Worcester Invites Public to Participate in Walk Audits of Key Corridors

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WORCESTER, MA – The City of Worcester’s Department of Transportation & Mobility is inviting residents to join five interactive walk audits of key corridors throughout the city, identified by the Vision Zero planning team. These audits focus on areas within the city’s high-injury network where deaths and severe injuries in crashes occur at higher rates, making them a priority for the city's future safety improvements.

Walk Audit Schedule:

• September 9, 2024
• • 3:00 p.m.: Belmont Street #1 – Belmont Street Community School to Converse Street/I-290 Ramp.
  • 5:00 p.m.: Belmont Street #2 – Lake Avenue to Shrewsbury Street.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Lincoln Street – Beverly Road to the Lincoln Street School crosswalk.
• September 12, 2024 (Featuring Jeff Speck)
• • 3:00 p.m.: Cambridge Street – Price Chopper entrance to S. Crystal Street.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Park Avenue – May Street to Chandler Street.

Rain dates are scheduled for October 8 and October 7, respectively.

A walk audit is a walking assessment that focuses on street design, sidewalk infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and accessibility. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with transportation planners and urban designers to evaluate the pedestrian experience and identify areas that need improvement. Those involved in the walk audits will act as data collectors, documenting observations and answering questions like "Why does this intersection feel unsafe?" or "Where is the sidewalk too narrow for safe walking?"

The input from these audits will help shape the city’s approach to enhancing safety and accessibility in these corridors. Participants will help document both qualitative and quantitative issues to raise awareness about pedestrian needs and to support efforts in creating safer, more walkable streets for all.

To learn more and register for any of the walk audits, visit the City of Worcester Department of Transportation & Mobility’s website.

This information was provided by the City of Worcester.