Improving data for evaluating walking projects

Image: The state of Queensland

Action 4.6, Action Plan for Walking 2019–2021

Status: Complete

Research identified that there are already several fit-for-purpose survey methods available to support and inform local government decision making about walking so the response to this action was refocused towards improving data for evaluating walking projects. The Department of Transport and Main Roads successfully changed a national survey to include walking questions and has published indicators to be used when evaluating walking projects. 

Achievements

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) undertook a review of national and international survey methodologies used to inform walking. The research concluded that there are several fit-for-purpose approaches already available for use by local governments. 

The action shifted focus to improving data for evaluating walking projects. TMR has achieved this in 2 ways:

1. National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey

   TMR commissioned an independent review of the (former) National Cycling Participation Survey (NCPS) to identify whether it could be used to provide walking data. The NCPS was a standardised survey undertaken once every 2 years to provide data on cycling participation at national and state levels, and from capital cities across Australia. The review recommended the inclusion of walking within the NCPS methodology.

   TMR used the review to successfully advocate for changes to the NCPS. It has been replaced by the National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey (NWCPS) which includes a series of walking-related questions. The questions were first included in the 2021 survey. The data collected has provided insights into how often people walk and for what purposes, and the reasons they do not walk more often. This is a new source of valuable information for devising and evaluating walking projects.



2. Indicators to evaluate walking projects

   As a component of developing Queensland's first walking network planning guidance (see Action Summary 1.4), TMR pulled together a set of evaluation indicators to support and inform local government investment in walking planning and project delivery. The selection of indicators was piloted with Gladstone Regional Council and Mount Isa City Council. TMR's walking network planning guidance has included these indicators for all users to guide how they identify baseline indicators and evaluate project impact.

Next steps

The results of the 2021 NWCPS survey are available on the Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand website. TMR will continue to support the collection of the National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey data. It will promote this information throughout the department and with local governments.  

Local governments and TMR project managers will be encouraged to use the evaluation indicators when undertaking walking network planning. 

More information