Walking the neighbourhood – mobility and sociable spaces in Leigh, Greater Manchester
Graeme Sherriff, Ian Peter CooksonPurpose
Policy initiatives to increase walking and cycling aim to improve environmental quality and reduce transport-related social exclusion, particularly for those less able to access or use a car. Whilst there is often a focus on “infrastructure” for active travel, relating primarily to the quality and extent of cycle lanes, pavements and crossings, this accounts for only a part of the experiences of older people. Social infrastructure – understood broadly as the services and facilities available and the spaces and opportunities to make social connections – is also an important consideration in determining how “walkable” and inclusive an area is.
Design/methodology/approach
Leigh is a town in Greater Manchester. The authors held mapping workshops (19 individuals, 7 identifying as disabled) and a set of walking interviews (eight individuals, three of whom had also attended our workshops).
Findings
This study provides insights into the experiences of older people and, in particular, into the relationship between walkability and the social environment. The authors question the extent to which an area can be classed as “walkable” on the basis of physical infrastructure and distance alone. This study, therefore, contributes to current debates on neighbourhood approaches to mobility, such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 15-min cities.
Originality/value
The authors look directly at the relationship between social infrastructure and mobility at a time of rapid change following the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time of substantial investment in active travel.