A new due to be released on 14 June draws together comprehensive evidence showing that investment in the walking environment really pays off.

The report, Making the Case for Investment in the Walking Environment, has been commissioned and published by Living Streets, the national charity working to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets. Researched by a multi-disciplinary team of experts from the University of the West of England and Cavill Associates, Making the Case for Investment in the Walking Environment brings together and evaluates the multiple health, economic, social and environmental benefits of investment in walking friendly public spaces. It draws on inspiring case studies of schemes which have resulted in safer and more attractive public places in neighbourhoods and city centres in the UK and elsewhere.

Key findings include:

•    Investing in walking environments can support local economies by increasing footfall, improving accessibility and attracting new business and events
•    Investment in the walking environment is likely to be of equal or better value for money than other transport projects
•    Retailers and residents express a willingness to pay for improvements to the walking environment, while good quality public realm increases the value of both residential and commercial property
•    Residents of walking friendly neighbourhoods are less likely to be depressed or to have poor mental or physical health
•    People walk more when they feel their neighbourhood is safe, well maintained and lively, while increased walking in a neighbourhood is associated with better perceptions of safety and greater social interaction

Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said:

“We all know the benefits of walking for our health, wellbeing and the environment.  And we know that more people will walk when they have good quality, safe and convenient places to walk in.  Too often, decision makers do not prioritise using public finances to invest in walking friendly places.  That’s why we wanted to bring together the evidence on all the benefits of good walking environments- to say clearly that investment pays for itself many times over. Improving streets and neighbourhoods clearly improves the look and desirability of an area, but also has a positive impact on safety, can help revitalise local economies, and get people more active."

“One of the most striking findings of this report is the positive impact of walking-friendly environments on local economies – showing that improving the public realm should be a key part of any local economic development and regeneration plans. In terms of value for money, improvement schemes score very well against other initiatives – and bring such a wide range of other benefits ranging from increasing physical activity, improving safety, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality."

“We hope this report will help all those with influence over spending decisions to prioritise improvements on the streets we all use every day; confident that this investment will more than pay for itself”

Making the Case for Investment in the Walking Environment is being launched at the Living Streets conference ‘Creating Healthy, Successful Streets and Communities’ on 14 June 2011. For more information or to register your interest in attending the conference, please visit www.livingstreets.org.uk.


Notes to editors:

For an advanced preview of the report, please contact Anna Powell anna.powell@livingstreets.org.uk

Journalists are invited to attend the conference on 14 June. Please contact Anna Powell on 020 7377 4914 or email  anna.powell@livingstreets.org.uk to register your interest. If you have an out of office hours media enquiry, please call 07545 209865.

Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk. We have been the national voice for pedestrians throughout our 80 year history. In the early years, our campaigning led to the introduction of the driving test, pedestrian crossings and 30mph speed limits. Since then our ambition has grown. Today we influence decision makers nationally and locally, run successful projects to encourage people to walk, and provide specialist consultancy services to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions, improve public health, and make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.