Leading experts on how walking can help bolster a city’s health and sustainability are set to descend on Sydney for Walk21 – a three-day event to share policies, research and initiatives shaping walkable cities.
Co-hosted by the City of Sydney and the NSW Government, the event has attracted an impressive line-up of global policymakers, researchers and campaigners.
More than 500 delegates from the US, Asia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will discuss the importance of walking to individuals and communities worldwide.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed Walk21 to Sydney, saying it was the perfect location for this major event.
“Sydney is a global city made for walking, evidenced by the fact that in our city centre, more than 90 per cent of trips are made on foot,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our world-famous harbour, landmark tourist attractions and great climate encourage Sydneysiders and visitors to get out in the fresh air and walk, whether they’re working, relaxing, shopping or exploring.
“The City is helping to encourage more people to walk more often by investing millions of dollars in developing a liveable green network of streets, paths and other infrastructure.”
As part of the City’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision, safe and attractive walking and cycling routes are being created to provide a liveable green network linking the City’s streets, parks and open spaces.
The Sydney Walk21 Conference will be staged at Luna Park from 21-23 October. Sydney is the 15th city to host the conference on walking and liveable communities, which launched in London in 2000.
International keynote speakers include respected planning and design experts Brent Toderian and Don Miskell, and transport management pioneer Rose McArthur.
They will join prominent local experts, including sustainability expert Professor Paul Newman, Professor Corrine Mulley and Professor Adrian Bauman, a leader in physical activity and health.
“Whether you are an architect, an engineer, work in the health sector or are a business owner, all of us can gain from Walk21,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is a perfect opportunity to learn from one another and help make Sydney a world-class walking city.”