First Step Towards A Pedestrian Network Strategy For Launceston.

Greens Alderman and Deputy Mayoral candidate, Jeremy Ball, today marked ‘Walk To Work Day’ by announcing he has listed a Notice of Motion to be debated at Launceston City Council (LCC) this coming Monday, October 5, calling for LCC to produce a scoping report on the development of a Launceston Pedestrian Network Strategy.

Alderman Ball, who took part in Active Launceston’s ‘Walk To Work Day’ event this morning, said that making Launceston a more walkable city was a pathway to healthier outcomes for residents, easier navigation for tourists and an economic boost to businesses.

“This motion on Monday is asking Council to start formally investigating the development of a Pedestrian Network Strategy for Launceston which is going to be of benefit to locals, tourists and businesses.”  Alderman Ball said.

“When Danish urban design expert Jan Gehl recently visited Launceston he said that making any city more walkable had huge advantages.

“His work in Melbourne saw pedestrian friendly infrastructure boost daytime foot traffic by 40% and night time foot traffic by 100%.

“In Launceston we are beginning to develop recreational trails and heritage trails, and more and more tourists can be seen wandering around our historic city, so now is the time for proper strategic planning and the development of an interlinked pedestrian network.” Ald Ball said.

“There are also those who walk out of necessity, so this strategy could identify the easiest and safest routes to the CBD and back and provide shade, shelter and perhaps drinking fountains or other infrastructure on those routes to make it more comfortable for pedestrians.

“You could even have small signs that gave a rough estimate in minutes or hours of a one way or return trip, so people could plan their time accordingly.

“I hope other Aldermen support this proposal, as making Launceston a more walkable city makes good social, economic and environmental sense.”

Below is the text of Alderman Ball’s motion to LCC to be debated on Monday October 5 2009 which can also be found Here and is agenda item 11.1

RECOMMENDATION:
That Council drafts a report scoping the development of a Launceston Pedestrian Network Strategy, with a view to providing a strategic framework to inform the development of any planned pedestrian routes, including, but not limited to; tourist trails, urban and suburban routes, recreational walks, historic walks and routes between key local destinations.
Greens Alderman Jeremy Ball Candidate for Deputy Mayor (LCC)