The history of walking, we can imagine, dates back to the history of man. I don’t know anyone who questions why we walk or how we walk, it’s simply ingrained in the human experience. However, the history of walking itself has not looked the same for all, often highlighting social, health, and economic inequities of different individual walking and urban experiences.
This comes down to a number of social factors and often, how these present themselves in the built environment of our cities. This means the physical infrastructure of sidewalks, roads, green spaces and lighting.
As we begin to acknowledge these inequities in the urban walking experience, cities are beginning to put plans and actions in place to remediate past decisions and improve conditions of historically marginalized places and people. During a pandemic, however, these inequities have been further made clear. Read more>>
The COVID 19 pandemic has revealed these inequities in the urban experience that have historically affected vulnerable and marginalized communities. As individuals went into social isolation and now into social distancing, we are quickly noticing a need for more access to space for recreation in many urban areas. In turn, many communities around BC, Canada and in the world have acted on this, relocating road space to serve the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. These quick and dirty urban changes have blown the door of bureaucracy open and pointed to a new era where necessary urban changes can be put in place quickly and effectively with results that indicate success.
As individuals turn to taking more bike and walking trips, it’s important that cities reflect this shift in the space available to these groups in order to help keep both separate and safe. It is important to remember the different needs of both these groups in an effort to minimize traffic accidents and promote road safety. Read more>>
Curb cut vs. no curb cut.
Carbon emissions have fallen due to the effects of these changes and a renewed perspective on active transportation. Walking and cycling are modes of transportation that are accessible to the majority of the population physically but not necessarily socially in the context of the urban environment. Walking should be an accessible and positive experience for all -- after all, it is human instinct to do so, no question.
Let us consider the perspectives gained through the COVID 19 pandemic to improve the walking experience for all individuals. Improving the equity of walking will in turn make it a more viable option for running errands, getting to work, recreation and leisure. After all, walking is part of human history and as such should be a viable option for everyone, regardless of social, economic and health status.
