AARP PA Conducts Walk Audit in Southwest Philadelphia
On October 28, 2024, AARP Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Livable Communities Network and Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s office, brought together community leaders and advocates for a walk audit in Southwest Philadelphia.
A walk audit is more than just a stroll through the neighborhood, it’s a focused effort to evaluate streets and intersections, identifying areas that may seem pedestrian-friendly but pose real dangers by design. These audits provide essential insights that can guide local decision-making, prioritize much-needed improvements, and educate communities on the critical role of thoughtful street and sidewalk design.
Why Livable Communities Matter
The AARP Livable Communities initiative supports efforts to make cities and towns across the country age-friendly. Safe streets and sidewalks are fundamental to livability, enabling residents to navigate their neighborhoods with confidence and ease.
Collaboration in Action
The Southwest Philadelphia walk audit brought together representatives from:
- The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
- Clean Air Council
- The Office of Multimodal Planning (City of Philadelphia)
- Southwest Community Development Corporation
- State Representative Regina Young’s office
- Council President Johnson’s office
Community members and advocates joined forces to share their perspectives, expertise, and observations. Together, they walked through key intersections and streets, noting potential hazards and brainstorming solutions to make the area safer and more accessible.
Hearing from the Experts and the Community
Our video from the walk audit features interviews with members of the Philadelphia Livable Communities Network and other participants, capturing their reflections on why this work is so important. As participants pointed out, creating walkable neighborhoods goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about fostering equity, improving public health, and ensuring that every resident can fully participate in their community.
The Path Forward
Walk audits like this one are vital tools for driving change. The findings from Southwest Philadelphia’s walk audit will inform ongoing efforts to make the neighborhood safer and more age-friendly. They also serve as a reminder that livable communities don’t happen by chance—they’re the result of intentional design, advocacy, and collaboration.
AARP PA is proud to support these efforts, working alongside community partners to create spaces that work for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Want to get involved?
Learn more about AARP Livable Communities initiatives and how you can advocate for safer streets in your neighborhood at https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities. Together, we can build communities where everyone can thrive.
