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National Examples

Case studies, practical guides and evidence about the benefits of walking neighbourhoods

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Throughout Britain and beyond there are many examples of projects and initiatives that have made neighbourhoods better for walking.  These case studies describe briefly some of the improvements that have been achieved and how the work was done, in the hope that it will provide inspiration for others. Further ideas, practical guides and evidence about the benefits of walking neighbourhoods can be found here.

Walk 21

Walk21 is the international charity dedicated to ensuring the right to walk and opportunity to enjoy it is supported and encouraged for everyone across the world. There are a growing number of excellent resources that can help steer the delivery of good quality walkability and encourage more people to walk.

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Town and Country Planning Association - Green Infrastructure research database

A database of documents, case-studies, videos, tools and other information about green infrastructure and its benefits.

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Place Alliance

The Ladder of Place Quality
A tool for decision-makers to use when considering the quality of places.

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Public Health England – Improving access to green spaces

An evidence review was commissioned by PHE, intended primarily for directors of public health, public health teams and local authorities.

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20mph Zones, Bristol

Introduce traffic calming measures

The introduction of 20mph zones across Bristol has reduced average speed on roads and has been estimated to save more than four lives a year and prevented 170 injuries, saving £15m a year, since 2014.

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High Street Pedestrianisation, Croydon

Trial schemes that put pedestrians first

Croydon High Street is set to become a pedestrian zone after a successful trial lasting many months. During the trial, the street played host to a free programme of music, dance and theatre performances, as well as a play street and screenings of Wimbledon

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New Road, Brighton

Design successful shared spaces

Brighton’s New Road is England’s first shared space street where cars are welcome but pedestrians have priority. According to the designers (Gehl), traffic levels have dropped by 93%, the number of pedestrians has increased by 62%, and there has been a 600% increase in lingering activities. 86% of people would like to see more areas like New Road in the city.

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Replacing car parking spaces with trees, Amsterdam

Discourage car travel and green the environment

The city of Amsterdam recently announced plans to remove around 1,500 car parking spaces in the city every year until 2025. As room for cars is removed, it will be replaced by trees, bike parking, and wider sidewalks.

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Public London Charter

Protect the accessibility and character of the public realm

The draft new London Plan - the spatial development strategy for London - includes a commitment to create a charter regulating the management of privately owned public spaces. The Charter will set out rights and responsibilities for both users and owners of public spaces, public or private and will be created to address concerns about the increase in private management of previously public spaces.

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