Walkability Programs

Improving walkability--and rollability--in North Carolina communities supports children, adults and seniors in being more physically active.

The Alliance, through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Active People, Healthy Nation initiative and YMCA of the USA, has supported YMCAs’ efforts to increase pedestrian safety in communities around the state from 2018-2023.

Several NC YMCA leaders are trained in how to conduct community walk audits and then engage local policymakers in infrastructure changes to support healthy, active communities. The Alliance also participates in statewide coalition efforts around public policy related to walkability and pedestrian safety.

picture of Liz Lord presenting at conference

Engaging Youth in Walkability at Y&G Conference

Youth Development

Last month YMCA veteran and walkability expert Liz Lord, MPH, PA, engaged teens attending the statewide 32nd Annual NC YMCA Youth & Government Conference in Raleigh at a workshop all about walkab

people conducting walk audit in Gaston County

YMCAs Advocate for Safe, Walkable/Rollable Communities

Walkability

North Carolina YMCAs reach out beyond the walls of the Y to support and strengthen communities. For several years, some YMCAs in North Carolina have used walk audits to identify barriers or challenges to walking or biking (as well as rolling strollers and wheelchairs).

YMCA members and staff on a walk audit in McAdenville, NC/

Audits Highlight Needs for Active Communities

Healthy Living

Last month two new walking groups at the Pharr Family YMCA in McAdenville (Gaston County Family YMCA) conducted walk audits to identify challenges for walking and rolling (wheelchairs, strollers, bikes, etc.) throughout the downtown area.

tractical urbanism to demonstrate pedestrian safety needs

Ys Making an Impact on Active Communities

Walkability

The Alliance partnered with AARP North Carolina in 2019 on a “tactical urbanism” project in Southport, NC, where volunteers created temporary crosswalks and bike lanes with chalk and paint and created a small “parklet.”

Rocky Mount Y’s Advocacy Sparks Action

Walkability

Advocacy works! In July, the Harrison Family YMCA conducted a walk audit in the Rocky Mount Housing Authority’s (RMHA) Weeks Armstrong neighborhood.

Rocky Mount walk auditors examining Pinehurst Dr. intersection

Rocky Mount Mayor and Leaders Join YMCA Walk Audit

Walkability

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson and Kelvin Macklin, CEO of the Rocky Mount Housing Authority, joined Harrison Family YMCA staff and walking club members on July 15 for a walk audit in the Weeks Armstrong neighborhood to assess how safe it is to walk or wheelchair roll in the area.

students conduct walk audit to address safety concerns

Youth Leaders Conduct Walk Audit to Advocate for Safety Needs

Walkability

In November 2019, 15 students from the Parkland High School Youth & Government delegation in Winston-Salem conducted a walk audit around their high school to assess how safe it is to walk or bike to their school and in the surrounding community, and to share their findings and recommendations with local policymakers.

Tactical Urbanism on the Streets of Southport

Walkability

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina partnered with AARP NC - Coastal on Sept. 13, 2019, on a tactical urbanism (TU) project to demonstrate the need for a crosswalk in Southport, N.C., to support a safe, healthy and active community in this popular resort town.

Creating Active Communities for All with Bike/Ped Infrastructure

Walkability

What does the landscape look like in North Carolina for safe walking and biking? There’s plenty of work to be done.

Walkability Programs

Improving Walkability in Communities