Trolley Tips
Fresh Foods
Action
About Us
© Copyright 2012 Nutrition And Activity Programme, Nelson/Marlborough, New Zealand | web design by baby-e & SWW | Log in
So you want to save the world … on your feet!
Humanity can solve three of its biggest problems just by walking, according to world-renowned non-motorised transport expert Rodney Tolley who was in Nelson/Marlborough this month.
“Around the world we are faced with problems of obesity, peak oil and climate change – all of those things are lining up to say decrease your dependence on motorised vehicles and use our feet more to be individually healthier and to develop healthier communities as well.”
In other words, looking at your feet might actually provide an answer.
While some dismiss Dr Tolley’s words as just more ‘green speak’, governments, planners and councils are taking them very seriously – including our local councils.
Dr Tolley travelled to the region to work with Nelson City Council officials to improve walking linkages around the city centre.
And following on for his NPA funded audit of Blenheim last year, we asked Dr Tolley to conduct a similar survey of the Picton town centre and his report will be provided to the Marlborough District Council.
“I looked at a standard range of things – footpath quality, things on the footpath – signs, lights, seating, shading, public art, amenities, and also issues of ability to cross roads and get to where you want to go,” he said.
He has been travelling from his UK base to work with Australian and NZ officials for the past 10 years and has noticed a fundamental shift in thinking about the importance of walking.
“Fifteen years ago you could have argued this was a green agenda, but it’s mainstream now with regards to what councils are doing,” Dr Tolley said.
“I ask councils: ‘do you want safe streets? Beautiful streets, environmental sustainability, economic vitality, a healthy population.’
“These issues are so powerful in driving public decisions that we’ve seen a tremendous change in attitudes.
“Walking is absolutely essential for us to live sustainable, economic viable lives.
“Ten years ago this might have been seen as radical – but things are changing now.”
And the driver of change is simple common sense.
“Walking is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other,” he said.
“But it’s fundamental to our human nature. If you think about it, it’s the first thing you want to do as a child and last thing want to give up as an adult.
“It’s something we value very much as humans but unfortunately over last 60 years, we’ve allowed it to become subservient to travelling in cars.
“In some centres, it’s become extremely difficult to walk out your front door. Some people walk out, see traffic, difficult crossings, or their destination is too far away, and they’re forced to use a car whether they want to or not.
“We’ve created this absurd situation where something fundamental is extremely difficult to do in modern life.”