Melbourne Papers
Quality for people
Lars Gemzoe, Architect M.A.A. Senior Lecturer of Urban Design, Centre for Public Space Research/Realdania Research.
Summary: A set of quality criteria for the design of pedestrian places and networks - with people in mind ... More
Signal design for pedestrians as if they were thinking adults
Malcolm Daff, Bridget Cramphorn, Sinclair Knight Merz
Summary: This paper outlines a new model of pedestrian behaviour in which pedestrians make choices between different objectives when they choose when and where to cross roads and railway lines. These objectives involve minimising walking distance, minimising delay and minimising the chance of being hit. Drawing on detailed video based studies of many thousands of pedestrians at rail and road crossings the authors explain why pedestrians behave in ways signal designers find mystifying or stupid. It asserts that the common practice of showing a red signal to pedestrians when most pedestrians find it safe to cross leads to disrespect for the signal. Several hundred interviews of pedestrians administered just after they crossed roads and rail lines provide insight into their perceptions. Many pedestrians find that they can minimise delay and minimise walking distance by ignoring signals. This signalling practice leads to greater danger, rather than less danger because pedestrians will ignore red signals when it is really unsafe to cross. It concludes by calling for new designs of crossings of roads and rail lines that recognise the wide range in pedestrians’ abilities. ... More
Supportive environments for walking - from a state perspective to a national coordinated effort
Wendi Keech, Jenni Carr, National Heart Foundation of Australia (SA Division)
Summary: The Heart Foundation's National Walking Initiative focuses on encouraging Australians to walk as a form of recreation and, where appropriate, as a means of transport. There are significant cardiovascular health benefits associated with increased physical activity and walking is an inexpensive and accessible way for most Australians to increase their physical activity. Aim: To investigate and consider the social, individual and physical factors that support walking in communities, and make recommendations for key strategies to promote supportive environments for walking within the Heart Foundation's National Walking Initiative. Methodology, results and main conclusions: A component of the Walking Initiative is the Supportive Environments for Walking Project (SEW). The Heart Foundation is drawing on the experience and resources developed through the Supportive Environments for Physical Activity (SEPA) project. SEPA started in the South Australia Division in 1996 and has been further enhanced by the work of the Victorian Division more recently. ... More
Sustainability at a new pace
- challenges of developing a local government Pedestrian Strategy and promoting Cyclovias | Daniel Paez Manager - Cyclovia Group, Gordon Blake, Transport Project Officer Moreland City Council
Summary: Local governments in Australia have significant influence in the development of infrastructure for pedestrians. This is due to the fact that construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and open space areas are under the management of local authorities. Significant benefits could be achieved for pedestrians through the development of local policies and activities that support walking. This paper has two sections. The first section presents a description of the process used to develop the Moreland Pedestrian Strategy. The second section describes Moreland's experience with the Cyclovia, a community activity that promotes walking. Experience in Australia and elsewhere has demonstrated that developing pedestrian policies are difficult tasks. Agreement on outcomes that are relevant and applicable to the different areas within local councils is difficult. To overcome this, a particular methodology for the development of local pedestrian policies was developed. ... More
The change of public life from necessary to optional activities
Sia Kirknaes, Center for Public Space Research, School of Architecture, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
Summary: A fundamental change in public life from necessary to optional activities has happened in half a century. Before public life was dominated by necessary activities such as traffic, transport, trading activities etc - basically on foot and for many people the streets and squares were a workplace. These activity types occurred out of necessity and the quality of the public space had no greater influence the level of activity. ... More
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