Reallocation of road space

Until recently when he stepped back due to other commitments, I co-convened Perth Area Living Streets', a charity that campaigns for everyday walking with  Roger Humphry.   This post came about from our April 2021 newsletter explaining why reallocation of road space has been for key us.

Our focus was initially to try and reduce through traffic in parts of the city centre.  We had always agreed on a cornerstone of PALS’ philosophy: the reallocation of road space to people, community, commerce. The Bruntlett’s make the point that the Dutch bike culture is a byproduct of that process. Bikes then become just a quick, cheap and efficient way to get around.

Everything else becomes easier with the reallocation of space - less traffic, less noise, less pollution. Pavement clutter becomes less of an issue because there is more pavement space. There is more money to fix pavements because when there is less road space and fewer cars, less money is spent on damage to roads (and pavements) from cars. As soon as there is more space for people and non-motorised traffic, streetscapes look different, priorities and people’s expectations change. The city becomes a pleasant place to be, to walk around, to spend. A city for people, not traffic lets creative projects thrive and lets us better preserve and enjoy our local heritage which in turn contribute to the local economy. A healthy economy is also a byproduct of a sustainable city for people. The Living Streets report ‘The Pedestrian Pound’ makes this point.

Reallocation of road space remains key to Spaces for People, and a better environment for pedestrians and cyclists especially children. Children are particularly at risk of pollution. They are also the victims of traffic accidents while causing none of these problems.

There is currently huge social inequity in our streets. They do not in any way favour pedestrians and cyclists: in design, use and maintenance. I sometimes feel people are so used to this they do not see alternatives. I have tried to raise the issue of inequity with city councillors Peter Barrett and Andrew Parrott, most recently on the subject of winter gritting:

Cllr Barrettt said he did not think there was an issue of fairness. On gritting both councillors pushed the self-help option. Not easy if you're in your eighties and housebound & can't set foot out of the door without falling on ice.