Pedestrians move around Tottenham Court Road in central London, England. (Photo by Robert … [+]
An updated report from a UK charity Living Streets confirms much previous research on the correlation between walkable neighborhoods and thriving retailers. Its third iteration The pedestrian pound shows that people on foot spend more money than people arriving by car. And pedestrianized city centers have higher sales, the report says.
The research adds to previous findings from, among others, Transport for London (TfL). TfL estimated in 2018 that people who walked, cycled and used public transport spent more than motorists in neighborhood shops. Those without cars spend 40% more each month in shops than motorists, according to research carried out by the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London.
The Pedestrian Pound includes case studies of high street improvements where presence has increased retail take-up. One of the case studies reveals that the formerly run-down area of Castlegate in Sheffield was revitalized when a ‘dual carriageway’ motorway was converted into a linear park, forming a green, safe and accessible route through the area.
Several businesses have relocated to previously empty office buildings and warehouses in Castlegate. The improvements have resulted in the creation of at least 540 jobs, with more than 1,600 jobs predicted for the near future.
First published in 2013 and then updated in 2018, the third edition of The pedestrian pound expands the evidence for improved walking environments to include the benefits of happier and healthier people, stronger communities and a more resilient environment.
“This new report shows that making high streets and town centers more walkable increases time and money spent [retail] businesses,” said Living Streets CEO Kathryn Woodhead.
National Active Travel commissioner Chris Boardman agreed: “Walking streets create vibrant, happier and healthier communities, which is good for business.”
He added: “Making our town, city and village centers easier and safer to walk around means people are more likely to spend more time there supporting local shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.”
