Chapter 3: How can the safety of my neighborhood be improved?
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Encouragement
When it comes to walking, there is safety in numbers. More people walking makes it safer for all pedestrians because drivers are more likely to expect pedestrians. By encouraging more walking in your community, you can gather support to make additional pedestrian improvements as well as foster a safer and close-knit walking community.
Two ideas for promoting walking in your community:
- Get involved in Safe Routes to School Programs—Get children, parents, school officials, and teachers to participate in Safe Routes to School programs and other school-based walking events.
- Start a Walk to Work or "Car Free" Day—This can start with the people you live and work with or can include the broader community.
Community Success Story 10: Get Active Orlando Encouragement Program
Orlando, Florida
The Get Active Orlando program—funded by Active Living By Design—aims to encourage and facilitate walking and biking in the downtown area. The program's vision is to establish downtown Orlando and its adjacent neighborhoods as an "Active Living District," with residents, employees, and visitors routinely making active choices in an environment that encourages safe physical activity. The program is supported by a broad coalition of local agencies, health services, and advocacy groups which maintains a strong partnership with local neighborhood association leaders, sending a representative to every association meeting. Through this personal contact and regular newsletters of current events, residents voice concerns and have questions answered.
Funding efforts have led to $25,000 of gas tax revenue reserved for installing bikeways around the city, and a state grant with matching local funds provides for trails, sidewalk improvements, bike parking, urban gardens, senior walking groups, and more. Community programs such as hip hop and golf classes have also been implemented in response to resident interest. Regular communication between all the partners maintains the strong, long-term partnership that drives the initiatives.
The Get Active Orlando partnership plans to develop and implement a campaign that focuses on the importance of daily active living and is developing a "Point of Choice" campaign that educates people on their options for active traveling. For more information, visit http://www.activeliving.org/node/291.
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