4.8.2
Original Document
To begin addressing the problem, one approach might be to identify and roll out a network of outstanding walking routes, starting with the highest priority routes where early intervention should be targeted for maximum return. These would link Birmingham’s key activities, destinations and urban/open spaces and could incorporate a mix of street-based links, pedestrian-only routes and public spaces. They could include core pedestrian ‘spines’ which would make pedestrian journeys to, from and within the city centre more viable and attractive. One issue is the need to ensure that redevelopment schemes that straddle important routes (such as Paradise Circus) accommodate fully all pedestrian desire lines in an attractive and inclusive manner.
Plain English Translation
As a start we could create a network of really good walking routes, starting with the the ones people will use the most. These would link Birmingham’s key activities, destinations and urban/open spaces. One thing we need to plan for is how redevelopment schemes that straddle important routes (such as Paradise Circus) accomodate the paths where people would most naturally want to walk.