Walking is the most space-efficient form of transport and makes the best use our streets.
The figure below shows the space used by each mode of transport. This can enable a conversation about space being used in the best way possible, particularly when space constraints are an issue in growing towns and cities.
Repurposing street space for more efficient travel modes increases the total street capacity; refer to the Global Street Design Guide for a useful comparison of car oriented versus multi modal streets.[2]
Traffic in urban areas, and the consequent economic cost, is a central consideration for assessing various modes of transport. A study commissioned by the Waka Kotahi estimates costs of congestion to be in the region $1.25 billion per annum.[3]
A shift to more walking or riding, particularly for short journeys during peak periods, could improve the capacity of our transport systems:
[1] Stadt Wien. (2015). STEP 2025 - Thematic Concept - Urban mobility plan Vienna(external link) - Short report
[2] NACTO. (2015). Global street design guide(external link)
[3] Ian Wallis Associates Ltd, Wellington. (2013). The costs of congestion reappraised Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Research Report 489.
[4] Department of Infrastructure and Transport. (2013). Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport(external link)
[5] Litman, T. (2017). Congestion Reduction Strategies. Victoria Transport Policy Institute(external link). Accessed 1 April 2020
[6] Summary provided in personal communication, see also Donovan, S. (2018). Transport Outcomes and Location Choice. MOT Knowledge Hub(external link) Accessed 1 April 2020
[7] Bento, Antonio M., Cropper, Maureen L. et al. (2005). The effects of urban spatial structure on travel demand in the United States. The Review of Economics and Statistics 87(3): 466-478
[8] Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. (2014). BCA Strategic Options Toolkit [PDF, 1.2 MB] Second edition.