“When I’m walking, I do have to go on the road itself because the kerb either has construction, or there just isn’t one, or cars tend to take up a lot of space,” says Sara Ettamri. The nursing student enjoys walking for its physical health benefits but finds it challenging to navigate the city safely. “I find that most ways to get into town you have to go through some shady alleyways, so it is hard, especially as a young female, to walk in those areas. And when winter comes around, it gets darker and harder to walk around safely, so I get a friend to accompany me.”
Liverpool Riverside, the constituency that Ettamri walks through most days, has been rated the worst for walkways in England and Wales, according to a report by the walking association Ramblers. Liverpool as a city ranks among the bottom five authorities in the study, which examined over 140,000 miles of public rights of way.
Riverside is a diverse community, encompassing both the Albert Docks area with its cultural attractions and the working-class neighborhoods that have historically suffered from a lack of investment. The Ramblers report suggests that areas like Vauxhall, north of the city center, could benefit the most from improved public pathways.
Denise McKenna, who lives in the area, points out the poor conditions of the roads and pavements and the lack of proper lighting. She admits to avoiding certain routes due to safety concerns and recounts a recent incident where she fell on the kerbside due to the poor path quality. McKenna is not alone in her frustrations. Dr. Morag Rose, a geography lecturer at the University of Liverpool, has conducted research into the challenges faced by pedestrians in Liverpool and Manchester. She found that the physical condition of pavements, along with street furniture like A-boards and obstructed sidewalks, hinder pedestrian movement.
Dr. Rose also discusses wider obstacles that prevent people from walking, such as cuts to public facilities like toilets and benches. These factors disproportionately affect marginalized groups, making them feel unwelcome or unsafe in urban areas.
Liverpool city council is focused on improving car-free areas and has allocated more than £10 million for projects like permanent cycle paths, repairing walkways, and creating new crossing facilities. However, there is a need to highlight walking routes with better signage and on local websites, according to Arron Hart, chair of Fillyaboots, Merseyside’s young Ramblers’ group. Hart believes that walking has numerous benefits and can be a great way to connect with others and explore the city, if people know where to go.
Fillyaboots organizes walks for young adults and provides transportation for those who cannot drive. Hart emphasizes that walking is an inclusive activity that brings people together and facilitates conversation. By creating a sense of purpose and shared experiences, walking can foster friendships and a stronger sense of community.
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