Local living needs
 Better Placed: Better for People |  Future Transport: Safety and Performance |
Many attributes of great places can be related to people and liveability. The presence of people of different cultures, ages and abilities gathering for social activities or recreation can indicate that a place is providing a safe, comfortable and active environment for those people.
Liveability starts with health and wellbeing – people’s daily physical, mental and social needs. Physical activity plays a critical role in preventing obesity, depression and heart disease. For most people, the best forms of physical activity are those they can incorporate into everyday life. Walking and cycling to and from key destinations enables individuals to attain their daily physical activity needs as part of their regular commute. By providing a local environment that caters for walking and cycling, transport networks can play a vital role in this key component of community health.
Equally, streets and transport stops provide spaces where people can engage with each other, reducing social isolation. Liveable places also provide for peoples’ daily needs within walking distance of where they live.
Key questions
- Can daily needs be comfortably met on foot? For example, can people safely walk to access fresh food, local services like pharmacies, social spaces like cafes, public transport, open space for recreation and respite, and primary schools?
- Can workers access food, services, and parks within their area during breaks and at lunch?
- Is bicycle use enabled and encouraged?
