Austroads has released a report which provides up-to-date guidance on pedestrian planning and design which is deemed in line with national and international best practice, and it builds from examples in UK, Canada, USA, and Australia.

A key message from the review of international best practices is that cities are striving to be more walkable to encourage healthy, inclusive communities. As a result, there is an increasing emphasis on walking, and often as part of a focus that is wider than simply transport but is part of urban planning.

“Walking is a critical component of our existing transport system and will undoubtedly continue to be so in the future. As such, it is critical to continuously improve the Austroads guidance to better consider pedestrian movement”

Richard Delplace (Program Manager Transport Network Operations

Eight themes were identified to drive the guidance update, including:

• introducing the concepts of ‘walkability’ and ‘network accessibility’ as key transport planning tools
• better recognising walking as a mode of transport and the footpath as an important part of the road cross section
• updating the different types of pedestrians and how to address their needs
• emphasising and embedding the characteristics of a good walking network and facility
• encouraging priority for pedestrians where appropriate
• reinforcing safety and personal security outcomes for pedestrians

A series of five webinars on the updated guidance presented by Abley consultants Jeanette Ward and Ann-Marie Head:

Road Space Allocation for Pedestrians, Tuesday 9 Feb 2021, 11:30 am–12:30 pm AEDT.

Midblock Crossings for Pedestrians, Friday 12 Feb 2021, 11:30 am–12:30 pm AEDT.

Pedestrian Planning and Design at Intersections, Tuesday 16 Feb 2021, 11:30 am–12:30 pm AEDT.

Pedestrian Planning and Design for Activity Centre, Monday 22 Feb 2021,11:30 am–12:30 pm AEDT.

Pedestrian Planning and Design for Residential Areas, Friday 26 Feb 2021,11:30 am–12:30 pm AEDT.

No charge but registration on the Austroads website is essential. The up-to-date guidance on pedestrian planning and design can be downloaded at this link.