From BOWLING GREEN SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS GROUP
Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group is taking steps – literally and figuratively – to make local streets safer and more walkable. The fall walk audit, set for Sept. 14 through Sept. 28, involves community members observing intersections and sidewalks, assessing conditions, and identifying ways to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
“Walk audits are a powerful way to see our neighborhoods through the eyes of pedestrians,” said Debbie Thompson, leader of BG SONG’s Transportation and Mobility team. “Our walk audit volunteers will be out there to spot challenges, then come back together to share their experiences. The end goal is to have information that will help us advocate for changes that will make our community safer for everyone.”
The audit is part of the group’s ongoing effort to reduce traffic hazards, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and create safer routes for residents of all ages and abilities. Participants will evaluate crosswalks, signage, and traffic flow. Findings from the audit will be shared with city leaders to guide future safety enhancements.
BG SONG will host a fall walk audit kick-off event for volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 4 – 5 p.m., at the Chauncey Point Clubhouse, 1005 Chauncey Lane. After a brief introduction on the purpose and methods of the project, each volunteer will receive audit instructions, a checklist, and an assignment of one or two intersections. Volunteers will complete several 30-minute observations over the following two-week period. The group will reconvene for a wrap-up event on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m.
Volunteers who cannot attend the kick-off or wrap-up meetings may arrange another time to get the information and materials and return them when done.
Community members interested in volunteering for the walk audit may sign up by sending an email with “Walk Audit” in the subject line to bowlinggreensong@gmail.com, by phone at 419-356-3330, or by using the BGSUserves platform. No prior experience is necessary – just a willingness to observe, take notes, and help make Bowling Green’s streets safer and more welcoming.
