Walk Wise, Drive Smart

Walk Wise, Drive Smart is a community-based pedestrian safety program in Hendersonville, NC, that aims to make neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly for older adults. Program officials first assessed walking conditions in 10 Hendersonville neighborhoods and collected information through neighborhood meetings and interviews. The program then developed pedestrian safety plans, established neighborhood walking routes, upgraded pedestrian facilities on walking routes, installed benches along the routes, and developed walking maps and guides to walking and driving safely. The Walk Wise, Drive Smart program actively leads educational workshops and walking audits of neighborhoods. In addition, the program provides incentives to courteous drivers, such as those who yield to pedestrians.

To build community support for and awareness of senior-pedestrian safety issues.

Since its implementation, the Walk Wise, Drive Smart program has educated city officials and Hendersonville residents about pedestrian safety. Using data gathered through the program, the city promoted policy changes and altered traffic patterns to reduce the risk of injury for pedestrians. The program has established guided walking events that routinely have greater than 20 participants.