Providing for pedestrians
The Department of Transport and Main Roads makes provision for pedestrians on state-controlled roads.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Local Government Association of Queensland Inc.* have agreed to share the cost for works on state-controlled roads. This agreement acknowledges that roads do not exist in isolation and recognises the needs of local government and the department.
Local governments
Councils need to provide safe and accessible pedestrian facilities to accommodate all pedestrians, including those with mobility difficulties. Councils can also play a role by encouraging people to walk more often, particularly for short trips.
In order to assist pedestrians, local councils can:
- identify route networks with important or potential pedestrian flows such as to the central business district, schools, hospitals and other amenities
- conduct walking audits, especially in areas of high pedestrian use
- identify potential solutions based on these audits such as:
- traffic calming
- reducing the design speed of roads to create a more welcoming walking environment
- reducing or relocating car parking which encourages private vehicle use
- wider pavements
- raising the road to footpath level at crossings
- adding or upgrading pedestrian crossings
- adding signposting, seats, bins, and good lighting
- measures to cater for pedestrians with mobility difficulties, such as dropped kerbs, tactile paving and audio-tactile push buttons
- adding trees and other shade, water bubblers, small gardens, and public art to create an attractive environment
- enforce penalties for footpath parking
- provide high quality maintenance
- make information on popular walking routes available to the public.
Walking audits
A walking audit allows a council or community to identify barriers to walking safely and more often. Walking audits should consider:
- whether a route is high use
- whether a route connects major services and business areas such as between major transit stations and shopping or office precincts
- whether the footpath is:
- wide enough to cope comfortably with the level of use
- well maintained
- free of obstructions
- attractively landscaped and free of litter
- features for pedestrians with mobility/visibility difficulties
- appropriate signage along the route
- location and types of crossings.
PedBikeTrans*, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Transport Institute of Australasia, is currently developing a set of guidelines for government, consultants and community groups to undertake audits of their streetscapes for pedestrian use.
The Queensland Police Service safety audit program is designed to help people make communities safer by reducing opportunities for crime.
Facilities
The Roads Planning and Design Manual, Chapter 5: Traffic Parameters and Human Factors provides information on the departmental standards and guidelines relating to the planning and design of pedestrian facilities.
Other guidelines for pedestrian facilities include Part 10: Pedestrian Control and Protection of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)* is a way of using the built environment to reduce crime. It can be considered in the provision of facilities which serve the needs of pedestrians and decrease opportunities for crime. The rationale is based on the concept that built environments and public spaces can be designed to encourage desired behaviours. All new pedestrian facilities should be designed with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles in mind.
Funding
Many government agencies provide funding and grants that can be used by local councils and community organisations to improve and provide pedestrian facilities. A list of programs that could be used to fund walking facilities can be found in the cycling section.
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