To make walking an attractive option, the Hong Kong Planning Department identified four guiding principles for pedestrian planning in a study commenced a few months ago, said John C Tsang, secretary for planning and lands, on Monday.

"Linkage is the first principle. Pedestrian routes should be clear and direct. For longer or upward sloping routes, escalators and travelators should be installed to encourage the public to walk and to serve the needs of the disabled," he said.

"The second principle is therefore to ensure pedestrians' personal safety. The walkways should be separated from road vehicles and they should be well-lit.

"The third principle is accessibility and comfort. The pedestrian walkways should be easily accessible, free from pollution, and properly designed with landscaping, weather protection installations and seating facilities to provide a comfortable and pleasant walking environment.

"Last but not least is the principle of attractiveness and vibrancy. We should seek to create suitable pedestrian areas for a variety of activities, such as outdoor performance, alfresco dining, flea markets, or just watching the world go by," he said.

Walking is the most elementary form of going places, and probably, the most efficient form of travel for short distance journeys. It is good for health, and will help reduce unnecessary road traffic and pollution, he said.

Tsang made the remark when addressing the first anniversary dinner of the Asian Institute of Intelligent Buildings on Monday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2002)