explore · Problem Solving, Planning, Empathy · 90–150 min · 2-15 people · medium energy
Walk Audit
A small, mixed group walks a route of about a mile with worksheets, rating sidewalks, crossings, lighting and other conditions as they go. Different people observe, note and photograph. Afterwards the group meets to combine findings, rank the most urgent issues and decide what to ask of local officials.
When to use Walk Audit
Use when a team or community wants to turn complaints about a street or campus into specific, evidence-based improvements, ideally with a decision-maker walking along.
What it solves
People know a street feels unsafe but cannot say exactly why, so nothing changes.
How to run Walk Audit, step by step
- Scout the route beforehand and set clear objectives (prep).
- Brief the group, hand out worksheets and clipboards, and assign roles: observers, note-takers, photographers, a leader (10 min).
- Walk the route, stopping at crossings and problem spots to rate and photograph conditions (60-90 min).
- Reconvene to combine worksheets and list findings by location (20 min).
- Prioritise issues and agree on next steps and who presents them to officials (15-20 min).
Materials needed
- AARP Walk Audit worksheets
- Clipboards and pens
- Phones or cameras
- Hi-vis vests near busy roads
Facilitator tips
- Invite a diverse group: older people, parents with prams, wheelchair users, people who use the street daily.
- Invite one or two local officials; seeing the problem in person changes the conversation.
- Remind everyone about traffic safety before starting, and keep the route to roughly a mile.
Common pitfalls
- Collecting lots of observations without a debrief to prioritise them.
- Auditing only at a convenient time of day and missing the rush hour or dark-evening conditions.
Variations
- Campus or venue audit: use the same structure to assess how accessible an office or event site is.
What it produces
Completed audit worksheets, photos, and a prioritised list of improvements to present to whoever can act on them.
Origin
The AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit gives community groups and local officials a structured worksheet and leader guide for assessing how safe and walkable a street is. — source
Build a session around Walk Audit
METODIC places Walk Audit inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.