Colorful crosswalk and bike lane on a street in a suburban neighborhood with houses, trees, parked cars, and a bus stop in the background.

Make more crossings

Make it easy and convenient to walk by creating a connected walking network and crossings.

  • More people, including kids, the less mobile and the elderly, will walk if they are accommodated by safer speeds, footpaths and convenient crossings. Just as car drivers cite convenience as their main reason for using a vehicle to complete a trip, walkers also look for convenience on their route – which is exactly what well-placed crossings offer. 
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    Crossings also act as a traffic calming measure – particularly the raised versions, sometimes called “wombat crossings” – helping to lower vehicle speeds and reducing the risk of injury. By connecting pleasant, safe streets in a neighbourhood, crossings break up the pedestrian “islands” that restrict movement, recreation and local business. By giving people a sense of control, rather than them having to wait for traffic lights to turn in their favour (after pushing the “beg button”), crossings empower the less mobile and make them feel more accepted in their own communities.

  • A lack of crossings is simply a reflection of priorities. State Governments provide the funding for street infrastructure but it usually comes down to local councils to make on-the-ground decisions about what to build, remove or improve on our local streets. If a council is under the impression we all want infrastructure for cars (more parking, wider roads, fewer obstructions to driving), that’s what we’ll get. It’s not as if anyone is lobbying hard for more car infrastructure, it’s just a reflection of how “car-brained” we’ve allowed our cities and towns to become. Time for that to change.

  • Local governments have the power to make decisions about where to put new pedestrian crossings, and they will respond to community demand if it is well-organised and represents a cross-section of local residents. Whether as an individual or part of a group you can make note of the specific places you believe a crossing would be beneficial, then talk to neighbours and other residents to see if they share your views. Organising locally, gathering support and taking your evidenced-based requests to local council is a proven, effective way to advocate for more pedestrian crossings in your neighbourhood streets.​​

  • Pedestrian crossings really do benefit everyone, but the groups who are well-placed to make the case to local councils include Parents & Citizens associations, community groups and advocates for the elderly and people with disabilities. It would be easy to imagine walking clubs and dog owners’ associations banding together to work to improve their daily circuit with a few well-located crossings.

  • Use the Better Streets Pedestrian crossing toolkit to request a pedestrian crossing - link.

    Transport for NSW Pedestrian crossing guidelines - link

  • UNSW, Pedestrians should get the green light on Traffic Signal Prioritisation (no date) UNSW Sites. Available at: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2021/07/pedestrians-should-get-the-green-light-on-traffic-signal-priorit (Accessed: 25 August 2024).

    Jung, J. 2024. Pedestrian priority signal. Available at https://www.jullietta.com/blog/pedestrian-priority-traffic-lights (Accessed: 25 August 2024).

  • Farrellys Ave, Bondi, NSW

    Pedestrian priority signals, Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW

    Doncaster Avenue, Kensington NSW

Two people walking in an urban park with tropical plants and modern buildings in the background during daytime.

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