Part 2: Let’s do a Neighborhood Walking Audit!
Now that we have an idea of what a neighborhood walk audit is all about, let’s see it in action!
Hope Henchey leads one-hour walk audits to spot the everyday barriers that make walking difficult: cracked or missing sidewalks, poor crossings, blocked pathways, and other safety and access issues.
If you’ve been following our recent blog posts, you know that Hope recently visited my hometown of Buffalo. During her trip she led a walking audit on the West Side, highlighting what’s working well and what could be improved. It’s a great example of how careful, focused observation can reveal real opportunities to strengthen a neighborhood.
Try it yourself: grab your action guide, pick a short route, and spend one hour using Hope’s method to conduct a simple audit. Note physical conditions, safety concerns, access to amenities, and signs of community life. Small observations — a missing curb ramp, a faded crosswalk, a vacant lot with potential — can point to practical, achievable changes. Your neighborhood is full of insights waiting to be discovered.
Check out Hope’s Buffalo walk audit here!
Watch for Part 3 of the blog series “Let’s Do a Neighborhood Walking Audit!” — coming soon. This installment will focus on sidewalks.
Did you miss part 1? Click the link below!
