Shaping a walkable Hong Kong
2024-10-04
| Policy Research and Advocacy Team, Friends of the Earth (HK)
Hong Kong’s urban areas are well-known for their densely packed
streets, often dominated by towering buildings and a constant flow of vehicles.
This environment can make walking uncomfortable and even daunting at times. So,
what makes walking so unpleasant in Hong Kong? Why is it important to design a
walkable city?
Hong Kong is supposed to be one of the most walkable cities in the
world; however, poor accessibility and clutter significantly detract from the
walking experience. Pedestrian railings, signage, courier packages, and illegal
shop extensions all compete for limited street space, congesting pedestrian
traffic and posing particular challenges for individuals with disabilities.[1]This is further exacerbated by Hong Kong’s car-oriented planning approach. For
example, crossing lights are often too brief for the elderly, while footbridges
and underpasses force pedestrians to take lengthy detours so cars can travel
unimpeded.[2]
In some districts, the pedestrian flow has exceeded the original
carrying capacity of streets. For example, Kowloon East, once an industrial
area, was redeveloped into a second central business district for Hong Kong.[3]However, this led to congestion because urban planners did not upgrade street
capacity to accommodate the surge in the working population.
High vehicle and
pedestrian flow in Kwun Tong (Source: Dotdotnews)
A poor walking experience may be why most people prefer not to
walk. A survey found that 22% of Hongkongers would rather travel by transport
than walk, even for a five-minute trip.[4]Walkable cities not only improve physical and mental health, but also reduce carbon
emission and air pollution. What can Hong Kong do to promote walkability more
effectively?
Under the "Walk in HK” initiative launched in 2017, the government
has begun enhancing walkability by decluttering non-essential traffic signs and
railings to create wider footpaths, and by implementing raised crossings to
provide pedestrians a continuous flat surface to cross the roads and encourages
drivers to slow down to give way to pedestrians.[5]In several districts, certain streets are designated as part-time or full-time
pedestrian areas to ensure safe walking environments.[6]Additionally, greenery has been added in Kwun Tong to improve the walking
experience.[7]
Pedestrianisation
in Wan Chai (Source: Transport
Department)
Hong Kong can learn from Singapore’s "Walk2Ride Programme”, which
connects pedestrians to transport nodes by building 200km of covered walkways.[8]In Sydney, large trees are planted along the streets to provide natural shading
and increase the city’s tree canopy.[9]Meanwhile, Taipei encourages street performances by setting up a licensing
system for street entertainers, adding sociability and liveliness to the
streets.[10]To further enhance walkability, Hong Kong could also consider implementing
smart city technologies, such as smart traffic lights that adjust timing based
on pedestrian flow.
Covered walkways
in Singapore (Source: The Straits Times)
Pedestrian
streets at Ginza, Tokyo (Source: Live Japan)
Getting more people to walk can significantly improve the city’s
air quality and contribute to better public health. Hong Kong could draw
inspiration from cities like Singapore, Taipei and Sydney, while also expanding
its own initiatives to improve pedestrian comfort and enhance street vibrancy.By prioritizing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, Hong Kong can
transform into a truly walkable city, benefiting both its residents and the
environment.