Public Walkways and Pedestrian Access

Public walkways and pedestrian access networks play a crucial role in shaping the liveability of a space or place. To create vibrant, people-centric outdoor environments that enhance community feel and placemaking, we need public walkways and pedestrian access structures that are aesthetic, functional, and durable.

Fleetwood Urban has more than 50 years of experience in enhancing urban spaces through access, play and shade structures. We work closely with councils, property developers, architects and landscape architects across Australia to design, manufacture, install and maintain these structures. 

The Importance of Pedestrian-Centric Design

Our long-term, holistic design approach centres around the human experience. At the heart of any successful urban development are public walkways and pedestrian access routes through which people flow.


These connect people to places, foster social interactions and contribute to overall community health and wellbeing, not just through physical exercise, but through interconnectedness and creating a deep sense of place and belonging.

In large infrastructure projects, whether they be transportation hubs, mixed-use developments or urban renewal initiatives, prioritising pedestrian movement is essential for creating spaces that are not just functional, but liveable.

Well-designed pedestrian infrastructure can also significantly impact the economic vitality of an area. Increased foot traffic can boost local businesses, enhance property values and create a sense of place that attracts both residents and visitors.

Moreover, in an era of increasing environmental consciousness, promoting walking and other active modes of transport aligns directly with wider sustainability goals and can contribute to reducing a city’s carbon footprint.

Integrating Walkways

When planning public walkways and pedestrian access routes, it’s crucial to consider how these elements will integrate with the existing human environment.


This involves a thorough analysis of current movement patterns, desire lines and connectivity to key destinations such as public transport nodes, commercial centres and recreational spaces.


The design should aim to create a seamless network of pedestrian routes that not only facilitate efficient movement but also enhance the overall urban experience. This might involve creating new connections between previously isolated areas, opening up underutilised spaces for public use or reimagining existing thoroughfares to prioritise pedestrian movement.


It can be very beneficial to consider the concept of ‘walkable neighbourhoods’, where essential services and amenities are located within comfortable walking distances. In large infrastructure projects, this principle can be applied by clustering complementary uses and ensuring pedestrian routes between these areas are direct, congenial and safe.

Inclusivity of Pedestrian Access

Inclusivity sits at the forefront of effective pedestrian infrastructure planning. Universal design principles ensure public walkways and access routes are usable by people of all ages and abilities.


This goes beyond basic compliance with accessibility standards to create truly inclusive spaces that cater to diverse community needs.

At Fleetwood Urban, we consider the full spectrum of potential users, including those with mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, elderly individuals and parents with strollers. Design elements such as gentle gradients, tactile paving, clear signage and adequate resting areas can make a significant difference in creating truly accessible spaces.

It’s also important to consider how accessibility needs might change throughout the day or across seasons. For example, ensuring adequate lighting for night time use, providing shelter from sun, wind and rain, and even considering how snow accumulation might affect accessibility in colder climates.

Safety and Security in Pedestrian Spaces

The perceived safety of pedestrian routes can significantly impact their use and success.

Design strategies should aim to create spaces that feel safe and welcoming at all times of day. This involves considerations such as clear sight-lines, adequate lighting and the principle of ‘natural surveillance’ where pedestrian routes are overlooked by active building frontages.


In large infrastructure projects, it’s crucial to carefully consider how pedestrian routes interact with other modes of transportation. Safe crossings, clear delineation of spaces and traffic calming measures in shared areas can help reduce conflicts and create a safer environment for all users.

Our design of pedestrian access infrastructures are built on ‘defensible space’, creating areas where users feel a sense of ownership. This can be achieved through clear boundaries, well-maintained environments and opportunities for community engagement and activation of spaces.

Creating Engaging Experiences through Walkways

While functionality is paramount, the aesthetic and experiential qualities of pedestrian spaces should not be overlooked.


Large infrastructure projects offer opportunities to create engaging experiences. For example, could the journey along a new pedestrian route be enriched through elements such as public art, landscaping or interactive features?

Our bespoke designs can create moments of surprise and delight through varied scales, textures and viewing corridors, engaging all the senses.

Access infrastructure can also bring in flexible designs that enable spaces to adapt to different uses throughout the day or for special events, with areas that can host markets, performances or community gatherings, adding vibrancy and a deeper sense of public ownership.

Wayfinding and Legibility

Clear and intuitive wayfinding is essential for creating truly accessible pedestrian networks.


This goes beyond traditional signage to consider how the design of spaces and structures themselves can be used to guide movement and aid orientation.

Our pedestrian walkway designs may incorporate a hierarchy of routes, distinctive landmarks and visual cues to help users intuitively navigate. In large, multi-use developments, our bespoke designs can even incorporate digital wayfinding solutions to provide personalised routing and real-time information.

The visual appearance of public spaces also contributes to their perceived safety and comfort. Clear sight-lines, logical layouts and identifiable character areas can help users build mental maps of their environment, enhancing their confidence in exploring and using pedestrian routes.

Community Engagement in Pedestrian Access

Engaging with the local community throughout the planning and design process is highly recommended.


It can lead to more successful, well-used pedestrian spaces, while also providing valuable insights into local movement patterns, desired amenities and potential challenges.

Our approach considers how the design of pedestrian infrastructure can support placemaking initiatives, which might involve creating spaces for community events, incorporating elements of local history or culture, or providing opportunities for community-led activation of spaces.

Public walkways and pedestrian access networks are fundamental elements of any modern community, or large urban infrastructure project. By prioritising the pedestrian experience, we can create urban environments that are not just functional, but vibrant and flourishing.

Through careful planning, innovative design and ongoing management, pedestrian infrastructure can become a catalyst for positive community transformation. Let us show you how.

Take the Next Step

We invite you to explore how our structures have transformed public spaces, enhanced community engagement and set new standards in development design. Contact us today to discuss how we can collaborate on your next project. 


Whether you're a developer looking to enhance community spaces, or a visionary planner of environmentally-sustainable urban developments, together we can create environments that inspire, engage and endure. 

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