Protocol for Pathways: Making Footpaths More User-Friendly
SEE Change member Rod has written this article making some suggestions about how path users can behave so that our paths are safe and accessible for everyone. Most of the proposals he articulates are the unwritten, commonsense and/or legislated rules that we already use. What do you think? Do you agree with them? Are there any that are too strong, not strong enough, or missing? If you're keen on making all our paths and streets, safe and accessible for everyone, then follow or join our Living Streets Canberra group.
Protocol for Pathways
Making Footpaths More User-Friendly
Protocol: “a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations”
The Britannica Dictionary
There is an increasing number and variety of people using footpaths. People walking, walking dogs and children, pushing prams. People-powered and e-scooters and e-bikes. More and more older people are taking to mobility scooters to get around. Zimmer frames, wheelchairs and walking sticks are becoming popular and necessary for some of us. All these have different requirements for the users, and many different effects, not always people-friendly or considerate, on other path users.
I am not a great believer in too many Rules, much preferring a large allowance of freedom to decide for myself. Therefore, in this article, I am not about to suggest Rules that should be mandated for the use of pathways and footpaths. Rather, I will offer some suggestions of the ways in which we can all better use and enjoy using them. What I suggest are more topics for discussion, proposals, rather than Rules to be strictly adhered to. Let’s just use that word “proposals”, and talk about some ideas that have arisen during my many hours walking and riding the footpaths of Canberra.
[1] My first “proposal” is a paraphrase of an old adage: “Treat other path users as you would like them to treat you.” This alone would improve matters considerably!
[2] Faster path-users should moderate their speed to suit slower ones. Some of us are a little slow in reacting to the presence of others, particularly in situations that might be dangerous. The effect of a fast-moving e-scooter or e-bike suddenly racing past from behind with no warning, can be devastating and throw an elderly walker off-balance and into the path of danger. Bike riders are required by law to have warning devices, but few have or use them. The use of warning devices would be a vital “proposal”.
[3] Powered vehicles should give way to un-powered ones. Again, it’s the speed factor, that they are usually moving faster, and thus can do more damage to others in a collision. There would need to be a grading, from faster e-powered scooters and e-bikes, via people-powered scooters and bikes, slower moving mobility scooters, to joggers and walkers. In any situation, the rate of travel of everyone should match, and not exceed, that of the slowest movers in the immediate vicinity.
[4] Users of larger and heavier ‘vehicles’, such as people carriers, bikes, scooters, prams, should take care that they do not threaten, or block the way, of other users such as walkers, joggers, and particularly mobility-aid users.
[5] Keep left. If we know whereabouts on the path other people are likely to be when they interact with us, the better we are prepared for that interaction. If everyone keeps left, we are properly prepared to adjust our own “proposals” to suit the situation. Actually, the side is not that important, it’s just that most of us are used to keeping left on the roads and so are less likely to get mixed up.
[6] People standing talking, should move to one side, off the path, for their own safety, and to leave a clear way for others. More seats by footpaths would help with this, and give us a place to stop, sit, and watch and think about the world around us for a while.
[7] The use of phones, iPods, and other such devices by people using the paths should be strongly discouraged. Some of these people, immersed in conversations or wearing headphones, are so unaware of the world around them that they put themselves and others into difficult and dangerous situations. Also they are passing up the greater pleasures of fresh air, exercise, and social interaction with other people on the path.
The above “proposals” relate mostly to situations I have encountered in many years of walking and now having to use a mobility scooter to get around Canberra’s footpaths and pathways. Other path-users will no doubt have their own pet peeves which need to be considered and may require modification of the “proposals”.
I want to encourage everyone to consider how their actions affect other pathway users, to act appropriately and make allowances for others, so that we can all benefit from the use of the pathways.