Prioritising pedestrians for more physically active communities

Improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, fostering a vibrant community and planning for the future were priorities the City of Charlies Sturt Council sought to address in a road reconstruction project in Grange.

Understanding local insights would be invaluable, the council actively sought input from residents and local businesses. Through a series of roundtables, drop-in sessions, and online engagement, the community's voice became the guiding force.

Streetscapes Project Delivery Officer, Mike Blackie, highlighted the transformative power of this close collaboration.

"The outcomes of our initial consultation clearly showed there was a preference to prioritise pedestrians in the upgrades to improve liveability, amenity and safety along the precinct," Mike said.

"Roundabouts and wide intersections with small refuge islands are notoriously difficult for people to cross the road, by giving people priority over drivers it helps improve pedestrian safety and access, enabling more people to walk for recreation and transport."

As a result, wider verges and a wombat crossing were included adjacent businesses and zebra crossing, including new lightning, were included on all side roads.

Initial concerns from local businesses about reduced parking were met with transparent discussions. By emphasising the project's focus on community wellbeing and precinct vibrancy, the council was able to build greater acceptance of the project’s focus on pedestrians.

As part of ongoing improvement efforts, a parking and traffic survey will evaluate the impact of pedestrian-oriented treatments, reinforcing the commitment to a more active and connected community.

Find out more

City of Charles Sturt
Mike Blackie, Project Delivery Officer – Streetscapes Projects
Email: mblackie@charlessturt.sa.gov.au