Introduction and Background Information

Introduction

 The goal of this co-learning lab topic is to develop citizen-led ways to make walking a part of daily life. Specifically, we are focusing on how to encourage daily activity in places that are often considered less walkable, like suburban neighborhoods.

 Why are we concerned with the suburbs? A recent MIT study found that 73% of people who live in US metropolitan areas live in suburbs. Of those, 63% live in suburbs that are considered “auto-oriented” – in other words, places that do not offer alternative ways of getting around like public transportation.

Why is walking important? 

The CDC found that in the US, about a quarter of adults don’t get any physical activity outside of their jobs. Inactivity is a major concern because it can lead to many of the most common health problems:

• heart and lung disease

• high blood pressure

• type 2 diabetes

• anxiety / depression

• some types of cancer

• osteoporosis that results in broken bones from falls

Walking is a simple exercise that almost anyone can do. Even for those whose mobility is limited or require a mobility device to get around, improving sidewalks and bringing activities within walking distance of home can increase independence and quality of life. The same benefits apply to children, whose development depends on the ability to safely explore the world around them. 

What makes a place walkable?

 More than a decade ago, the urban planner Jeff Speck wrote a book called Walkable City. In it he laid out what he calls the “General Theory of Walkability”. His theory is that for someone to choose to walk, the following four conditions need to be met: 

• Useful – the walk needs to provide a benefit, whether it is going to work, shopping, or exercise

• Safe – there needs to be a low risk of being injured by traffic or experiencing other threats

• Comfortable – there need to be things like shade, space to walk, and places to rest

• Interesting – there should be chances to interact with others and see things along the way 

Of course there are lots of ways to create these conditions or improve places to make them more walkable. We have put together the video on this page to give you some ideas about what we notice as planners and how you can do the same in your neighborhood. Take a look and think about your own experiences as you participate in the process here at gather.

Now it’s your turn: how to participate in the process through gather@cepa

What we would like for you to do as part of this co-learning exercise is to think about your own experience and how it might apply to the question of how to make suburban places more walkable. Whether you live in the heart of the city, the suburbs, or a rural area, we encourage you to think about the problem and join the discussion! Here’s how:

1. Complete the introductory materials (you’re finishing that up now!)

2. Participate in the introductory survey

3. Add brainstorming ideas and start discussions in the debates section

4. Attend the meeting sessions and/or proposal discussions (dates and times TBA)

5. Provide input on the final collaborative document

Thank you for joining us and we look forward to seeing you in the discussion on this and other topics!

If you are ready to move on to the next step, click here to complete the Introductory Survey.