Thursday 07 / August / 2025
It is not only a matter of convenience for the members of the public to walk in the streets, but important for their health as well, and it is a grand way to ease traffic congestion in the neighbourhoods.
The existing neighbourhoods cannot be moved closer to the shops, but better and safer pavements can be constructed to make them more walkable. The other advantage of a walkable neighbourhood is the boost it provides to values of properties. Oman lost its track on walk-friendly neighbourhood in the 1990s and one example is Ruwi and its adjacent areas, such as Walja and Hamriyah. The properties there have been planned in perfect harmony with the shops and all public amenities a resident would need. When the construction boom of the early 1990s began, planning permission was concentrated more on squeezing in as many residences as possible, but with limited space for walkers.
Areas in Al Azaiba, Qurum, Ghubra, Boushar, Al Khuwair and Seeb, to mention a few, saw the expansion of the city, but severely restricted walking. It is not uncommon to drive for a quarter of an hour in the traffic when one can walk five minutes to the shops because the pavements are not walk-friendly. But the majority of the areas in the city, and homes are not close to services. For example, it is important that schools be within walking distance as much as possible. Oman has an appalling rate of accidents with school buses. Besides, older students need exercise to beat obesity. According to records, obesity is on the rise in the Sultanate and it starts early with children in the elementary schools.
Incentives to get people onto the streets
Walker-friendly streets must also include a zebra crossing in the neighbourhood with crossing lights equipped with buttons, humps, street lights and warning signs for drivers to slowdown.
It would also help to review the speed limit in the residential areas. Also, having more and wider sidewalks would help. Pedestrian-centric designs bring communities together and encourage people to reach places at their convenience. At a time when petrol prices are at a higher rate, streetwalking saves money and reduces pollution from motor fumes. But to make it more attractive, urban planning must take a better turn.
Planning permissions must consider allowing businesses to build more shops, schools, restaurants and clinics. To give better value to the communities, more parks and children’s playgrounds are needed as well. A safer neighbourhood should be a top priority for children to play in the streets by establishing car-free zones. It would also help pedestrians walk in the shopping areas without worrying about being run down by mad drivers.
Well-designed neighbourhoods would also encourage joggers. At the moment, fitness-oriented people need to drive a great distance just to find a spot to exercise because most of our streets are not safe for jogging. But not all fitness fanatics prefer to use their feet. Some, if given the chance, would use bikes to keep their hearts healthy and shed the calories. Bikes also have the advantage of minimising cars on the streets when people ride to the shops or parks. But special pavements for bikers are needed, to wean them off their cars, especially during the weekends, when they have more time.
To get more people onto the streets will work well with tourism, too. It will cut down their cost of travelling by taxis when they step out from their hotels. Tourists on a budget are on the rise. They want an opportunity to see more of the surroundings by spending less money.
Besides, better planned streets will mean more money to retailers and ample opportunities for small businesses. It will bring them closer to the residents who live just a comfortable walking distance away. Without any doubt, walkable communities put urban environment on track to resources savings and sustainability. The benefit is not only in terms of physical fitness and a boom in local businesses, but also in the context of controlling crime and social problems when communities are well knit together.
