New perspectives on walking and wheeling in the city

To apply for a place at this free conference run by Living Streets, please provide very brief details using this form.

Sometimes described as the forgotten or “Cinderella” modes, walking and wheeling in fact play a fundamental role in the transport systems of urban areas.  But, given the very serious problems (poor-quality infrastructure, pavement parking, road danger etc), we often neglect the subtle and captivating nature of walking and wheeling.  We also can often overlook the transformative nature of major projects such as the new pedestrian piazza on the Strand, the removal of motor traffic from Bank Junction, and the West End project.

Join us on Friday 2nd May to help redress the balance.  We’ll spend the day hearing from researchers, practitioners and policymakers who are making strides (I know) in this field.  Our keynote speaker will be Professor Shane O’Mara, author of In Praise of Walking, who’ll talk about his recent research on walking, talking and brain health.  Other speakers include:

Author Annabel Streets on the potential of the built environment for human health and happiness

Dr Farzenah Bahrami on Long distance walkers in London

Professor Matthew Beaumont on Frantz Fanon and walking

Jack Cornish of the Ramblers on his experience of walking every street in London

Disability justice researcher/campaigner Katie Pennick on interdependence and access making

Catherine Woodhead (CEO of Living Streets) on influencing walking and wheeling policy

There will also be a panel discussion on how bold we can be in pursuit of the walkable city.  Speakers will include Rezina Chowdhury (Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), Adam Harrison (Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden), Caroline Russell (Deputy Chair, London Assembly Transport Committee) and Professor Rachel Aldred (Director of the Active Travel Academy).

Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Policy and Strategy at TfL will speak at 16:45.

We’ll be treated to an exhibition of photos taken by Muslim women on walks in London, led by Sylvie Belbouab.

There will be other special guests…

The conference is being organised by the Sustainable Cities and the Urban Environment Research Community at the University of Westminster, in association with the Active Travel Academy and Footways.  It is taking place as part of the London Walking Festival.  The conference will be free to attend but we encourage those who can to make a donation to Living Streets in lieu of paying a fee.

Provisional timings:

· 10:00 arrivals (tea and coffee)

· 10:30 conference begins

· 13:00-14:00 lunch

· 16:45 close of conference followed by drinks reception

Places are limited so please provide very brief details using this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

We hope we'll see you on 2nd May.

Tom Cohen, Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster, Emma Griffin and David Harrison of Footways.