Collaborative city liveability study using Gehl methodology : pedestrian and bike counts and stationary activity survey Penrith

![CDATA[Penrith Central Business District is one of the regional cities of New South Wales that have been selected for substantial growth in the near future. The use of public space by pedestrians and cyclists is examined to provide a technical tool for future decisions made by planners and urban designers. This paper discusses the data collected and the observations recorded during a study of public spaces in Penrith CBD by a group of UWS planning students. The method for collecting data was largely based on the techniques employed by Jan Gehl in his Public Spaces and Public Life studies. A survey documenting: 1) the number of pedestrian and cyclists and 2) observing the stationary activities was carried out over a period of two days to indicate the quality of urban space in Penrith CBD. The purpose of this study was to: identify the number of pedestrians at specific locations and times, examine the amount and type of cyclists, recognize the behaviour and decisions of pedestrians using the urban space and document the pedestrian life of the city. This paper presents the findings of the survey as well as analyses the suitability and adaptability of the Gehl methodology. The paper also sheds light on the aspects of mutual benefit of this study for the city and the university.]]