Guidelines on sustainable mobility : walkability and accessibility

Abstract

This is the third published guideline document, in a series of documents which are being published under the Resident First project headed by the Local Councils’ Association and endorsed by all Local Councils in Malta and Gozo. The document is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of walking to deliver better urban environmental quality and liveability in our towns and villages. The guide seeks to establish why and when walking should take priority and how walkability is part of a broader accessibility and connectivity strategy. It frames this discussion within well-established urban design parameters such as the walking distance model to guide future decision-making. The document gives an equal focus on the qualitative aspects that enhance the walking experience. It provides an on-the-ground understanding of the various types of pedestrian infrastructure, from fully pedestrianised routes to segregated pavements, and the design principles for each. This publication is intended to guide Local Councils in planning, designing and promoting safe walking environments, and identifies tools for improving the walking environment. As first steps in increasing walkability in our localities, the Local Council Association together with the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and in coordination with Transport Malta and the Ministry for Transport, infrastructure and Capital Projects are working together with a number of Local Councils on temporary measures to make sure this mobility is safe, sustainable, healthy and efficient. The project is referred to as Slow Streets. The aim is to promote walking, cycling and public transport, in parallel with other educational campaigns to avoid unnecessary vehicle travel. To achieve this, some safe walking corridors within every locality have been identified that will connect shops, churches and piazzas, schools, primary health centres, gardens and play areas. Albeit its temporary nature, Slow Streets is the largest and most comprehensive pedestrian study in the form of 250km interconnected routes that can potentially extend to a permanent masterplan network of safe walkways and low-stress biking to slow traffic and create safer streets. This document focuses on permanent transformations even though some temporary solutions are presented as a way of reaching the goal of having permanently walkable and accessible societies. Together with four other published guideline documents, within the same series of documents, this publication aims to establish and maintain sustainable mobility on Malta and Gozo.