maps. The pedestrian signing system helps visitors find their way around the city centre and encourages people to explore on foot or using public transport. These projects communicate the city consistently and effectively to visitors and residents alike. Attention to detail ensures the information is accurate, in the right place, at the right time, and provides continuity. The Development Team visualised a number of characters and their journeys at the planning stage, to be sure they were meeting the users needs. Support teams have evolved to ensure that legible services continue to be up to date and cleanliness of displays maintained.