‘Living Streets’ For Christchurch

Recently the Christchurch City Council undertook a study on traffic calming options. The study stemmed from dissatisfaction caused by measures such as speed humps being used to calm traffic in streets. The idea of ‘Living Streets’ resulted from the study.

There is a common assumption that streets are designed for cars and those cars should therefore be given priority. The principle of the ‘Living Streets’ approach is that streets, particularly local streets, should be designed with priority given to community interaction, creating places where residents, pedestrians and cyclists have at least equality with cars.

What does this mean for you? It means that when streets are designed they are not dominated by cars but have a balance of green areas, adequate footpaths and traffic safety measures.

They may include public art, children’s play areas or street furniture, depending on the requirements of the surrounding neighbourhood. In Charleston, many people already walk and cycle, giving even more reason to try something innovative and more effective in the area, resulting in a better quality residential environment.

Contact: Lucas Sikiotis
Ph: 941 8614