Creating walkable places, whether it’s a street, neighbourhood or precinct relies on a combination of key elements that work together to support safe, inclusive and enjoyable walking experiences. The nine essential elements include: footpaths, crossings, connections, direction, protection, safety, amenity, accessibility and community.
These 9 elements are all interconnected and play a vital role in encouraging walking as a convenient and appealing choice for transport, exercise, recreation and social connection. When these elements are thoughtfully designed, implemented and maintained, they create environments where people of all ages and abilities can walk confidently and comfortably as part of everyday life.
A walkable place is a liveable place.
Footpaths
- Sealed, smooth, wide, and well-maintained footpaths encourage people to walk, roll or stroll
- Wide footpaths that accommodate walkers (2 people) and allow for passing
- Sealed footpath on at least one side of a neighbourhood road, and both sides of a main street
- Set back from the street and vehicle traffic where possible for safety and comfort
- Well maintained and clear of obstructions and hazards (ie. level surfaces, clear of overhanging vegetation, minimal clutter or trip hazards like e-scooters or parked vehicles, etc).
Crossings
- Safe street crossings facilitate safe walking environments
- Wombat Crossings – a raised priority crossing looks like a zebra crossing and features a hump like a wombat! *Raised priority crossings have a platform that is usually at the same level or ‘at-grade’ to the footpath, making it easier for older people, people with disability and children to navigate
- Pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings) prioritise pedestrians
- Kerb ramp (or pram ramp) – a ramp that gives access from a footpath to a roadway. *may include tactile indicators to warn users of an inclined surface
- Signalised crossings with audio and tactile features support people with vision or mobility challenges.
Connections
- Connected footpaths provide a continuous network and support people to walk to their desired location
- Enables multiple safe and interesting routes to everyday destinations like shops, schools, public transport, businesses, parks, etc.
- Makes walking convenient (direct paths), legible (ease to navigate), enjoyable (variety of route options), and time efficient
- Encourages exploration, daily activity and social connections.
Direction
- Well-designed signage and wayfinding systems enhance the walking experience by making it easier to navigate
- Clearly guides people to key destinations such as shops, transport, parks, and community facilities
- Inclusive signage supports people of all ages, abilities, and language backgrounds
- Signage can reflect the local area’s identity, history, architecture, culture, and unique character
- Provides time or distance markers (e.g. 5-, 10-, or 30-minute walks) to help people plan their journey and understand proximity.
Protection
- Shade trees and awnings improve the amenity and useability of walking paths, providing protection against the elements – sun, heat, rain
- Sheltered areas (natural shade or built shade – awnings, covered pathways, etc) offer rest and respite
- Covered paths provide comfortable walking conditions and encourage people to walk more often
- Shelter (natural or built) at public transport stops improves safety and comfort for people waiting
- Street trees and verge plants along footpaths and verges provide shade and aesthetic appeal.
Safety
- Safer road speeds reduce the risk and severity of crashes involving pedestrians and make walking feel safer
- Separated spaces between roads and footpaths (e.g. landscaped verges) enhances safety and comfort
- Raised crossings improves pedestrian visibility and signal priority at intersections and mid-block locations
- Quality lighting along walking paths, crossings, and public transport stops enables safe movement at all times of day
- Passive surveillance from buildings (e.g. windows and entrances facing the street) improves monitoring of public spaces
- Clear sightlines from trimmed landscaping and unobstructed footpaths and shelters reduce blind spots and improve visibility
- Regular pedestrian activity and community presence support a greater sense of safety through natural surveillance.
Amenity
- More people walking and using their cars less provides cleaner air, reduced traffic noise and higher quality walking environments
- Quiet streets, tree-lined walking paths, and diverse streetscapes create appealing and comfortable walking environments
- Shade and seating along walking paths makes walking enjoyable and accessible
- Seating positioned at regular intervals for rest stops and located in areas that support safety improves amenity
- Well maintained public spaces, including footpaths, parks and public transport stops contribute to a sense of order and safety
Acccessibility
- A walkable place designed for people of all ages, abilities, income levels, and backgrounds facilitates inclusion and equity
- Wide pathways accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, mobility aids, and multiple users
- Accessible crossings with reasonable signal timing, especially for older adults and people with disabilities
- Accessible pathways that connect key community destinations—such as parks, shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and public transportation—enhance livability
- A walkable and accessible neighbourhood is one where the essential and enjoyable destinations are within reasonable walking distance. eg 30 minutes or less
Community
- A walkable environment helps people feel more connected to their community
- Walkable streets invite chance encounters and spontaneous conversations, enhancing opportunities for community connection and belonging
- People take pride in their neighbourhoods, feel safe and connected when they have high quality walkable environments
- Lively, welcoming public spaces give people great places to walk to and spend time in
- Well-connected walking paths help link people to local places and to each other
Walk My Street
How walkable is your street? Let’s find out!
This check-up tool will help you to see what your streets already have in place and whether there are any improvements that will help the walkability.
