Greens Launch Walking Policy

On Thursday the Greens launched a pedestrian policy that included a range of practical initiatives for improving conditions for people walking in Brisbane city and suburbs. Click on the link below to read the range of initiatives the Greens have proposed. If you have any ideas for where pedestrian facilities need to be improved then please add your comments below.

Brisbane Greens’ Pedestrian Policy
Walking and cycling are the healthiest and most efficient modes of transport. They also have little to no impact on the environment. Unfortunately pedestrians are extremely disadvantaged by Brisbane’s transport system. For example, at signalised intersections pedestrians often have to wait the longest and it is not unusual for them to have to use two (and sometimes three) crossings just to get across one road, while vehicles only have to use one. The Greens are the only party committed to a fair balance between pedestrians and other travellers.

Picture - 1 road but 3 crossings to walk to the bus stop, Rode Rd

Green initiatives

Wide footpaths (>2m) with shading to be mandatory in new development.

Picture: Park Road, Milton

High priority on maintaining the existing footpath network by keeping street trees trimmed and repairing cracks.

Picture: Tree obstructing footpath: Grantson St, Windsor

Fill in gaps in the existing footpath network.


Picture: Disappearing footpath – Water Street, Spring Hill






Increase the frequency and length of pedestrian signals at intersections.


Picture: Long walk, short signal - Gipps and Wickham, Fortitude Valley




Give pedestrians auto-green (don’t need to press button) at well-used intersections.





Warn then fine people and businesses for blocking footpaths.


Picture: Weekly blockage – Bowen St, Spring Hill



Ensure all construction sites make safe and convenient access provisions for pedestrians

Picture: Tight squeeze – Village Twin, Brunswick Street




Install signage and footpath/roadway markings to ensure vehicles entering driveways to houses, shops, car parks etc. give way to pedestrians on the footpath.

Picture: Clear signage to indicate when pedestrians have right of way


Repaint faded zebra crossings and install fluorescent signs and road markings to signal changed traffic conditions. Public education on proper use of zebra crossings.

Picture: Well-designed Zebra on Edward



Reduce motor vehicle speeds to 40km/hr on busy pedestrian streets such as Edward (between Adelaide and Elizabeth) and Elizabeth (between George and Creek)

Picture: Start of Safe Shopping Zone on Elizabeth Street (corner of George)

Mid block breezeways and arcades to be accommodated in new development, particularly in the CBD. Height concessions (where appropriate) may be provided in exchange.

Picture: Breezeway between Queen and Elizabeth Streets, next to GPO

Comments

[Tim]

These are some brilliant ideas. It is good to see the Greens taking positive action for pedestrians so that we can truly enjoy walking our streets in safety.

[no-car-brisbane]

3 terrible examples below:

1. Inequitable traffic light timing: Too often a couple of hundred pedestrians are made to wait before crossing a CBD intersection, whilst a mere dozen single-occupancy vehicles rush through. (Think Edward Street at its junctions with Anne, Adelaide and Queen Streets.)

2. Bikeways and footpaths that are interrupted by busy roads with no pedestrian / cyclist right of way. (Two particularly poor examples are on Kedron Brook bikeway, intersected by Shaw Road and Melton Road at two exceptionally busy sections.)

3. Convoluted pedestrian routes across major arterial roads. (One particularly laughable example is crossing Gympie Road at its junction with Murphy Road. A pedestrian must cross a zebra crossing and wait at three sets of traffic lights to cross one road. What should be a 30 metre crossings becomes a 150m hike which can take up to 5 minutes.)

[Juli]

I don't drive, I cycle, walk or catch public transport but I don't always feel very safe doing this.
There seems to be a bad attitude to giving way to pedestrians. I feel very unsafe crossing at zebra crossings because of the number of times cars have simply not stopped. Also left turning lanes at traffic lights should have "give way to pedestrian" signage at the dotted line, only the odd person gives way and on a busy road this is very frustrating as it can take a long time to cross. Shopping centers need to plan for safer pedestrian access for people who walk in.
Education for drivers on sharing with pedestrians and cyclists. I have heard the view that cyclists should not be on the road and jokes about target practice that stem from ignorance.