Pedestrianisation in the Hong Kong Business District
By Lee Soo Leng
With the rapid growth in urbanisation , urban population was estimated at 2.36 billion , representing 52 % of the world urban population in 2022 . By 2030 , this urban population number will swell to about five billion . This will inadvertently pose pedestrian mobility issues of inhabitants and visitors within the city from places of residence to places of works .
A good city form , as a component of a smart city , is essential in urban planning practice and implementation . Smart growth , new urbanism , and other similar planning initiatives advocate highdensity development . High density ensures that a range of social , health , recreational , and other services can be accessed nearby so that most daily trips are within walkable distance . However , density adds to a good city form only if the city elements , such as residential areas , commercial buildings , and street blocks , are well-connected for pedestrian movement .
The connection can be conceived physically as a street network . Urban designers and public health practitioners have increasingly been putting effort into promoting pedestrian mobility . They aim to provide walkable designs , driven by community engagement , pedestrian facilities , land-use mix , and strategies such as traffic calming programmes . Walkability measures the friendliness of an environment for pedestrians . One important factor affecting walkability is street connectivity .
Hong Kong pedestrianisation
The Hong Kong Business District has one of the world ’ s best pedestrian connectivity system and facilities in terms of seamless , safe and comfortable movement between buildings , transport terminals and parks .
In order to meet the public need for improving the overall pedestrian environment , the Hong Kong Transport Department follows an environmentfriendly approach in managing traffic and transport matters and is committed to putting emphasis on the interests of pedestrians . Since year 2000 , the Transport Department has been implementing pedestrian schemes in several areas , including Causeway Bay , Central , Mong Kok , Tsim Sha Tsui , Jordan , Sham Shui Po , Stanley and Shek Wu Hui with the following objectives :
● To improve pedestrian safety and mobility
● To promote walking as a transport mode
● To discourage access for non-essential vehicles
● To improve overall pedestrian environment The three main pedestrian schemes are highlighted below . a . Full-time Pedestrian Street In full-time pedestrian streets , pedestrians have absolute priority . Vehicular access is restricted to emergency services only but service vehicles may be allowed for a specific period and for selected locations . b . Part-time Pedestrian Street In part-time pedestrian streets , vehicular access is only allowed during specific periods . In order to minimise vehicular access to the area , there is no on-street parking space . However , loading bays are provided for loading and unloading purposes . c . Traffic Calming Street In traffic calming streets , footpaths are normally widened and on-street parking spaces are reduced as far as possible .
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