This report examines how cities can improve the relationship between walking and cycling while keeping pedestrians safe, comfortable and prioritised in public space. Produced by the International Federation of Pedestrians in collaboration with the Korea Transport Institute, it explores the historic evolution of sidewalks and cycling infrastructure, the tensions that emerge in shared and poorly designed spaces, the growing impact of e-scooters and delivery riders, and the policy choices cities can make to support active mobility without compromising pedestrian rights.
Why this report matters
As cities seek to reduce car dependency, cut emissions and improve public health, walking and cycling are receiving greater policy attention. Yet this shift also raises an important challenge: how can cities encourage cycling and other forms of low-carbon mobility without undermining pedestrian safety, comfort and accessibility? The report argues that many tensions between pedestrians and cyclists are not caused by walking or cycling themselves, but by decades of car-centric street design that have forced active modes to compete for inadequate space.
This is particularly important for older adults, children, disabled people and others who are more exposed to unsafe or hostile public space. The report therefore takes a clear pedestrian-first perspective while recognising the need for high-quality cycling infrastructure that allows both modes to coexist without conflict.
Main themes
The report is organised around several core themes:
1. Sidewalks as essential pedestrian space
Sidewalks should be understood as spaces for walking, access, rest, social interaction and everyday urban life. They are not merely corridors for movement, but part of the social and democratic fabric of the city. The report stresses that sidewalks must remain primarily pedestrian spaces and should be designed according to principles of universal accessibility, safety, comfort, shade, drainage, signage and adequate width.
2. Understanding the evolution of sidewalks and cycling infrastructure
The report traces the historical development of sidewalks and cycling lanes, examining how both have been shaped by shifting urban priorities. It highlights how early urban streets were shared, multifunctional spaces, before the rise of motorised transport led to the segregation and marginalisation of pedestrian space. Sidewalks emerged as protected areas for walking, while cycling infrastructure developed unevenly across different contexts, often expanding only in response to safety concerns or policy shifts. Understanding this evolution is key to explaining current spatial conflicts and the structural imbalance between walking, cycling and motorised traffic.
3. The relationship between pedestrians and cyclists
The report examines where and why tensions arise between pedestrians and cyclists, especially in shared spaces, on sidewalks, and in areas where cycling infrastructure is inadequate or badly designed. While actual pedestrian-cyclist collisions remain relatively rare compared with those involving motor vehicles, near misses and perceptions of risk can still have serious impacts on people’s willingness to walk, linger or move independently in public space.
4. The real problem: motorised vehicle dominance
A central finding of the report is that the main source of danger for both pedestrians and cyclists remains the motor vehicle. The historic prioritisation of road space for cars has left both walking and cycling with fragmented, narrow or unsafe infrastructure. The report therefore calls for the reallocation of space away from motor traffic and towards wider sidewalks, protected cycle tracks, lower speeds and people-centred design.
5. E-scooters and new mobility devices
The report also addresses the rapid growth of e-scooters and other new mobility devices. It highlights the risks created when these devices operate or park on sidewalks, and argues that cities need clear regulation, proper enforcement, designated parking and dedicated infrastructure so that pedestrian space is not further eroded.
6. Global examples and future directions
Drawing on case studies including New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore, the report reviews how cities are responding to changing expectations around safety, accessibility and liveability. It also considers future trends such as climate adaptation, demographic change, digital planning tools and the risks posed by automated vehicles if urban policy once again prioritises machine movement over human-centred urban life.
Key messages
The report advances several clear messages for planners, policy-makers and advocates:
- Sidewalks must be reserved for pedestrians and designed for universal accessibility
- Non-segregated cycling routes on sidewalks should be avoided
- Cities should build dedicated cycle tracks separated from both pedestrians and motor traffic
- Road space should be reallocated from cars to walking and cycling where necessary
- 30 km/h urban speed limits are an essential road danger reduction measure
- Shared spaces require careful design and cannot replace proper infrastructure in high-demand areas
- E-scooters and similar devices must not undermine pedestrian safety or accessibility
- The long-term goal should be more inclusive, people-centred and low-car urban environments.
Read the full report here:
