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TAKING ACTION Reporting Results, Proposing Solutions Iis not easy to persuade local leaders to make transportation and roadway improvements. Obstacles abound: politics, costs, past practices and, very often, overlapping jurisdictions, such as when a road is managed by the state rather than the county or municipality that it passes through. But individuals and community groups can get the ball rolling— and inspire and achieve needed change — by identifying problems and calling attention to them. Some next steps: O PREPARE A REPORT Summarize the walk audit's findings in a short, easy -to -read and easy -to -share report, handout, PowerPoint presentation and/or video. As tempting as it may be to share every observation from the audit, elected officials, other local leaders and municipal staff might be put off and overwhelmed by a dense and lengthy document. Share the most compelling highlights in the summary report. The deep details can be provided later if needed or requested. A suggested outline of what to include: 1.Opener: This top sheet or introductory slide orvideo clip should attract the attention of the intended recipient(s), so include a photograph or other visuals that show the location; the name of the community, street(s), route and/or destinations; and a brief statement describing the auditing group or participants. 2. Explanation of the Problem: Provide information about the location, such as why it was chosen. If crash data exists for the location (from, perhaps, the local police, a government agency or advocacy group) include those details, including the time of day, speeds involved, likely causes and outcomes. 3. Map: Download a map from the internet or use our map worksheet to draw one. Add labels and street names as needed. 4.Observations and Findings: Provide a list or short narrative detailing what was observed. S. The Need: Answer the potential question "Why does this street or location even need to be walkable?" 6. Proposed Solutions: No one wants to be handed a problem and simply told to fix it. Share ideas and suggestions for how the observed problems can be solved. 7. Contact Information: The recipients or target audience should know how to reach the audit team to ask questions, collaborate or, ideally, share news that the problems are being addressed and how. e SHARE THE RESULTS If no local leader with the power to pursue a solution participated in the audit, send the report to those who can implement the desired changes or advocate for them. Consider sharing the report with local media as well. • Research the submission options before starting the report — or even better, before the walk audit. That way the information can be gathered and provided in a format that will be the most useful. (Also, many government offices and community groups have an email address, online form or phone numberfor reporting street and sidewalk problems.) Keep a record of who the report was sent to, how and when. If there's no response, follow up. Talk to neighbors, friends and family about the results. Encourage them to do their own walk audit orjoin the continuing advocacy work. Continued on page 18 ► 16 1 AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit Page 61 of 89