The move to prioritisation of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is very positive. There is currently one measure proposed to support changes to full pedestrianisation of streets: Measure WALK7 - Pedestrianisation. It would be beneficial to have an additional measure similar to that for WALK7 that accommodates change of street use to cycling and walking:
Propose:
The NTA will support local authorities in the removal of private car traffic from streets and change of use to a walking and cycling route where there are benefits to transport and/or the local environment and/or the local economy.
The measure should ideally also include benefits to 'active travel connectivity'.
With regard to Measure WALK2 – Improved Footpaths, this measure will have maximum impact where it is initially targeted at priority streets - such as routes to schools or other key services. In my area of Celbridge there are very narrow paths that children and parents struggle with to get to school and these should be prioritised over general path improvements. In other words, a basic level of accessibility and usability should be achieved across an urban area for priority routes although these can require major infrastructural investments.
In general, the Strategy would benefit from taking a child's view of active travel transport routes. Where transport routes and options in an area are safe and accessibility for children as well as parents with infants and disabled persons it is likely to be successful for the community in general.
Measure WALK4 – Crossing Times. It would be beneficial to implement smart junction lights at all locations where appropriate to provide greater priorisation to pedestrians and cyclists, facilitate efficiencies in movement and reduced emissions.