Securing Commitment - 1st STEP UP Study Visit in Burgenland
From the 10th to the 14th of June the STEP UP partnership visited the region of Burgenland (Austria) for its first study visit. According to the first step of the policy improvement framework, they were exploring the question on how to secure commitment for improving walking policies. To find answers they talked to the regional governor, planners, engineers and experts from different fields and organizations. In a live-streamed thematic seminar, Jim Walker from the Walk21 foundation shared his experience on how to engage and inspire people.
Additionally the partnership went on field trips to the villages Neufeld an der Leitha, Deutschkreutz, Stadtschlaining and to the city of Güssing. By exploring town centers, public transport hubs and areas in front of schools and by exchanging experience with mayors, municipal councils and headmasters the potentials and obstacles for walking became visible. Small villages and towns have perfect conditions for walking considering their small scale and short distances. On the other side, the design of public space is still car-centric in many places. Especially in front of schools, road safety is lacking in many cases and morning traffic is a commonly recognized challenge.
At these examples, it became clear that a common vision of easy, safe and comfortable walking for everybody and children in particularly is crucial for securing commitment. Nobody could deny that this is a goal worth following. As a direct result of the study visit, the regional governor for traffic and transport in Burgenland, Heinrich Dorner, announced an initiative for making walking more attractive in Burgenland. That is how commitment is generated successfully through a common vision and interregional learning, thanks to the STEP UP project.