What price walking?

Abstract

Walking is an important means of local transport, yet it is generally neglected as such despite several major studies produced over the last 20 years. This article reviews the problems faced by pedestrians, reflecting the way that transport policy only values car travel. Public authorities in Britain are now starting to address alternative means of travel, but generally they are not looking at the need for environmentally‐friendly transport now aimed for in the European Union's Common Transport Policy. Britain also falls short of the best practice elsewhere in Europe, especially in the Netherlands. The article draws on experience from the European mainland to recommend principles for developing policies and providing an effective network for pedestrians.