Los Angeles Walks

Los Angeles Walks is a pedestrian advocacy group that makes walking safe, accessible, fun and equitable for all Angelenos.

We are a volunteer-supported organization dedicated to promoting walking and pedestrian infrastructure in Los Angeles, educating Angelenos and local policymakers concerning the rights and needs of pedestrians of all abilities, and fostering the development of safe and vibrant environments for all pedestrians.

My own work with the group develops several projects that support research and advocacy for pedestrian rights. 

Policy Research

LA2050 sponsored LA Walks to research what characteristics Angelenos want to see in new community developments. The initiative was aimed to create a shared vision for the future of Los Angeles, and to drive and track progress toward that vision. I designed a survey and policy report to evaluate indicators of regional health (ie. education, employment, housing, public safety, and more). 

The walk led participants to local businesses, non-profits, and art groups where the owner or director spoke about how they are contributing to a vibrant and creative neighborhood. Participants were then surveyed on how important the different LA2050 goals were to them and the best metrics for measuring the health indicators.

The data was then analyzed and delivered to  the Goldhirsch Foundation to guide their next projects. See the video recap here!

Arroyo Seco Access

After mapping out the points of access between the Arroyo Seco Bikeway and adjacent parks I hosted a walk to educate about the issue. Along with 30 participants, we walked along the Arroyo Seco and through the neighboring Ernest Debs Park and heard from the Arroyo Seco Foundation, City of LA Homelessness Coalition, and Audubon Center at Debs Park. 

This walk was covered by KPCC, who joined the walk and reported on my efforts to make healthy change in Los Angeles. Additionally, KCET Departures wrote an article about my re-envisioning of the Arroyo Seco as a new transportation corridor. 

Within one month of the walk and article release the fencing blocking access between the river and parks was removed by the City of Los Angeles.

Digital Outreach

In addition to campaigning and research, I operate as LA Walks' online media manager. We have a popular blog, social media sites, and newsletter for which I provide design, content, and distribution.

I walk because I enjoy Los Angeles and see it as a transportation solution to many environmental, health, and economic problems. In order to plan for pedestrians, I believe you must be a pedestrian. By simply walking in LA it becomes obvious where there are failures and successes. I use this information to guide my research and action to make Los Angeles more pedestrian friendly.