Living Streets Aotearoa

Living Streets Aotearoa is the national walkability advocacy organization in New Zealand, dedicated to promoting walking-friendly communities throughout the country. Established to advocate for the interests and safety of pedestrians, Living Streets Aotearoa works towards creating environments that are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities to walk and engage in active modes of transportation.

History

Living Streets Aotearoa was formed in response to the growing need for a national body that could represent the interests of pedestrians and advocate for improved walkability in urban and rural areas across New Zealand. The organization has been instrumental in raising awareness about the benefits of walking, both for individual health and as a sustainable mode of transport, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.

Objectives

The primary objectives of Living Streets Aotearoa include:

• Advocating for the development and maintenance of safe, accessible walking paths and infrastructure.
• Promoting the health, environmental, and social benefits of walking.
• Working with local and national government bodies to incorporate pedestrian-friendly policies and practices in urban planning and development.
• Encouraging communities to participate in walking activities and to consider walking as a primary mode of transport.

Activities

Living Streets Aotearoa engages in a variety of activities to achieve its objectives, including:

• Organizing events and campaigns to promote walking, such as Walk2Work Day.
• Providing resources and support to local groups and individuals advocating for better walking conditions in their communities.
• Conducting research and publishing reports on walkability and pedestrian issues.
• Collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to improve walkability and pedestrian safety.

Impact

Through its advocacy and initiatives, Living Streets Aotearoa has made significant contributions to improving walkability in New Zealand. The organization's efforts have led to the development of more pedestrian-friendly policies and infrastructure projects, increased public awareness of the benefits of walking, and a greater emphasis on the needs of pedestrians in urban planning and transport policy.

Challenges

Despite its successes, Living Streets Aotearoa faces ongoing challenges, including:

• Ensuring that pedestrian infrastructure is maintained and improved, especially in rapidly growing urban areas.
• Addressing the safety concerns that deter people from walking, such as traffic dangers and poorly designed pedestrian spaces.
• Overcoming the perception that walking is less convenient or desirable than other forms of transport.

See Also

• Walkability
• Urban planning
• Sustainable transport
• Pedestrian safety