📋 Tender Overview
Transport for London TfL and London Living Streets have unveiled the new beautifully illustrated Central London Footways map which will be distributed free to Londoners. The printed map and design concept - developed by Urban Good - provides a wealth of new information about walking in the capital and will support Londoners and visitors to walk longer distances on everyday trips. The physical free map is available at several central London locations which can be found online at www.footways.london alongside more information about the network.As London continues to recover from the coronavirus pandemic TfL is expanding opportunities for those keen to incorporate more walking into their daily routines. The Streetspace for London Plan has introduced more than 22500 square metres of temporary extra pavement space making it easy to maintain safe social distancing while walking through the capital. Central London Footways will make sure Londoners and visitors make the most of these transformations by prompting people to choose walking as the most enjoyable way to get from A to B with walking journeys often quicker than expected. Walking is also the cheapest way to travel and is great for physical and mental wellbeing as well as Londons environment.Central London Footways is a network of routes connecting Londons mainline railway stations popular destinations and green spaces with the capitals most welcome appealing and accessible streets. The printed map is the culmination of an 18-month project led by David Harrison Emma Griffin and other volunteers at London Living Streets who have walked extensively across London with residents businesses cultural organisations councillors and local campaigners to find opportunities for safe and attractive walking routes. The project is universally supported by central London boroughs and Business Improvement Districts.Central London Footways previously known as the Central London Walking Network highlights an extensive number of routes across the city serving as a reminder that many 20- or 30-minute walks across central London take just a few minutes longer than a journey on public transport.Any time spent walking is enormously beneficial to public health and wellbeing. Walking has been shown to have many physical benefits including reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes Coronary Heart Disease and cancer. Walking for just 20 minutes a day can reduce stress and anxiety and has also been proven to reduce the risk of depression by 20-30 per cent. A 20-minute walk burns 80 calories adds 2400 steps to a pedometer and lowers blood pressure.More people walking also means busier streets which supports the economy and creates commercial opportunities for Londons businesses. People walking spend 40 per cent more in town centres over the course of a month than car drivers.Will Norman Mayors Walking and Cycling Commissioner said Walking is a fantastic way to explore our city as well as being good for your mental and physical health so I am delighted that TfL has linked up with London Living Streets to deliver this new Footways map. We are determined to avoid a damaging car-led recovery from the pandemic in the capital so it is great to see new initiatives being developed that promote the benefits of walking and complement our world-leading Streetspace Plan.Christina Calderato Head of Transport Strategy and Planning at TfL said Were proud to join London Living Streets in introducing the new Footways map which is a beautifully illustrated guide to all that London has to offer. These quiet and accessible routes highlight just how easy and surprisingly quick it is to explore our city on foot. Throughout this pandemic weve been reminded of the value of our health and walking is ideal for giving both our mental and physical health a welcome boost. Encouraging more people to introduce more walking into their daily routine will also be vital for improving air quality and reducing congestion making London a nicer place to live for all.Emma Griffin London Living Streets said In 1854 nine years before the arrival of the Underground 400000 people walked into and out of the City of London every day. These walks werent the final leg of a journey from a mainline station or within the centre they were the entire commute. Londoners still love to walk of course but we walk much shorter distances than our predecessors. The Footways routes that are both convenient and enjoyable will ensure longer walks become an everyday habit again.Charlie Peel Founder of Urban Good said Footways is something genuinely new a functional network of routes that showcase walking as transport not simply recreation. They are quieter safer and healthier - of course - but bringing interest intrigue and curiosity into the mix is the genius stroke of London Living Streets. Our Urban Nature maps have changed the perception of millions we hope our Footways map will do the same.Sam Mullins OBE Managing Director of London Transport Museum said Walking is a great way to experience the heart of the capital and all it has to offer taking in the sights that can so easily pass us by when driving. Since re-opening London Transport Museums Covent Garden doors weve been encouraging people living locally to visit us on foot and the new Footways map is a brilliant way to help you reach your favourite London locations using walking routes you may never have discovered before.
