The City of Sydney is planning to make certain streets in the north of the Sydney CBD more walkable. This is a very promising step forward. Soon, two new Metro train stations will open in this part of the city. Along with other major projects nearby, this will lead to even more people on footContinue reading “Improvements coming for Sydney CBD”
Author Archives: Owen
Halloween in our streets
In Australian suburban streets, Halloween is the day that shows us what is possible. Neighbourhoods become places where people take priority over cars. On this day, people get to see what a truly walkable suburb looks like, as throngs of families flood their local streets to explore, admire decorations, door knock, catch up and eatContinue reading “Halloween in our streets”
The Little Streets of Melbourne
The popular laneways of Melbourne are being redesigned for people on foot. (Walk this way: Melbourne’s little streets to be transformed into pedestrian paradise, The Age, 12 Dec 2020) These iconic thoroughfares are part of its identity, and are a notable experience for those looking to dine, shop, live or work in the CBD. TheyContinue reading “The Little Streets of Melbourne”
National Road Safety Week
We need to make road safety a major conversation. This conversation involves all of us: how can we make our roads safe for everyone? National Road Safety Week is May 16-23, 2021 and a great time to expand the public discussion. This occasion lines up with the UN’s Global Road Safety Week, where the themeContinue reading “National Road Safety Week”
Safer crossings in Randwick
Randwick Council has announced new and upgraded pedestrian crossings in Sydney’s east. These improvements are centred around schools and the surrounding streets and is supported by NSW stimulus funding.
A better Bondi
Waverley Council is in the final stages of making Notts Ave, next to Bondi Beach, walkable. Notts Ave overlooks Bondi Beach at the south end, and has many people walking along it each year, as it is the starting point for the world famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. It used to have a narrowContinue reading “A better Bondi”
Triangles
Pedestrian islands exist at intersections only to maximise the flow of cars. To reduce the number of cars that have to make a sharp left turn, slip lanes are sometimes installed, so some cars don’t wait at a red light. This leaves people on foot having to cross the slip lane, then wait on aContinue reading “Triangles”
Taxing traffic for a good cause
There has been significant discussion about congestion charging recently. The Grattan Institute has proposed charging vehicles a toll to enter or leave the CBD at certain hours. A congestion charge provides benefits for people in vehicles. Less time would be wasted in slow traffic for those driving. It is a fairer system for paying toContinue reading “Taxing traffic for a good cause”
Submission: Clovelly Road Masterplan
WalkSydney is pleased to make a submission on the Clovelly Road Masterplan. WalkSydney is a community group working to make it easier, safer and more pleasant to walk in Sydney. With a growing population we need to ensure people can easily walk to public transport, local shops and services, and shared transport options. Clovelly RdContinue reading “Submission: Clovelly Road Masterplan”
Walking events of Sydney
You can do some amazing walks in Sydney. They are major attractions, and are rightfully marketed to the world. Think of the Blue Mountains, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and most places around Sydney Harbour. These places attract thousands, even millions, of visitors annually. We also have the walks we have built: looking outContinue reading “Walking events of Sydney”
How cycleways benefit pedestrians
Each time a new cycleway is built, it is not just people on bikes who benefit. Pedestrians benefit too. Firstly, more dedicated cycleways means that people can ride in a space that is not the main roadway and not the footpath. Creating this third space gives the footpath back to people walking, particularly in placesContinue reading “How cycleways benefit pedestrians”
The language of transport matters
The words we use to describe a situation can influence how that situation is perceived. “Vehicle accident” means some wheeled transport had some bad luck. It implies that no-one is to blame. Whereas “car crash” reminds us there was sudden, unplanned stop by a car, and something was damaged. Possibly someone was injured. Steps areContinue reading “The language of transport matters”
South of Bondi Beach – Part 2
Doing nothing is easier than making constructive change. So credit must be given to Waverley Council for taking action on unsafe Notts Avenue in Bondi. The problems with this street were outlined in this earlier post. This street sees over a million people travel along it each year: around 99% are walking and around 1%Continue reading “South of Bondi Beach – Part 2”
Two people walk to Surry Hills
Many people walk along Moore Park Rd, then onto Fitzroy St and Foveaux St. This route is used by thousands of people after the football or cricket at the Sydney Football Stadium, as they head to the restaurants and pubs of Surry Hills or down to Central train station. Also, during weekdays, many Sydneysiders walkContinue reading “Two people walk to Surry Hills”
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up Street Clutter
In Australia, people usually don’t park cars on footpaths. We know its not acceptable. Yet some individuals and organisations think that it is okay to clutter up the space for pedestrians. Pavement clutter includes Telstra payphones, signs with multiple poles, temporary electronic boards, rubbish skips and parked motorbikes. These items should be either placed onContinue reading “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up Street Clutter”
The cutting edge of where we walk
Kerb ramps (or kerb cuts) are critical for letting all people cross the road. If you have a pram, walker, wheelchair, mobility scooter or wheeled luggage, they let you safely descend from the pavement to the carriageway (road surface). This means the majority of people will need kerb ramps at some stage of their life.Continue reading “The cutting edge of where we walk”
We need to talk about prams
Most of us walk by ourselves on two feet, and don’t think much about doing so. But if you travel around a city pushing a pram, there are challenges to face. There are tree roots creating bumps in pavements. There are large changes in height when getting on and off certain buses and trains. ThereContinue reading “We need to talk about prams”
South of Bondi Beach
Sydney is fortunate to have some amazing drawcard venues for tourists, that are also much appreciated by the locals. It is puzzling that we spend millions on marketing, yet invest little in accessing them. One example of poor access is next to the major visitor destination of Bondi Beach. Right at the south end theContinue reading “South of Bondi Beach”
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