A footpath network is an integrated, cohesive set of protected footpaths, suitable for all ages and abilities, enabling people to walk to any destination in Yarra.

Benefits

A footpath network would deliver the following benefits:

Yarra Footpath Network

Yarra’s footpath network should consist of good footpaths in 30 km/h Low Traffic Neighbourhoods that lead to much wider footpaths on access streets and shopping streets. 

Superblocks surrounded by shopping streets. Image credit: Streets Alive Yarra and Google Maps.

Footpath width

Footpaths on many streets in Yarra are too narrow or too sloping, and should be widened and levelled. Best practice footpaths provide sufficient width so people can walk side by side, or pass others. The required width increases as a function of traffic, as described by the NSW Walking Space Guide:

Image credit: Transport for NSW Walking Space Guide
Image credit: Transport for NSW Walking Space Guide

Footpath continuity

Yarra’s footpath network should include continuous footpaths (also called continuous footways or raised threshold treatments) on shopping streets and access streets, when they cross minor side streets.

Image credit: Robert Weetman

Quality paving

Yarra’s population is now high enough to justify using quality paving on all footpaths. Quality paving is visually differentiated from asphalt, thus indicating priority for people walking, and resists moving or cracking (from reactive soils or tree roots). We already use high quality paving around some public transport stops – this should be extended to all footpaths.

Quality paving at bus stop at Punt/Swan. Image credit: Streets Alive Yarra.

Yarra policy

Yarra has adopted a Transport Strategy which includes a New Deal for Walking, with a comprehensive list of actions. This is wonderful policy and we look forward to seeing it implemented.

Policy 3. Implement a New Deal for Walking – make the network suitable for all ages and abilities. A New Deal for Walking focuses on measures that maximise space to allow more people of all ages and abilities to walk around Yarra.

City of Yarra Transport Strategy.
Some of the actions for walking. Image credit: City of Yarra Transport Strategy.

Supporters

Supporters of a footpath network, including wider, clearer protected footpaths, include Victoria Walks and Strong Towns.

Image credit: Victoria Walks

Other information on footpaths

Learn more from our collection of pages on footpaths:

How you can help

You can help by appearing on the Streets Alive Yarra website as a champion for your local street, neighbourhood, or school.

Let’s build a beautiful, liveable and accessible city