by Carla Caruso

Is Adelaide a walkable city?

Academic Andrea Travaglia thinks Adelaide could be made much more appealing for pedestrians.

She recently returned to Adelaide after many years away, working as an archaeologist in Sydney and as a researcher and teacher in Amsterdam.

Andrea blogged about her rumination on Adelaide’s urban and city planning on her own site, as well as posting the piece on social publishing platform Medium.

As she wrote: “Protecting pedestrians from traffic and giving priority to the disabled, young and elderly should be of paramount importance.

“Our city’s layout, with its sprawling suburbs (often defended by our policymakers) and reliance on cars, starkly contrasts other places I have lived in, such as Amsterdam, which have more inclusive and walkable, urban environments.”

Andrea writes that Adelaide has “low walkability” compared to other cities and is “car-centric”, with a lack of adequate public transport.

“While Adelaide can celebrate being one of the most liveable cities, the reality of its urban planning is not close to being good enough…

“We are heading into our second year of the South Australian Walking Strategy, which outlines a 10-year blueprint, prioritising walkable neighbourhoods, towns, and cities.

“While it is a fluid strategy that emphasises building integrated walking, cycling and public transport routes, enhancing public spaces, and promoting safe walking environments for all residents — it is not a plan.”

Andrea adds: “We already have plenty of ideas. We need concrete plans for the future, with clear objectives, that city planners and officials can use to enhance urban environments.

“We need pedestrian-friendly spaces integrated into our laws.

“Imagine an interconnected urban and city plan that places pedestrian safety and accessibility first.”

(As an example of a lack of accessibility, APA follower Bethany Cody, who has progressive sight loss, recently raised the issue of tripping over e-scooters on city footpaths.)

The Adelaide Park Lands Association (APA) has long been advocating for the concept of the Adelaide Recreation Circuit, an uninterrupted, illuminated, day-night, cycling/walking/running trail that could be installed to showcase and connect all parts of your Adelaide Park Lands.

Unfortunately, the idea hasn’t yet received any Government or City Council funding.

In the meantime, there are many road crossings that have to be negotiated on foot or by bike if you are trying to follow the poorly-signposted Adelaide Park Lands Trail, a 19.5km loop around the city and North Adelaide.

APA’s Kate Treloar hosts a Parklands Loop Collective walk twice a year, helping to promote the Trail.

APA also holds Guided Walks in your Park Lands most weeks. Find our calendar of events here.

Protecting what Park Lands we have is also paramount. As Andrea writes, connected streets and public spaces help city-dwellers to achieve the World Health Organisation’s physical activity target for preventing non-communicable diseases, improving mental health, and enhancing general wellbeing.

Andrea’s currently studying visual arts at the Adelaide College of the Arts in Light Square / Wauwi. For her, Gladys Elphick Park / Narnungga (Park 25) is one of her favourite parks in the city to wander.

“I walk along it most days, from the Mile End train station, to get my steps in on the way to and from college and the Royal Adelaide Hospital for my mum’s cancer treatments.

“The park has a bit of everything, and I enjoy watching all the pink galahs gather on the oval as the sun sets.”

Time to get your walking shoes on, all!