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Urban Planning Geeks Take to the Streets
On May 4th and 5th, neighbors around the world will take a walk together, connecting about the place where they live and celebrating the principles of urban activist Jane Jacobs.
Jacobs championed walkable neighborhoods, urban literacy, and cities planned for and by people, values very dear to our Let's Save Michigan hearts. That's why Let's Save Michigan is partnering with Jane's Walk to bring walks to our Michigan neighborhoods!
Are you interested in hosting a Jane's Walk in your city? If so, we want to know, and we want to support you!
What is a Jane's Walk? Started in Toronto in 2007, Jane's Walks are free and open walking conversation that celebrate the ideas and legacy of urban activist Jane Jacobs. Jane became famous for her insistence that “downtowns are for people,” and advocacy for urban design that fostered community. Jane's Walks are as varied as the people taking part—and their goal is to create the time and space for people to connect, share, and develop ideas about their communities and cities by simply taking a walk together.
In 2012, walks were held in 85 cities in 17 countries worldwide. This year, Let's Save Michigan hopes to foster Jane's Walks all over the state, creating conversation about how we can build more vibrant, attractive, and walkable cities, planned for and by people.
How can you take part? The 2013 Jane's Walks will take place on May 4th and 5th. Initiating a walk in your community is easy, and Jane's Walk provides many resources on their website to help facilitate. What story would you want to tell about your streets? What expertise or questions do you want to share? Genuine interest and curiousity in your neighborhood are the only prerequisites for Jane’s Walk leaders, and creativity is welcome. Past walks have been led by anyone from politicians to school children. Let's Save Michigan wants to offer added support to help you reach out to your community, plan your conversation, collect input from your walking group, and use social media to promote and share stories from your walk.
If you are interested in hosting a Jane's Walk in your community, (1) register at the Jane’s walk website, and (2) email us at sarah [at] letssavemichigan.com to become part of Michigan’s coordinated Jane’s Walk effort.
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