Walking in NZ

Defining pedestrians in relation to footpath users, including anyone using skateboards, scooters and other similar devices.

Overview of New Zealand legislation covering pedestrians and the walking environment.

There are seven main benefits to walking, many of which overlap.

Seventeen percent of all trips are made by walking, mostly short trips. Walking trips are gradually being replaced by driving, especially for school journeys – with consequent impacts on population health.

Providing for walking is an important part of the Safe System approach. Keeping people safe on the network requires all participants (educators, street designers, regulators, etc) to focus on continuous improvement.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for people of all ages, but especially the elderly. While a large percentage of falls occur on stairs and inside buildings or homes, pedestrians walking or jogging on footpaths, stepping off kerbs and crossing roadways also fall.