After trials in Logan, the Gold Coast and Bundaberg, the state government will roll out the $3 million smart pedestrian crossing technology over the next two years at up to 300 crossings.

Compared with normal pedestrian crossings, which use a timer, the smart crossings use sensors to detect the movement of walkers and adjust the amount of time required to cross.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said that meant pedestrians could cross safely without having to rush.

It also means motorists will have to spend less time waiting when fewer pedestrians are using the crossing.

"Importantly, these smart pedestrian crossing detectors can also hold left or right-turn red arrow signals, to protect pedestrians from turning vehicles," Mr Bailey said.

"Trials at Slacks Creek, Broadbeach, Main Beach and Bundaberg demonstrated marked improvements in traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety, which is why we're now investing $3 million through the camera detected offence program."

The rollout will begin later in 2019, with locations chosen based on length, high traffic and pedestrian volumes, those used by mobility-impaired pedestrians and cyclists and crossings near hospitals.

Initial intersections to receive the upgrades include:

Mr Bailey announced the rollout at the Queensland walking summit on Thursday morning, where more than 100 stakeholders gathered to help develop the state's first walking strategy.

He said about one-third of Queensland's pedestrian fatalities and hospitalisations happened at intersections.

In 2018, there were 35 pedestrian fatalities. Between January 1 and August 31, there were 228 hospitalised pedestrians.

Speaking at the summit, UK walking consultant Rodney Tolley said there were economic, safety and health benefits to encouraging people to walk more.

Mr Tolley said Brisbane would not attract the "knowledge economy", for example, jobs in design, marketing, media, culture and design, unless it was a walkable city.

"You're competing with savvy, creative Gen Ys from around the world who want to go to a walkable city and leave their cars behind," he said.

"Retailing works better when people walk - walkers buy more than people who arrive in cars.

"Although they can carry less per journey they shop more frequently and visit more often."

Bicycle Queensland chief executive Anne Savage said CBD and suburban streets had been surrendered to cars, with less space for cycling and walking.

"The creation of Queensland's first walking strategy will help to set us on the right path towards a healthy and sustainable travel future, reducing the number of cars on our roads and creating space for a more connected community," she said.