WalkSydney

When we think about great streets, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The streets people remember and enjoy most are rarely defined by cars or traffic. They are places where people feel comfortable walking, riding their bike, meeting neighbours and friends, visiting local shops and spending time outside.

The challenge for many communities is not convincing people that walking or riding your bike are good ideas. Most people already understand the health, environmental and social benefits. The real challenge is creating streets where people feel safe, comfortable and welcome enough to do so, as part of their everyday lives.

The good news is that the ingredients of a great walking street are often the same as those that encourage more people to ride their bikes.

Safety Comes First

For many people, the decision to walk or ride is largely determined by how safe a street feels.

60% Chance of surviving if hit by a car at 40km/hr (Safer Speeds on Local Streets Report , Source: Common Cause Australia & Victoria Walks)

Busy roads, high traffic speeds and difficult crossings can create barriers for people of all ages. Parents may be reluctant to let children walk or cycle independently, while older people and less confident riders may avoid certain routes altogether.

By contrast, streets with lower vehicle speeds, safe crossings and clear visibility create environments where more people feel comfortable moving around. These improvements benefit everyone, whether they are walking to the local shops, riding to school or simply crossing the road to visit a neighbour.

When people feel safe, they are more likely to choose walking or riding a bike for short everyday trips.

Connections Matter

People do not experience streets as individual projects or pieces of infrastructure. They experience complete journeys.

A beautifully designed footpath or cycleway has limited value if it ends abruptly, requires unnecessary detours or does not connect to places people actually want to go. Good streets provide direct, easy-to-understand connections between homes and everyday destinations such as schools, parks, shops, public transport, community facilities and local centres.

The simplest trips are often the most important. When it becomes easier to walk or ride to nearby destinations, people gain greater independence and communities become more connected.

Streets Are Places, Not Just Routes

The most successful streets do more than move people. They create places where people want to be.

Trees, shade, seating, things to see and do all contribute to a better street experience. These features encourage people to slow down, spend time outdoors and interact with others. Importantly, they also make walking and riding a bike more enjoyable. A shaded street with interesting things to see and do will always feel more inviting than a wide road dominated by fast-moving cars.

Small Details Make a Big Difference

Often, it is the smaller elements that determine whether people choose to walk or ride a bike.

Safe crossing points, good lighting, clear wayfinding and places to rest can make walking easier and more attractive. Secure bicycle parking near shops, schools and public transport helps make cycling a practical choice for everyday trips.

While these details may seem modest compared to major infrastructure projects, together they create a more comfortable and convenient experience for everyone.

Designing for Everyone

Perhaps the greatest test of a street is whether it works for the people who are most vulnerable or least confident.

A child walking to school, an older person using a mobility aid, a parent pushing a pram or someone riding a bicycle for the first time all experience a street differently from a confident commuter and a person driving.

When streets are designed with these users in mind, they tend to work better for everyone. They become safer, more inclusive and more welcoming places that support a wide range of everyday activities.

Creating Better Streets, Creating Better Communities

Encouraging more walking and cycling is not really about footpaths, crossings or bike lanes in isolation. It is about creating streets that people genuinely want to use.

When streets feel safe, connected and inviting, more people choose to spend time outdoors, visit local businesses, connect with neighbours and make short trips on foot or by bike. Communities become healthier, more vibrant and more resilient.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: to create streets that prioritise people, support everyday life and offer genuine choices about how we move around our neighbourhoods.

Because when a street works well for walking and cycling, it usually works better for everyone.

Finally, these principles are neither expensive nor difficult to implement, and it is highly unlikely the community will oppose them. Remember  to consider, include, and encourage them in every project you help move forward.