Learn how to access and report on the safety and walkability of your neighborhood and inspire needed change.

In too many communities, people can’t safely walk to where they need or want to go due to a lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, or other safety features which allow streets to be safe for pedestrians and drivers.

A walk audit is a simple activity in which an individual or team observes and evalutes the walkability of a location to document how and if pedestrians can safely travel along a street, navigate and intersection and get from point A to B, C and so on.

The AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit can be used by local leaders, advocates, community organizations and residents to:

• Inspire the developmet of pedestrian friendly streets
• Gather input about community infrastructure needs
• Help reduce traffic congestion and pollution
• Educate residents about street design elements that support safety
• Increase exercise opportunities for people of all ages
• Encourage social interactions among neighbors
• Enable people to get around without having to drive
• Give a boost to property values
• Empower community leaders and residents to be the agents of change

The tool kit publication provides step-by-step instructions and checklists for examining intersections, sidewalks, driver behavior, public safety and more.

Since the walk audit survery is user-directed, it can take as little or as much time as desired by, spending 15 minutes at one busy corner or devoting several hours to documenting several roadways in a neighborhood.

The documented results can be shared with elected officials and other local leaders when advocating for safe street features.