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Get Inspired! <br />The AARP WalkAudit Tool Kit gets results! <br />• Jerma in e Mitchell, an assistant professor of exercise and nutrition science at the University of Monteva I I o <br />in Montevallo, Alabama, has his students use the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit to assess the walkability of <br />local neighborhoods. Sidewalks have been fixed and crosswalks added as a result of their work. <br />• Working with AARP, older residents in South Austin,Texas, conducted a walk audit to document the <br />dangers of crossing a busy four -lane roadway that separated a bus stop and the local senior center. With <br />their observations in hand (documented by a video and a detailed report about the results), the auditors <br />delivered their findings to their city council member. A pedestrian hybrid beacon (seepage 11 to learn <br />what that is) was installed. <br />In Edgewater, Maryland, a retirement <br />community was builtjust three -tenths of a <br />mile from two shopping centers. To get to <br />the retail areas by foot, however, residents <br />needed to cross four lanes of traffic with cars <br />often coming, sometimes dangerously fast, <br />from both directions. Two neighborsjoined <br />forces to lobby the county transportation <br />department for a safer street. The result: A <br />pedestrian island (pictured) was installed to <br />provide walkers with a safe place to sta nd <br />when they can't cross all four lanes at once. <br />In addition, a sensor -operated beacon <br />with flashing lights alerts driverswhen a <br />pedestrian enters the crosswalk. <br />© PRODUCE THE PROOF <br />Although a summary report will be created <br />based on the information in the worksheets, <br />taking photographs and video of the audit <br />location will help clarify what's working and <br />what isn't. <br />Use the photographs and video (along with the <br />audio if traffic noise is among the concerns) to <br />document and show the overall area as well as <br />the problem spots. <br />Since many walk audits reveal both bad features <br />and good ones, be sure to photograph the <br />location's positive attributes as well. ■ <br />A This walk audit duo succeeded in Edgewater, Maryland <br />getting their county's transportation <br />department to install a pedestrian island. <br />Details to focus on include: <br />• crossing signals <br />• overhead traffic lights <br />• turning lanes <br />• curb cuts <br />• sidewalks <br />• crosswalks and vehicle stop lines <br />• lighting <br />Photographs can be taken to show where such <br />safety and pedestrian -friendly features should exist. <br />AARP Walk AudIt Tool Kit 19 <br />Page 54 of 89 <br />