Our 8th Smart Urban Futures event will feature speakers from the UK, Norway, Belgium and from around Australia.

The 2022 conference will have a special focus on planning that is genuinely responsive to climate change, and that delivers cities for all types of people. Keynote speakers include:

• Matthew Baldwin: European Coordinator for Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility, European Commission
• Ellie Cosgrave, Publica UK, an expert in inclusive urban development, safer cities for women/girls
• Helge Hilnhütter, expert on how urban environments best support public transport access (Norway).

The conference in Melbourne can be attended online or in-person. See the website for more information.

Five weeks into a trial of 'for-hire' electric scooters in Melbourne, and assurances they wouldn't be ridden on footpaths have proved hollow.

Since the trial began local media has detailed the extent of illegal use and shown how this jeopardises the safety and comfort of those who rely on walking for transport and to stay healthy and connected.

Increased mobility options for some should not be coming at the the expense of others, including older people, people with disability and families moving around with young children.

The Victorian Government approved trial is compounding problems caused by the growing and illegal use of powerful, privately-owned e scooters, an issue the federal government has allowed to fester. Governments must take the priority actions at the bottom of our summary.

Take a look at some walks created or shared at Walking Maps in February.

• Plenty River trail 
• Nagambie heritage walk 
• Kurth Kiln Regional Park
• Taylors Creek lakeside loop

​Search for walks by area or name at the homepage, or search for 'Walks Near Me' from a mobile.

Keen to learn more about the You Yangs on a guided tour? Parks Victoria runs guided walks at many parks, including some new Forest Therapy 🌳 and Mindfulness themed walks 🙂. All events are free! 

The Park Walks are back this month after a Covid-induced hiatus. Trained volunteers run walks on weekend mornings, but also on weekday mornings at some parks. You can search for the events and book a spot at this EventBrite page. Click on the photo for more information. 

How many stars would you give this month's edition? You can rate our newsletter to tell us if it's hitting the mark.

Would you consider making a small donation to help us bring more foot stomping goodness to the streets? For a small charity, every $ counts.

Your neighbourhood is at your feet: step out and explore.  Make your streets safe, attractive and fun!