Pedestrian first: Hong Kong think tank Civic Exchange plans meeting to encourage the humble art of walking
Walk21 conference will seek ways to shift priority from road vehicles in a bid to promote cleaner air and better health
What mode of transport creates virtually no emissions, requires no room to park, keeps you fit, is free and can even get you home legally after a few drinks?
One’s own two legs, according to Civic Exchange.
The Hong Kong think tank is organising Asia’s first ever conference on walking and integrated mobility, with the aim of further promoting the world’s cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to get around.
READ MORE: Transform Des Voeux Road into pedestrian-tram green zone, Hong Kong planners urge
Transport and urban planning policies that integrate more walking could improve the city’s air quality and ease traffic woes and close the distance between pedestrians and public space, says the non-profit organisation, which is planning the city’s Walk21 conference in October.
Other benefits a more walkable environment could bring include better health, greater social inclusion and community well-being.
“In this city, a lot of urban planning is conducted with road vehicles being the main priority rather than putting people first,” said chief research officer Simon Ng Ka-wing.
“We have a very efficient public transport system and many people already walk in transit. But the question is how can a government actually make walking more attractive?”
The think tank cited cities such as Vienna and New York, which have been able to successfully integrate their transport networks and roads with pedestrianised zones, wide boulevards, cycling and commercial and public spaces.
Calls for “pedestrian- first” planning is not new to Hong Kong. In 2014, the Institute of Planners floated a well-received proposal to turn busy Des Voeux Road in Central into a tree-lined, tram-only zone so that pedestrians and office workers could breathe cleaner air.
Civic Exchange is in the process of inviting stakeholders such as planners, academics and developers to participate in the conference. High-level local officials including transport and housing chief Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung have pledged to attend.
Founded in 2000, the UK-based Walk21 has organised 16 conferences around the world.
