LV Walk Audit

An Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley initiative in coordination with
United Way GLV, LV Planning Commission, and AARP PA

Striving to make Lehigh Valley streets and sidewalks safer

Join us for a walk audit to determine areas of improvement that will support an age-friendly community. 

Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Walk Audit 2023

About the WALK AUDIT

The Lehigh Valley Walk Audit is an initiative in coordination with United Way GLV, LV Planning Commission, and AARP PA.

The Lehigh Valley Walk Audit will help to determine areas of improvement to support an age-friendly community; increase accessibility; help build transportation and pedestrian infrastructure; connect the D&L Heritage Corridor trailheads to the surrounding communities; engage elected officials, non-profits, businesses, community residents, and others; and is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and all abilities to be involved in and take an active role in building the community they envision. 

Thank you to all who came out to the press conference at Catasauqua Park on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. 

United Way’s Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Kicks Off New Initiative to Increase Pedestrian Safety in Partnership with AARP PA and Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

Read more…

The LV Planning Commission has identified 50 intersections that pose a hazard to pedestrian and motorist safety. LV Walk Audit teams can choose one of these 50 locations or opt for a location of their choosing.

Build a team – friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. – select a location and a team leader, conduct the audit. Each team member must sign a waiver that indemnifies the partners and allows for the use of their picture. Each team member can work on one or two of the audit sheets or take pictures. The team leader will gather all audit sheets and pictures, complete the summary, and ensure that each team member has signed the waiver. All documents should be submitted to: [email protected]. 

Some teams are walking right after the press conference. Others will walk at times more convenient for their schedule. And others may choose to participate in one of the LV Walk Audit’s Community Walk Days. These Days will be scheduled over the next few months. Check back here often for updates on times, dates, and places!

On the Age-Friendly LV website, you can learn about available locations and access all the needed forms.

Once the LV Walk Audit is completed, the LV Planning Commission will analyze and map the data and issue a report on the findings.

MORE ABOUT WALK AUDITS

A Walk Audit is often the first step towards policy, system, and environment change which can improve a community for people of all ages.

The AARP Walk Audit Toolkit

The Walk Audit is an extremely versatile tool for walkable community advocates.  It can be used to engage the public, build awareness of the importance of walkable design, identify specific pedestrian safety issues, and advance policy and community development goals.  Walk Audits can be conducted alone, with a group of other concerned residents to document needed changes, or with public officials who have the power to do something about it.

'America Walks’ How to Conduct a Walk Audit video identifies the “Top Ten Tips” for leading a successful Walk Audit

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

YOU Can Participate In the Lehigh Valley Walk Audit by Joining a Walking Team and/or by Completing a Survey Telling Us About Your Street

What is a Liveable Community?

A livable community is safe and secure, contains housing that’s affordable and appropriate, has transportation options, access to needed services, and opportunities for residents to participate in community life