Encouraging walking - Places for breaks and rest: key elements of urban walking = Les lieux de pause et de repos : éléments essentiels de la marche en ville

Encouraging people to walk also means allowing them to stop at some point. A bench, chair, perch-type seat or low wall are all places where people can take a break. More generally, the expression “places for breaks” can cover all places in the public space where people can stop and rest. This may be for a brief moment or for longer periods, for example to read or meet and chat with a friend. These places for breaks and rest concern all people of all ages. Being able to take regular breaks is a more of a necessity than a matter of comfort, in particular for people with reduced mobility and the elderly.