Why investing in walking pays off in many ways

Every kilometre walked generates a number of social benefits. This is mainly due to the health benefits of walking. Walking is also good for the local economy: Sales increase in traffic-calmed streets, and city centres become more attractive.

VCÖ-Factsheet "Why investing in walking pays off in many ways" PDF-Download

Walking is the cheapest and healthiest way to travel. In 1950, walking was the main mode of transport in Austria, accounting for 69 per cent of journeys. Only five per cent of journeys were made by car. By 2020, the share of car journeys in Austria has increased almost twelve-fold to 59 per cent. Only 17 per cent of journeys are now made on foot.1,2 The Austrian Master Plan for Walking 2030 sets out the goal of increasing the share of walking in Austria to 20 per cent by 2030.3 A number of measures are needed to achieve this.  

Cars often used for walking-distance journeys

The share of walking as the main mode of transport varies between the federal provinces. Outside Vienna, it ranges from 13 per cent in Carinthia to 21 per cent in Tyrol.4 The potential for more walking in Austria is huge, as many car journeys are made for short, walkable distances. For example, one in four journeys under one kilometre is made by car.4 By improving the walking infrastructure, implementing traffic-calming measures and providing incentives, many short journeys can be made on foot rather than by car.

Businesses often underestimate the importance of shoppers on foot and overestimate the importance of those who arrive by car as their main mode of transport.

Great importance for young and old alike

Walking is the most common mode of transport in Austria. Three quarters of the Austrian population walk more than 250 metres every day.5 Leisure, shopping and school trips on foot are particularly common. Walking is very important for children and the elderly, with one in four journeys made on foot. Women walk about 21 per cent of their daily journeys, while men walk only about 14 per cent.4

Walking under-represented in surveys

In standard modal split surveys, only one main mode of transport is assigned to each journey. This means that the true share of walking is systematically underestimated. Including short distances such as walking to or from public transport or from car to destination, the actual share of walking in all journeys made in Austria is 45 per cent.3 Accessibility within walking distance is particularly important for the use of public transport and sharing services. Walking must be given greater consideration in transport planning to promote climate-friendly mobility.

Economic importance is underestimated

Many lines of business benefit from walking. The gross value added of walking as a mode of transport in Austria is about 564 million euros per year. The largest share is attributable to the sectors directly related to walking, such as pavement construction, gardening and landscaping. Walking creates about 6,300 direct, indirect and induced jobs. This is roughly equivalent to the jobs created by the veterinary field.6

Benefits go far beyond added value

The value added figures do not even factor in external effects. These include, in particular, the positive effects in the health-care sector, but also in the rest of the economy, in terms of lower costs or higher productivity resulting from health-enhancing physical activity.7 For example, active commuting has an impact on the number of sick days. Employees who regularly walk to work take an average of two days less sick leave per year than those who commute by car.8

Health benefits of walking every day

Just under a quarter of the Austrian population aged 18 to 65 meets the World Health Organization‘s recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.9,10 Physical inactivity costs of up to 2.4 billion euros arise in Austria each year.11 By walking briskly for 20 minutes a day, a significant amount of the recommended physical activity could be integrated into the daily routine.12 You can cover a distance of around two kilometres on a brisk 20-minute walk. However, only half of the population report at least ten minutes of walking as part of their daily routine.13 The potential for more walking in everyday life is therefore huge. The destination of around one in ten car journeys is within easy walking distance.4

More steps associated with lower mortality

In countries where people actively walk or cycle a lot, such as Switzerland, fewer people suffer from obesity.14 A study has analysed how the average daily step count over a period of seven years affects the mortality risk. The results suggest that for every additional 1,000 steps taken per day over seven years, the risk of mortality decreases exponentially by 15 per cent across all age groups.15

The social benefits of walking

A cost-benefit analysis of the external effects on the environment, climate, congestion, health and accidents shows that walking generates an average social benefit of 37 cents per kilometre, mainly due to its health benefits.16

Pedestrian zone improves public space and encourages walking

Munich’s Sendlinger Strasse was transformed from a car-dominated street into a car-free pedestrian zone to improve the quality of stay and shopping experience. A successful test phase was followed by conversion measures in 2017: Parking spaces were reduced, trees planted, accessibility improved and street furniture installed. Access is restricted to residents with a private parking space, delivery traffic and people with a severely-disabled pass between 10:30 pm and 10:15 am. A study has shown positive effects: 78 per cent of businesses reported stable or increased sales, 82 per cent of respondents said that the street was more enjoyable, and up to 67 per cent more people visited on foot on Saturdays.27

More footfall means more sales

Walkers spend less on average per purchase than those travelling by car, but they go shopping more often.17 Traffic calming results in more people strolling by shops.18 This in turn increases sales figures. A study has shown that a boost in footfall results in a medium-term increase in retail sales of between 10 and 15 per cent.19 The link between sales and footfall is also underlined by a study conducted by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, which estimates the additional spending per pedestrian on Vienna‘s shopping streets at 27 euros.20,21

Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure upgrades neighbourhoods

A traffic-calmed and green environment for pedestrians can also enhance the value of residential neighbourhoods. To ensure that low-income people are not displaced as property values rise, it is essential that walking infrastructure is improved throughout the area.22 The city of Pontevedra in Spain is an example of how a city that focuses on walking can improve quality of life and attract new residents. The city centre was redesigned to prioritise walking, parking spaces were removed and car traffic has been restricted to residents, delivery services and public transport. More than 12,000 people have moved to Pontevedra since its redevelopment, and the once stagnant city is now thriving.23,24

Walking infrastructure influences the acceptable walking distance.

Willingness to walk depends on environment

Individual fitness and health, the purpose of the journey, the means of transport available and personal attitudes are factors that determine how far a person is willing to walk.25 However, a study has shown that the more walkable a city is, the higher the level of daily physical activity.26 Walking infrastructure is also essential for smaller towns to ensure a vibrant town centre and good access to public transport.

Maximise advantages with infrastructure

Acceptable walking distances also depend on external factors. These include the attractiveness of the neighbourhood, the quality of pavements, shopping facilities along the way, road crossings and the slope of the terrain. In traffic-calmed areas, people are willing to accept significantly longer walking distances to public transport.25

Encourage walking through attractive infrastructure

Young and old, towns, cities and businesses can all benefit from the health and economic benefits of walking. Ample space for walking and an attractive, accessible environment with short distances, signage, greenery, shade and seating will encourage walking. Traffic calming that prioritises walking will not only ensure safe and independent mobility for all age groups, but will also contribute to more liveable streets and a thriving economy. Additional measures and incentives to encourage a shift away from car use will benefit walking. These include, for example, parking management, as well as awareness-raising activities aimed at specific target groups.

Implementing measures at local level

Walking should be considered an integral part of climate-friendly mobility. Austria’s Master Plan for Walking 2030 describes 50 measures to increase the proportion of walking in Austria. They include infrastructure measures, improved nationwide coordination, pedestrian-friendly spatial planning and mobility management, as well as awareness-raising initiatives. Many of these measures are within the remit of municipalities, which are supported in implementing walking measures by funding programmes such as klimaaktiv mobil. Dedicated walking officers are needed to initiate and drive forward implementation, especially in small municipalities.

VCÖ recommendations

Cities and municipalities: Create an attractive walking environment

  • Make room for walking: Pavements should be at least two metres wide; bins, e-charging points and traffic signs should not be placed on the pavement.
  • Calm traffic with structural measures and 30 km/h speed limits, implement pedestrian zones and shared space.
  • Create vibrant town centres with leisure and shopping facilities. Ensure that shopping centres are accessible on foot.
  • Prioritise pedestrian routes when building or refurbishing.
  • Encourage active mobility through parking management.
  • Communicate the benefits of the measures to target groups.

Businesses: Promote walking

  • Implement mobility management and incentives to encourage more workers and customers to walk.
  • Ensure accessibility on foot and by public transport when selecting sites and improve existing services.

See walking as an opportunity for health promotion

  • Change your mobility habits. Make exercise part of your daily life by walking short distances.

Katharina Jaschinsky, VCÖ ‑ Mobilität mit Zukunft

„By providing ample space for walking and creating an attractive, traffic-calmed environment, we improve people‘s mobility and health and strengthen the local businesses.“

VCÖ-Factsheet "Why investing in walking pays off in many ways" PDF-Download


VCÖ is responsible for the content and editing of the VCÖ factsheet. The content does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the supporting institutions. This factsheet was financed by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology and supported by the federal provinces of Upper Austria, Styria and Tyrol.

Klimaaktiv mobil advises and supports relevant stakeholders, decision-makers and investors in the development and implementation of climate-friendly measures in the transport sector. Info: klimaaktivmobil.at


Sources

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