what you’ll need:
• a map of walking the route and stops • preliminary scouting to determine a route and stops • about an hour for the walk plus some time to transition
Insights Some questions you might ask along the way • • • • •
sidewalks: Are they wide enough for two people to walk alongside each other? To pass each other? For a parent with a stroller? bus stops: Is there a place to sit? How hot is it? Are there any trees or an awning to provide shade? Is there a crosswalk nearby? Crosswalks: Are all those lanes of traffic really necessary? Do you feel safe crossing? How much time do you have? Buildings: How would you enter as a pedestrian? Is there an entrance facing the street, or a blank wall? Is there a bike rack? OPPORTUNITIES: What is good about the neighborhood, and what are potential solutions for problems?
TIPS TO MAXIMIZE ENGAGEMENT • Be an energetic leader: Be loud and engaging, otherwise participants will wander off, drag behind or not know when to stop and listen. If you have a large group consider having two leaders - one for the fast walkers and one for the slower walkers. • Show rather than tell: Take advantage of your surroundings and find examples that speak for themselves. Take advantage of circumstance - if a mother is struggling to push a stroller across a badly maintained sidewalk, point it out. • Ask Questions: Push the participants to provide their own answers and comments. You might get some surprising insights by simply stopping at an opportune location and simply asking, “what do you see?” or “how could we make this better?” 57