Gangnett

Gangnett is a term used in urban planning to describe a connected, city-wide network of pedestrian routes designed to enable continuous and safe walking for residents. The word is formed from the Norwegian words gang, meaning a way or path, and nett, meaning net, reflecting its emphasis on an integrated web of walking routes rather than isolated sidewalks. In practice, a gangnett aims to link streets, squares, transit stops, and public spaces into a coherent system that prioritizes pedestrians.

A gangnett typically includes sidewalks, dedicated footpaths, pedestrian bridges or underpasses, safe crosswalks, and wayfinding signage. It is often coordinated with public transportation hubs, schools, workplaces, and recreational areas to provide direct, accessible routes with minimal detours. Design goals emphasize directness, safety, accessibility for all users (including people with mobility impairments), good lighting, street-level activity, and environmental comfort.

Historically, the concept has been associated with Nordic and other European urban planning traditions that prioritize walkability and livable cities. In planning documents, a gangnett may be described as the backbone of the pedestrian realm, complementing the road network and cycling infrastructure. While the term may appear in regional discussions, many planners use the more general terms pedestrian network or walkability grid to convey similar ideas in broader contexts.

Critiques of gangnett proposals often focus on implementation challenges such as funding, maintenance, competing land uses, and concerns about safety in poorly lit or less-trafficked segments. Proponents counter that a well-planned gangnett can reduce car dependence, improve health outcomes, and enhance neighborhood cohesion by improving access and visibility of public spaces.

See also: walkability, pedestrian network, urban design, transportation planning.