Gapyeong-gun Completes Creation of Pedestrian-Friendly Street with 'Nature and Rest'

Establishing a Safe and Comfortable Walking Environment through the Introduction of Universal Design

Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province (Governor Seo Tae-won) announced on the 24th that it has successfully completed the 'Pedestrian-Friendly Street Development Project with Nature and Rest,' providing a safe and convenient walking environment for local residents and visitors. This project has attracted attention for applying universal design that considers vulnerable traffic groups such as the elderly and disabled.

Gapyeong-gun recently completed the "Pedestrian-Friendly Street Development Project with Nature and Rest." Provided by Gapyeong-gun

The project area is a major section connecting Jaraseom, Nami Island, and Gapyeong Station. Previously, the mixed use of bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways, along with insufficient safety facilities, posed a high risk of accidents. In particular, the aging pedestrian paths were inconvenient due to subsidence and heaving, and the dark street environment increased anxiety for nighttime pedestrians. As a result, socially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled experienced significant difficulties in mobility.

To address these issues, Gapyeong-gun invested 950 million KRW secured through the selection of the '2024 Gyeonggi Province Public Project (Universal Design Project for Vulnerable Traffic Groups)' to install a 350-meter pedestrian deck and completely separate bicycle paths from pedestrian walkways. Additionally, idle spaces were reconfigured into rest areas, and the guidance system was improved along with obstacle maintenance to greatly enhance walking convenience.

This project is expected not only to strengthen pedestrian safety but also to contribute to the revitalization of the local economy and tourism. The nighttime landscape specialized design utilizing Gapyeong-gun’s natural scenery provides attractive sights, which is anticipated to positively impact the local commercial district due to increased nighttime activities.

Governor Seo Tae-won stated, “The creation of pedestrian-friendly streets is meaningful in that it provides a space where both residents and tourists can feel ‘safety and rest,’ beyond simply improving walkways,” and added, “We will continue to strive to improve the quality of life for residents through ongoing enhancements to the walking environment in line with the aging society.”

The county expects that this pedestrian-friendly street development will serve as an opportunity for Gapyeong-gun to take a step forward as a safer and more livable city.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.