1. The Thames Path London Orla McCarthy Transport for London

2. Overview of Key Topics 1.The London context and Walk London 2.Promotion 3.Route Audits

3. Mayor’s ambition for walking in London The Mayor’s Transport Strategy (2010) promised to deliver: “a step change in the walking experience in London to make walking count” Including: “Delivery of seven Strategic Walk Network routes, separate from, but alongside the development of Greenways.” “promote walking and its benefits through information campaigns, events to raise the profile of walking and smarter travel initiatives”

4. The Routes Overview Jubilee Walkway Green Chain London LOOP Jubilee Greenway Thames Path Capital Ring Lea Valley Walk

5. What is the Walk London Network? A network of seven routes that span London One of the largest managed walking networks of any city with 390 miles in total Offers high quality walking opportunities through all of London Routes broken into short sections with start and end points at public transport locations Provides opportunities to walk for fun Acts as an introduction to including more everyday walking in lifestyles Maintenance is the responsibility of the boroughs and landowners

6. Investment Breakdown Surface improvements: 32% Signage and way marking: 13% Offsite information: 12% Safety and security: 10% Network events: 10% Network management: 10% Benches and seating: 5% Onsite information: 5% Monitoring: 3%

7. Thames Path Part of longer National Trail National Trail ends at Thames Barrier Runs on both banks of River Thames 107km / 67ml in length 4 sections 18% of network investment to 2012 Passes through 13 boroughs and the City of London London section starts at Hampton Court (North bank) and ends at the Thames Barrier (end of National trail).

8. Online Promotion Previously information was hosted on an external site now but migrated to TfL webpage. Contains all the route information you need Free downloadable maps of each route and individual sections featuring Legible London mapping

9. New maps and directions

10. Three weekend events a year Over 40 free guided walks Walks are themed and explore London’s highlights, using parts of the Walk London network Last Autumn Ambles weekend (17 – 18 October) had 2954 people attend Up to 9000 people per year attend all events Excellent promotion via TfL press team and Walk Unlimited event supplier Led Walking Weekends

11. Route Audits Trial audit on Jubilee Walkway in central London Audit of the Thames Path completed Funded by TfL Walking research budget Audit covers: Feature types on route Way marker information Asset conditions Photos Currently preparing reports to share results with boroughs

12. Route Audits

13. Majority of assets recorded in good condition

14. Challenges and Opportunities Given financial constraints, how do we get people to prioritise walking? Audits are expensive, how do we: –Collect user feedback? –Set up more effective reporting mechanisms with boroughs?