Enabling priority networks to link destinations on foot, so that walking is the first choice for all local communities.
Communities of short distances, linked by direct and convenient walking routes, and walkable public transport services ensure walking is the most efficient way to travel. Providing connectivity within and between urban, peri-urban and rural areas for people on foot and integrated with public transport reduces car dependency especially when the experience is enjoyable.
Delivering a quality of life at the local scale to support people’s curiosity to walk, stay and intentionally enjoy streets and public life.
The life in a community’s streets and public spaces is a window to the values of its citizens. In Tirana, people enjoy places where they can walk, sit, chat, have a coffee, play backgammon, and laugh together. Eighty percent ask for more car-free zones, greenery, and places to rest so that more of the city supports this lifestyle.
Embedding design details and standards that best translate walkability principles and values into the transformation of streets and public space so they can be enjoyed by everyone, but especially children.
Tirana values people, especially its most vulnerable. Walking, resting, pausing, playing for people of all ages and abilities in streets and public spaces. The country puts the needs of the pedestrian first in city transport and planning decisions in accordance with the Albanian Road Code and Tirana 2030’s commitment to a strong and equitable transport system. Similar supportive policies are emerging in city and national policies around the world. Translating that policy into a practical playbook is now the Municipality’s focus for ensuring rapid, scalable, and visible change across the city.
Establishing effective processes for mainstreaming the value of walking, securing commitment, priority and investment to benefit every-day pedestrians.
The Municipality invites citizens to report where improvements to their walking experience can be made. Eight thousand respond every year. A Walking Task Force, with representatives from the community, local organisations, police, academia and many departments, provides a delivery framework to ensure the walking plan is delivered.
Collaborating with peers and technicians to learn and share the lessons and living examples of how to deliver more walkable streets and neighbourhoods, town centres and leisure routes.
Across the region and amongst city officials everywhere is the demand for more knowledge, technical skills and support for delivering walkable communities. Building a collaboration between peers to be able to move away from old habits and embed new ones is an ambition for the Municipality of Tirana and GIZ Albania.