A Step in the Right Direction

A pedestrian strategy is being developed by the City Council to increase numbers of people walking, both as a way of getting around and for health and recreation. The Council caters for pedestrian needs in many ways - footpaths, lighting, pedestrian areas, parks, walkways - but there is presently no co-ordination of pedestrian provision and no defined process to achieve the Council's goal of being a pedestrian-friendly city.

The draft strategy (submission document) is available for community input between 1 November 1999 and 17 December 1999. Views of the wider Christchurch community are being sought to ensure the strategy will cover the needs of residents.

The Council is seeking answers to the following key questions:

• How easy is it to move around Christchurch as a pedestrian?

• Are there any barriers to moving around the City as a pedestrian?

• What facilities and improvements would make it easier to move around Christchurch as a pedestrian?

• How can more people be encouraged to walk around the City?

• How should pedestrian needs and facilities be balanced with the needs of other road users?

• What provision or facilities are needed for schools and other institutions for pedestrian safety and access?

• How should information on pedestrian rights and responsibilities be publicised?

Copies of the submission document are available for viewing at libraries and service centres. To obtain your own copy please contact (stephanie.styles@ccc.govt.nz) Stephanie Styles, Christchurch City Council, phone 941 8292, fax 941 8789 or http://www.ccc.govt.nz .