This Friday, London commuters will find themselves stepping off trains only to face a Tube strike.
However, amidst the inconvenience of navigating the city, many will be pleasantly surprised by a new initiative aimed at promoting exploration on foot.
The London Footways maps, the brainchild of passionate walking advocates David Harrison and Emma Griffin, and developed with the support of Transport for London and Network Rail, invite both locals and visitors to take the time to enjoy the city at a leisurely pace.
Encouraging Walking as a Viable Option
Harrison realized the potential of walking as a viable option for commuters during previous Tube strikes, when he saw people lined up for buses.
This made him think; many of them could actually reach their destinations more quickly on foot—if only they were aware of it.
This insight led to the creation of the walking map, which encourages people to embrace the happiness and practicality of wandering through London’s delightful streets.
Newcomers often feel daunted by the size of the city and tend to rely heavily on the underground system.
The London Footways map aims to shift that mindset, showing that walking can be just as efficient and significantly more enjoyable.
In the two weeks since its release, over 15,000 copies of the map have been snatched up at eight central London railway stations, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for pedestrian-friendly routes.
A Thoughtfully Curated Network
During lockdown, Harrison and Griffin dedicated time to carefully design the map, identifying various picturesque paths that meander through London’s hidden gems and quiet Georgian squares.
To ensure the routes were accessible and inviting, Griffin, an avid marathon runner, jogged along the edges of these paths, while professional designers crafted a user-friendly layout.
In addition to the physical maps available at train stations, the interactive online version has seen considerable interest, with 1.3 million visits recorded on the London Footways website.
You can find these free maps at key locations, including Waterloo, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Euston, London Bridge, Paddington, Victoria, and Charing Cross.
The first release of 10,000 maps flew off the shelves, prompting Network Rail to order additional supplies due to enthusiastic demand, ensuring that the creators could continue their mission while covering costs.
Rediscovering London on Foot
The thoughtfully curated network of walking routes stretches from Paddington to Whitechapel and Walworth to Camden, deliberately linking major train stations and showcasing notable landmarks to guide wanderers.
For instance, the map recommends the tranquil Bidborough Street as an alternative to the busy Euston Road, directing pedestrians to less-trafficked streets for a more enjoyable experience, such as the quaint cobblestone Carter Lane instead of the bustling Ludgate Hill.
Harrison points out that much of London is much closer than it appears, with key destinations often reachable within a 20 to 30-minute stroll from mainline stations.
He believes that those who choose to venture out on foot will be delighted by how interconnected the city truly is, discovering a newfound enjoyment in the process.
Recent improvements to pedestrian infrastructure throughout central London have enhanced the walking experience, especially in less congested areas.
A simple change in habit could lead to more Londoners embracing this sustainable mode of travel.
Ultimately, Harrison hopes that even in the midst of the current Tube strike, those who decide to walk may uncover a new passion for exploring the city one step at a time.
Source: The-independent