Pedestrian Access Strategy 2010 - Victoria Walks

2. INTRODUCTIONThe importance of good pedestrian accessAlmost all trips contain a walking component, so good accessfor pedestrians to move about our cities and towns must be atthe heart of Victoria’s transport system.The Pedestrian Access Strategy builds on The VictorianTransport Plan (The VTP) and the Victorian Cycling Strategyto promote sustainable transport across the state.From a transport perspective, ‘walking’ is broadly definedto include people using wheelchairs, motorised ornon‐motorised scooters and wheeled devices such asskates and skateboards, and is to get to a destination,rather than for the walk itself.Shifting a greater share of travel to walking, and combiningwalking with public transport trips, is an effective way ofreducing congestion, transport emissions and increasingsocial interaction.The Pedestrian Access Strategy supports and encourageswalking for transport in Victoria not only to make our transportsystem more efficient and less environmentally damaging,but for the physical and social benefits walking brings.Partnerships with local government and other relevant partieswill be crucial in encouraging more Victorians to walk and inproviding pedestrian-friendly public spaces.“We enjoy walking to work because it lets usget to know our community, observe gardens,keep in tune with the seasons and meet all thecats, dogs and birds along the way. Walkingis a great stress breaker, not only is it goodexercise, it helps you prepare for the dayahead and wind down on the way home.”Pedestrian, Bendigo 112Sourced through Victoria Walks networks, 2010.The Pedestrian Access Strategy | Page 9 of 44 pages