Viennese Expertise for Pedestrians in Prague

The international conference “A City for Pedestrians” took place on February 14th in the Town Hall in Prague. International experts discussed the disadvantages for pedestrians in traffic. Gabriele Steinbach, coordinator for pedestrians in the city of Vienna, explained what experiences have been made in this sphere in Vienna. The conference made it clear that cities such as Prague, Vienna, Pilsen and Birmingham can learn a lot from each other.

Almost everyone in the world is a pedestrian. Regardless of whether we go to work by car, by bike or use public transport, the beginning and end of the journey at least is undertaken on foot. Nevertheless, in many cities throughout the world pedestrians are often neglected and their needs ignored. Cars are given priority by planners, and traffic strategies are frequently oriented towards motor traffic. However, an increasing number of city governments are regaining cities for their pedestrians, with a varying degree of success. Experts from four countries met on February 14th in Prague to exchange their experiences, ideas and plans at the conference “A City for Pedestrians” and to learn from each other.

Prague as a city of cars

Pedestrians in the Czech capital of Prague do not have an easy time. Most pedestrian traffic is concentrated on the historic town centre; away from the picturesque little streets it is a different matter altogether. Narrow pavements, zebra crossings uncontrolled by traffic lights and other dangers lie in wait for all those who like to rely on their own two feet. Gabriele Steinbach, coordinator for pedestrians and matters concerning young people in the city of Vienna, says, “I am glad that I am responsible for pedestrians in Vienna and not in Prague. My work would indeed be much more difficult in Prague”. However, one reason is the topographical and historic character of the Golden City. Steep, hilly streets make it difficult, especially for older or disabled people, to manage day-to-day business.




“The nature of the road surfaces is also a hindrance to pedestrians”, says Gabriele Steinbach. Conservationists in Prague wanted to give the Golden City as historic an appearance as possible by using cobblestones for the streets and pavements, and although the plan is very successful from the optical point of view, pedestrians are in danger of falling and hurting themselves. For mothers with prams Prague is therefore, in the truest sense of the word, a hard stone to contend with. Just try walking through Prague with a suitcase on wheels and find out where you have to stop with a wheelchair, a pram or a Zimmer frame.

Vienna as an example of regaining the city

The conference took place in the Town Hall in Prague and was organised by the NGO Oživení (Revival). The aim was to show that pedestrian traffic is useful and that strategic support for pedestrian cities brings social and economic advantages. For instance, town planner Rodney Tolley of the British association Walk21, reported on how the English city of Birmingham devised a specific plan to regain the town centre for pedestrians which resulted in massive increases in revenue for inner-city businesses. Dutch expert Rob Methorst showed examples of strategic traffic planning which took account of pedestrians. Traffic planner Petr Raška from the Czech city of Pilsen showed how a small town without major financial reserves can make modifications in road traffic to improve the situation for pedestrians.

The Vienna Plan is intended to strengthen pedestrian traffic in Vienna, make it safer, improve the quality of facilities as well as paying particular regard to people with special needs and increasing their mobility. In a European comparison Vienna has set its aims high: extending the zones where there is a 30 km/hour speed limit, broadening pavements (where possible) and generally improving the feeling of safety for pedestrians. No expense is spared in the Austrian capital, as shown by the 150-metre-long Sky Walk, a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists over the busy Heiligenstädter Strasse, completed in 2007.

Pedestrian traffic: equality reigns here too!

The gender mainstreaming pilot project in the 6th municipal district of Vienna proves that support for pedestrian traffic is concerned not only with technical issues related to traffic. “60 per cent of errands undertaken on foot are carried out by women, especially in the immediate vicinity of where they live”, explains Gabriele Steinbach. And she went on to say, “Women go shopping, take the children to school or to the kindergarten, as well as accompanying older members of the family to the doctor or taking them for a walk.” The quality criteria of the Transport Master Plan for Vienna dating from 2003 for pedestrian traffic were illustrated in the study “Equal Chances for Going on Foot” in the Mariahilf gender mainstreaming pilot project. In the district of Mariahilf the errands undertaken by inhabitants were systematically analysed and the network divided up into neighbourhood routes and main routes. This classification into categories is unique in Europe.

Even though, according to Mrs Steinbach, “Vienna is not a paradise for pedestrians”, the capital on the Danube can nevertheless serve as a good model for Prague.