In Groningen, Tilburg and Nijmegen, walking is recognized as the most obvious, sustainable, healthy and least burdensome way of getting around. There literally needs to be more space for walking.

Creating a walking-friendly city is a transformation that starts with insight into the current situation; the way in which walking interests are shaped in the city. We literally map this out in this 'cookbook'. You can see the maps as possible ingredients with which a (spatial) agenda for a more walking-friendly city can be prepared.

The idea is that the overview of thematic maps provides a basis for prioritising running themes in your city. Which thematic maps form your main ingredients? And with which other maps/ingredients can you combine these well?

Step 1: Base maps of running-relevant information.

With aspects related to walking routes (paths, crossings, environment, seating,...), walking destinations (shops, public transport, work, school,...), departure points (station, bus stop, house,...) and walking people (children, elderly,...).

Step 2. From cards to opportunities

By cleverly combining maps, walking bottlenecks can be found. See the design of the walking-friendly city as a form of acupuncture: try to take measures at specific locations that improve specific walking conditions. In future area developments in the city, the walking base maps can form a foundation for recognizing pedestrian interests and developing them further.

Step 3. A priority walking network map

The map information also provides the basis for an intended city-wide walking network, of consistent, high-quality walking routes. This network map is a connecting tool in which larger investments can also be included, and exercise-friendly measures can be taken over time, in conjunction with each other. Policy officers can advocate in good time for upgrading pedestrian space where this is most urgent.