Walking

Walking is recognised as an important transport mode that is easily accessible, reliable and affordable.          
Trips made by walking do not contribute to air and noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, non-renewable energy consumption, traffic congestion and parking demand.
Trips made by walking also benefit people's health and wellbeing.
Planning for walking is an essential part of the Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy 2007-2016. This strategy seeks to improve safety and level of service for pedestrians and to increase the number of trips made by walking in our region.

The Regional Walking Plan, adopted by the Regional Transport Committee in October 2008, identifies a range of strategic actions and initiatives that should be implemented in the region to help achieve the desired outcomes in the Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS).

Actions include:
- Improve the pedestrian network
- Improve pedestrian access to railway stations
- Provide for pedestrians in land development
- Encourage walking to school
- Influence central government policy
- Seek adequate funding
- Facilitate information sharing
- Promote the wider benefits of walking
- Improve information for walking
- Improve walking connections between local networks

RLTS 2020  targets
The RLTS 2020 strategic targets of particular relevance to the Regional Walking Plan are:
- Active modes account for at least 16% of region-wide journey to work trips (13% in 2006)
- Fewer than 125 pedestrians injured in the region per annum (117 injured in 2009)
- 95% of people report a 'good' or 'neither good nor bad' level of service for the strategic pedestrian network (88% in 2008)