Chapter II: The theoretical basis

Pedestrian movement

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Closely associated with the quality of the environment is freedom of pedestrian movement. The simple act of walking plays an indispensable part in the transport system of any town. There is nothing fanciful in this statement. Walking accounts for many medium-distance movements, virtually all the final distribution from bus stops and car parks, and a vast amount of casual coming and going. Nor is it to be discounted as a medium for the carriage of goods. It is therefore common sense that pedestrian movement should be enabled to take place in reasonable comfort and safety, and this can be said without appearing to be telling people what is good for their health. Walking is also an integral part of many other matters, such as looking in shop windows, admiring the scene, or talking to people. In all, it does not seem to be far from the truth that the freedom with which a person can walk about and look around is a very useful guide to the civilised quality of an urban area. Judged against this standard, many of our towns now seem to leave a great deal to be desired.