Pavements, Parking and the Pedestrian Pound: Catherine Woodhead and Emma Griffin on Why Walking Matters

Episode: Walking Festival Special Recorded at: London National Park City Visitor Centre, Mortimer Street Host: Michael ShillingGuests: Catherine Woodhead, CEO, Living Streets Emma Griffin, Co-founder, FootwaysEpisode Summary: A National Walking Month special exploring the state of walking in London and beyond. Catherine Woodhead shares the near-100-year history of Living Streets and its current campaigns around school streets, women's safety and pavement parking. Emma Griffin makes the case for strategic walking networks and shares findings from the Footways pilot project across five English cities and towns.Key Topics and Takeaways:Living Streets is approaching its centenary in 2029. The charity created the zebra crossing, contributed to the Highway Code and the introduction of drink driving offences.The Pedestrian Pound (third edition) demonstrates the economic value of walkable high streets. A monthly market closure in Swansea drew 3,000 people per day and led to new shop openings.Walk to School Week runs 18-22 May with a secret agents theme. 130 London schools signed up so far. Happy Shoes Day falls on the Tuesday.Walk Out on 29 May encourages women to walk for themselves, not just for errands or other people. Nine out of ten women and girls feel unsafe walking in the dark.Pavement parking prohibition is moving forward in England, following Scotland's lead. Transport Minister Lillian Greenwood confirmed moves towards giving local authorities the power to act.Footways' pilot project across five English cities and towns has produced findings around walking network hierarchies: strategic routes (train stations, hospitals, workplaces), secondary routes (GP surgeries, schools), and wider networks.Side road zebras are being trialled in Westminster. They are inexpensive, do not require Belisha beacons, and reinforce pedestrian priority at side road junctions.Central London's walking conditions have been transformed by connected improvements: Seven Dials, Holborn, Covent Garden, Mansion House. Bank Junction and a Regent's Park to St James's Park route are currently under consultation.Links:livingstreets.org.uk livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school livingstreets.org.uk/walkout footways.londonlondonwalkingfestival.comCredits:Do London Differently is a London National Park City podcast. Hosted by Michael Shilling. Recorded at the London National Park City Visitor Centre, Mortimer Street.Explore more London National Park City Podcasts