By the numbers: How walkable cities benefit communities

From boosting trading by 40% to reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes, walkable cities offer a wide range of health, environmental and economic benefits.

These advantages are at the heart of our proposed upgrades to create more pedestrian-friendly streets in the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson.

Our goal?

To deliver a balanced mix of street infrastructure that benefits all users—whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist or driver, or all three.

It’s about creating public spaces that promote active lifestyles, bring people together and increase opportunities for local shops.

Read on for more about pedestrian infrastructure and how it supports healthier, more sustainable and thriving cities.

Boosting local economies

Key facts

• Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can boost trading by up to 40%.[1]
• Restaurateurs in Brisbane overestimated car-based revenue at 59%, while the actual figure was only 19%.[2]
• Improving walkability and ‘bikeability’ on city streets led to a 17% decrease in retail vacancies in London.[3]

These figures show highlight the positive impacts of walkable streets, which attract foot traffic and potential customer engagement.

From more outdoor dining spaces and accessible pavement to safer pedestrian crossings and places to rest, our proposed upgrades will encourage more locals and visitors to enjoy these community hubs.

In turn, this will not only support existing local businesses but encourage investment in new and exciting shopping and dining experiences.

Greener and cleaner streets

Key facts

• Walkable streets reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a shift away from private vehicles.
• Increased tree canopy can lower temperatures by between 5-20°C.[4]

Pedestrian-friendly streets have significant environmental benefits, from lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality to reducing the heat island effect.

By adding more trees and garden beds, we can create cooler and more pleasant urban environments. This was shown as part of an Australian-first study we commissioned, in which a robot called MaRTy measured heat and comfort throughout the City Centre and Dickson.

This not only makes our streets more comfortable and attractive but also helps manage stormwater runoff and supports a healthier ecosystem.

This can be seen throughout our proposed upgrades, including on Cooyong and Alinga Streets, where we plan to increase tree canopy cover by 10 and 15 per cent respectively.

Healthier lifestyles

Key facts

• Walkable streets promote walking and cycling, reducing the occurrence of obesity and type-2 diabetes.[5]
• People in highly walkable areas are less likely to suffer from these health issues.[6]
• Health and air quality benefits from pedestrian infrastructure are valued at nearly double the construction cost.[7]
• Shortening crosswalk distances by one metre can reduce pedestrian crashes by 6.5%.[8]

By making our streets better connected, more accessible and safer for walking and cycling, we can promote healthier lifestyles for everyone. This not only benefits individuals but also reduces healthcare costs and improves overall community wellbeing.

Our proposed upgrades in will create spaces that encourage physical activity, whether it’s cycling across town, meeting friends or running errands. The result will be a healthier and happier community.

Building stronger communities

Key facts

• Walkable streets can increase the likelihood of knowing neighbours, socialising and trusting others by up to 80%.[9]
• They provide spaces for people to come together, helping to build a sense of belonging and shared ownership of public spaces.

Walkable streets play an important role in building stronger, more connected communities.

Our proposed upgrades include features like street furniture, gathering areas and new trees that invite people to come together, rest and have fun in the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson.

In turn, these will create a sense of shared ownership, with people feeling connected and at home in these community hubs.

More than just getting from A to B

As these facts and figures show, pedestrian infrastructure is about more than simply making it easier to pass through the city – it improves quality of life and creates a thriving ecosystem that supports people, business and the environment.

You are invited to view and provide feedback on proposed designs for better city streets in the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson. Please share your input by 26 February 2026.

References:

1, 5-9. Adams Urban (2024). Better City Streets: Analysis and opportunities for pedestrian-friendly streets in Canberra’s city Centre

2. Yen, B. T. H. (2024, April 24). Parking isn’t as important for restaurants as the owners think it is. The Conversation.

3. Carmona, M., Gabrieli, T., Hickman, R., Laopoulou, T., & Livingstone, N. (2018). Street appeal: The value of street improvements.

4. Mosaic Insights and the Climate-Resilient Cities Lab, UNSW (2024): City Renewal-commissioned study into mean radiant temperature throughout the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson