Safe Sidewalks Crew
About the Safe Sidewalks Crew
Pittsburgh Walks has launched a sidewalk assessment project in partnership with BikePGH, Access Mob Pittsburgh, Riverlife, and the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.
We are organizing volunteers to assess the quality of sidewalks in Pittsburgh, and record findings via a mobile online survey developed by the City. The collected data helps the City identify where sidewalks need to be improved or built, prioritize pedestrian infrastructure projects, and make the case for funding. Meanwhile, the volunteers who collect the data are building a community to advocate for the infrastructure we need to thrive.
How to get involved
Anyone can join the Safe Sidewalks Crew! We need people power to collect a huge amount of data on Pittsburgh’s sidewalks. The goal is to have sidewalks that can be used by everyone, especially people with disabilities and older community members.
Follow these steps to join the crew:
Step 1. Get trained! Sign up for one of the upcoming trainings below, or contact us for training and access to the app.
Step 2. Take a walk.
Step 3. Use the app to start reporting issues.
Useful Links:
Upcoming Events
Accessibility Note: Most Safe Sidewalks Crew walks and sidewalk audits will include sections with sidewalks that have structural issues and obstructions, and are out of compliance with ADA. But, of course, this work couldn’t exist without the insights of people with disabilities. When you register for a walk, feel free to let us know if you use a mobility device or have individual accessibility questions, and we will coordinate with you to find a feasible route and accessible meeting point.
Greenfield Safe Sidewalks Crew Volunteer Meetup
When: Sunday, September 27th, 2 - 4pm
Where: Meet at Greenfield School
Greenfield neighbors will be meeting to use the Safe Sidewalks Crew survey together, and all are welcome even if you live elsewhere! There will be a brief orientation for people who haven’t used the survey tool yet, though this event is primarily for people who have already been trained and have their own username.
No registration required. Check Instagram for updates.
Safe Sidewalks Crew Volunteer Training
When: Tuesday, October 6th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Zoom
At this training you will learn what makes a sidewalk safe and accessible, and we'll show you how to use a simple web survey to share your observations about sidewalk quality. After you are trained, you can use the survey to report on sidewalk conditions in your neighborhood or anywhere else in Pittsburgh.
Week Without Driving Neighborhood Blitz in Mount Washington
When: Thursday, October 8th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Mt. Washington
As a part of Week Without Driving the Safe Sidewalks Crew will be coming up to Mount Washington. It's one of the least covered areas in the city in our efforts so far and we welcome volunteers from all over to help us record sidewalk quality in one of Pittsburgh’s favorite neighborhoods to visit!
You can attend this event whether or not you’ve been trained to volunteer with the Safe Sidewalks Crew! We’ll give you a quick lesson on how to use the sidewalk survey, and you’ll get assigned several blocks to walk with a small group and collect data. You just need to bring a charged mobile device and your walking shoes. This particular Safe Sidewalks Crew event is being organized by Riverlife with help from BikePGH.
Highland Park / East Liberty Safe Sidewalks Crew Volunteer Meetup
When: Sunday, October 18th, 10am (rain date on October 25th)
Where: Meet at Tazza d’Oro, 1125 N Highland Ave.
Highland Park & East Liberty neighbors will be meeting to use the Safe Sidewalks Crew survey together, and all are welcome even if you live elsewhere! This event is for people who have already been trained and have their own username, which you can get by attending our training on 10/6 (see above). The plan is to survey for an hour, and then folks will meet back at Tazza at 11 for a social hour.
No registration required. RSVP to this calendar event for updates.