Case Study: Lighting up The Tan (Melbourne, Australia)

Photograph: Richard Milnes/Alamy

Context

Melbourne’s Tan Track, a 3.8-kilometre loop around the Royal Botanic Gardens, is one of the city’s most iconic running routes. 

Intervention

In 2006, the City of Melbourne installed permanent lighting along The Tan, initially as part of preparations for the Commonwealth Games. Recognizing the broader benefits, the lighting was made a permanent feature and is now operational from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, extending the usability of the trail year-round.

This upgrade was part of the city’s Lighting Strategy, which emphasizes creating “safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces” by combining functional lighting with thoughtful urban design.

Result

A City of Melbourne spokesperson confirmed the impact of lighting on runner safety and trail usage: “Since then, we've seen a surge in avid runners and recreational walkers enjoying the Tan who tell us they feel safe getting active along this route.”

The lighting at The Tan illustrates how targeted urban infrastructure improvements can enhance perceived and actual safety, especially for women and other vulnerable groups.

Learn more

• About the Tan

• Reference to The Tan in The Guardian

• City of Melbourne Lighting Strategy