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Promotion of walking

Another way to promote walking in a community is to … promote walking in that community. There are lots of ways to do this, and some are cheaper than others. Promotion could involve:

• some street stencils (see VicHealth’s Official Supporter campaign for examples);
• stickers on front gates indicating that this is a walking household;
• posters about walking in local shop windows;
• letter box drops promoting particular walking events or walking generally; or
• street signs reminding drivers to look out for people (especially children) that are walking in the area.

Sense of community connection

Community connections and strong local networks are immensely valuable, but they don’t just happen. Creating connections between groups of people takes time and commitment.

However, one of the great things about working in your community to advocate for and encourage walking is that it’s very likely you’ll find some people who care about the same things you do.

So, at the same time as you’re working with other people to change your neighbourhood into a walking-friendly place, you’ll actually be creating an environment in which walking can flourish: that is, a community with connections.

Creature comforts

Even fit, healthy, active people need to rest from time to time when they’re walking, especially in hot weather. Having plenty of shade and places to stop and sit make walking easier and more pleasant – and sometimes it’s nice to just pause and watch the world go by.

Water fountains or bubblers can provide great relief for walkers on hot days.

Shared spaces

Shared, open spaces encourage communities to gather together – but only if they’re attractive places to be.

Simple things can easily turn an uninviting space into a meeting place: a thorough clean up, seating, some communal facilities (like BBQs, play equipment and safe, clean public toilets), gardens and community art are all tools a community can use to ‘claim’ a space to share.

Having shared spaces can also help define a community’s ‘sense of place’ – especially if the surroundings, fixtures or art reflects a theme of the area, such as the ocean, a cultural heritage or a common local interest.

You might find some more ideas about promoting walking in your neighbourhood in our case studies.