New Study Finds Regional Australians Walk More in 'Walkable' Towns

ABC South West Vic

Topic: Public Health

A new study shows that people who live in towns with good walking paths walk more than those who do not.

In short:

New research shows people in walkable towns walk 75 minutes more each week.

The study says governments should build more footpaths and make it easier for people to walk.

What's next?

A mayor in Victoria says councils need money to build footpaths because of rate caps.

How much do you walk each week, and would you walk more if your town had better paths?

New research from the Menzies Institute found that people in walkable towns walk 75 minutes more each week.

The Institute's senior author Verity Cleland said walkable towns have good paths and access that make it easy to walk.

Professor Cleland asked if people can get around easily on foot or bike to get to the places they need to go.

Walkable towns can help people's health and save them money on fuel.

Verity Cleland says walkable towns have good paths and access that make it easy to walk.

She said rural towns need safe paths so people are not forced to walk on roads.

Professor Cleland said governments used to prioritize roads over footpaths.

In the 60s and 70s, people prioritized cars when planning towns.

Warrnambool in Victoria has pedestrian crossings throughout the town.

Professor Cleland said people need to change their thinking to walk more.

The distance Victorians walk has decreased since the COVID pandemic.

Figures show that the average walking trip distance has dropped by nearly 30 per cent.

Councils need help funding footpaths

Warrnambool is working to be more walkable.

The council has added crossings and lowered the speed limit to 40km/h.

The council is working on a plan to improve crossings and footpaths.

Warrnambool's foreshore is a popular route for walkers and cyclists.

The council's footpath project will cost $534,000.

The mayor said making the town more walkable is a priority, but they need financial help.

Two feet and a heartbeat

Not-for-profit Victoria Walks said walkable towns have many benefits.

Towns can improve walkability by putting in raised crossings and accessible shops.

New research shows that lowering speed limits can improve pedestrian safety.

Lowering speed limits to 40 km/h can improve road safety.

People are more likely to walk if they feel safe from traffic.

The Victorian Department of Transport works with local governments to improve transport options.

The federal government has a $100 million Active Transport Fund.