While the United Nations recommends that governments dedicate 20% of transport budgets to active modes (walking and cycling) most levels of government in Australia spend much less than this. 

As a result, individuals and community groups often find their complaints about dangerous or inconvenient walking routes fall on deaf ears and it takes a dedicated campaign to usher in change.

It's not just a lack of investment that can make walking less safe and convenient. Planning policies and development in recent decades have often prioritised building roads before public transport and even footpaths! 

So when it comes to advocating to improve walking, try not to get overwhelmed. You might want to start out by campaigning about one specific problem, such as a dangerous school route, a missing footpath or a missing pedestrian crossing.

See more advocacy tips at the bottom of this page (for mobile devices) or to the left of your screen (desktop).