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We represent walking for all Queenslanders

Common Walkability Issues

Footpaths

Note: we use the word footpath to describe the paved (with concrete, bitumen, or pavers) path, as opposed to the verge, which is the space between the streets or road and the property boundary

Footpaths are really important because they make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk. Unstable surfaces make it less safe for older people and very difficult for those with prams, white cane or wheelchair users. Sealed footpaths also provide a better walking surface in the rain.

Footpaths on both sides of the street provide options and means that people don’t have to cross to walk on a footpath. Busy areas should always have footpaths on both sides of the street.

Footpaths obstructions

Cars parked anywhere on the footpath or verge can obstruct walking, rolling or strolling, sometimes requiring a detour off the footpath or verge, and sometimes dangerously onto the road. For many people who use a wheelchair or push a pram, a car parked on a footpath can completely obstruct where they need to travel.

Even if cars aren’t parked over the footpath, their weight compresses the ground, making it harder for grass and tree roots to grow. It’s illegal throughout Queensland and we encourage you to report illegal footpath and verge parking to your local authority. 

People walking along a path and the footpath is blocked by a vehicle

Kerb ramps

Ramps make it safe and easy to get from the footpath and to comfortably cross the road; especially for those in a wheelchair or pushing a pram and for those who are less steady or confident on their feet.

Kerb ramps should (generally) be perpendicular to the gutter and point directly to another ramp across the street and be wide enough for busier areas. Kerb ramps shouldn’t be too steep so that they’re easily used by people in wheelchairs and walkers.

Speed Limits

Vehicle speed and fast traffic affect walking in three main ways:

  • The faster a vehicle is travelling, the more time it takes for a driver to react and stop. In other words, a faster car is more likely to hit someone or something.
  • The faster a vehicle is going if it hits someone, the more damage it’s likely to do.
  • People are less likely to walk near fast traffic because they feel unsafe. This means parents are less likely to encourage their kids to walk to school and don’t let their kids play near footpaths. Fast traffic also means that the area is often noisy, and what were once pleasant high streets for shopping are now generally unpleasant areas.

If you think the speed limit in your neighbourhood is too high, you can ask your local representative to ask for a review. This may be more successful if the area has high levels of people walking and/or cycling, called a High Active Transport User Area (HATUA).

Traffic speeds can be regulated by changing the speed limit and signage, but changing the road environment (though things such as trees, kerb build outs, narrowing lanes) is more effective as people naturally drive slower in these areas.

Why can’t people just drive?

Not everyone has a driving licence, can drive, or is eligible to apply.

People under 17 aren’t legally allowed to drive. Some people have impairments or disabilities that prevent them from driving. Some people have had their licence suspended or revoked. Some people have never learned.

Some people don’t want to drive. They might prefer not to for various reasons, such as a desire to minimise their impact on the environment, to improve their health and be more active, or driving might be too stressful for them.

Some people can’t afford a car. When you add up repayments, insurance, fuel and maintenance, owning a car isn’t cheap. Unfortunately, most of our towns and cities have been built so that a car is a necessity for most people.

Our aim is to ensure that everyone can get around easily by walking, and easily walk to the bus or train so that they can travel longer distances.

Footpaths for people

Would you like to start a petition to improve walkability?

Queensland Walks can help you create a petition. Contact us to find out how we can help!

SAMPLE PETITION

Increase the budget for new footpaths and associated infrastructure

Increase the budget for new footpaths and associated infrastructure

Dear Councillor

You can add formatting using markdown syntax – read more


Queensland Walks members and friends
2 signatures = 4% of goal
0
50

Share this with your friends:

     

We call on you to review the current budget associated with footpaths in your ward / area. Footpaths are essential for people to get where they need to go, to school, to work and to support local businesses. We noticed that there is a very well maintained road in the street, but there is no way for our community to comfortably walk. People with a disability or parents with a pram are unable to easily get to the bus stop. As such, the footpaths are not adequate in [street / town/ suburb name] . We call on you to review the current footpath budgets, and increase the allocated budget for new footpaths, and the budgets for maintenance of footpaths in response to the walking, rolling and strolling needs of your residents, and to reduce the risk of fatality and injury and the overall safety for people who walk, roll and stroll.

We thank you for encouraging more people to be able to walk more every day, and allowing residents to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing through active and healthy lifestyles.

We look forward to your support for better walkability as we prepare for the 2032 Paralympic and Olympic Games.

Signatures we are trying to reach: 50

Signatures received: 2

A woman walks on the road at Lutwyche Bus Station due to the footpath being blocked

Improving conditions

Need to know who owns or manages a Queensland Road? Reporting a problem? 

Don’t walk past! Reporting issues and requesting maintenance helps improve walkability in your neighbourhood. 

Practical Resources

Queensland Walking Strategy 2019–2029: sets the direction to make walking an easy choice for everyone, every day over the next 10 years.

Action Plan for Walking 2019–2021: lists the practical actions we need to do right now to grow walking, to be updated every 2 years.

Walking in Queensland Report 2019: provides a snapshot of current levels of walking in Queensland and baseline measures for monitoring our progress towards achieving the vision to ‘make walking an easy choice for everyone, every day’.

Queensland Walks works closely with the following walking programs. Find out more, and register for free.

10,000 Steps 

Heart Foundation Walking 

Queensland Walks encourages more walk-friendly places and spaces.