On November 21, 2017, WalkBoston conducted a walk audit at Memorial Elementary School and in the surrounding neighborhood to assess the safety and quality of the walking environment for children walking to school. Westfield State University and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) also completed a walk audit and a Safe Routes to School analysis in the Spring of 2017. The purpose of the WalkBoston audit was to bring town staff together with the school administration to experience the walking conditions in the neighborhood and discuss opportunities to work together to improve pedestrian safety. After a short presentation by WalkBoston staff that described elements of a safe, enjoyable walking environment, participants walked around the Memorial Elementary School neighborhood to observe traffic patterns, evaluate sidewalk and road crossing conditions, and discuss any other environmental factors that might detract from the walking experience.

Read the full report here.