Free London walking conference on 2 May

Written By Emma Griffin

Image: Shutterstock

We're thrilled to invite you to New Perspectives on Walking and Wheeling in Cities, a free one-day conference in Central London on Friday 2nd May, and the opening event of the London Walking Festival.

Walking and wheeling are vital modes of transport, yet often overlooked. This conference brings together leading voices in activism, planning and research to celebrate and critically examine how cities can support them.

You'll hear fresh ideas, bold visions, and on-the-ground insights from a stellar – and unique – line-up of speakers, from the worlds of neuroscience, activism, literature, local politics, urban design and more. This diverse mix of voices, together in one room, is not to be missed.

And yes — it's completely free to attend. Places are limited, so please register now to secure your attendance.

Line-up

The keynote speaker is Professor Shane O’Mara, neuroscientist and author of In Praise of Walking, who’ll talk about his recent research on walking, talking and brain health. Other speakers include:

  • Author, Annabel Streets on the potential of the built environment for human health and happiness

  • Dr Farzenah Bahrami, assistant professor at University of Groningen, on long distance walkers in London

  • Matthew Beaumont, professor of English literature at University College London on Frantz Fanon and walking

  • Jack Cornish of the Ramblers on his experience of walking every street in London

  • Disability justice researcher/campaigner Katie Pennick on interdependence and access making

  • Living Streets CEO, Catherine Woodhead on influencing walking and wheeling policy

  • Christina Calderato, director of transport policy and strategy at Transport for London

There will be a panel discussion on how bold we can be in pursuit of the walkable city, with:

  • Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Lambeth Council

  • Councillor Adam Harrison, Camden Council

  • Andrew Gilligan, former adviser to Boris Johnson

  • Caroline Russell, London Assembly and deputy chair of the Transport Committee

  • Professor Rachel Aldred, Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster

Attendees can also enjoy a photo exhibition of London walks by Muslim women, led by Sylvie Belbouab.

Details

The conference is organised by the Sustainable Cities and the Urban Environment Research Community at the University of Westminster, in association with the Active Travel Academy and Footways.

📍 University of Westminster’s Little Titchfield Street Campus, W1W 7BY

🕥 10:30am–5:15pm

☕️ Welcome with tea and coffee at 10am

🥙 Lunch from 1pm to 2pm

🍷 Drinks reception at 5.15pm

🎟️ Free, with optional donation to Living Streets

👉 Register now

Whether you're a planner, researcher, activist or simply a curious city-dweller, this is a day not to be missed.

Hope to see you there!

Emma Griffin