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Chapter 1: How can I identify problems with walking conditions in my neighborhood?

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Ways to Assess Pedestrian Problems

You might begin by taking photographs, videotaping, or simply writing down the problems you observe—this can be useful when trying to describe your concerns to decision makers, local government staff, community members, and other interested people. Below are some other ways that you can assess and document pedestrian safety problems in your community:

Use a walkability checklist

Tour your neighborhood and assess its safety for pedestrians. Community members often partner with specialists to develop more pedestrian friendly environments. Residents, public works and planning staff, advocates, and elected officials can collaborate to identify the problems and develop a plan to address them.

Talk with other community members

This may be one of the best ways to help identify safety problems in your community and at the same time build a network of involved citizens who are willing to help you address your concerns. You can speak with neighborhood residents and community groups, your local pedestrian advisory board (PAB), local public health and injury prevention leaders, emergency services professionals, and law enforcement officers.

Find out what is already being done

Your town/city/county may already have a pedestrian plan or other transportation plan to address problems in your neighborhood. If not, they need to hear from you! Talk to your local planning, transportation, or public works department or pedestrian advocacy group to see if there is a list of pedestrian projects or resident concerns.

Examine pedestrian collision and injury data

These data are sometimes available through your state or local department of transportation (DOT) and can be a way to determine if an area has a history of pedestrian safety problems. You can request that the local transportation agency review collision data.

Use bus stop checklists to assess pedestrian safety concerns related to bus stops

A checklist was developed by Easter Seals Project ACTION as part of the Toolkit for the Assessment of Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety. More information can be found at http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_BusStopToolkit or by calling 800-659-6428 (voice) or 202-347-7385 (telecommunications device for the deaf).

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