America Walks, in partnership with Every Body Walk! Collaborative and expert Mark Fenton, has released Getting Started Practice Briefs.  The briefs are designed provide local organizations and advocates with resources, knowledge, and insider tips on how to make their communities more walkable.  The information and data presented in the guides were developed through interviews with 12 long-term practitioners in the field of walkability.  The documents build on the practice wisdom of these experts who include traffic engineers, public health professionals, urban planners, elected officials, and law enforcement.

Three briefs are currently available:

• Getting Started Guide
  Many communities aspire to make themselves more walkable and livable, embracing the idea that it can improve health, the environment, even the economy.  This brief describes a number of pilot or gateway projects that are ideal "starter" activities.

• Getting The Community On Board
  Some community members immediately embrace the idea of creating a more walkable environment, but others may have never given it a thought or don't know what walkability really means. The brief outlines four things a community can do to build understanding, interest, and support for walkability initiatives.

• Additional Resources
  Want to learn more about how to design curb extensions or make crosswalks more visible and safer? Curious to see some examples of bicycle lane treatments? Here are some resources that should answer many of your questions.

More resources to help communities improve walkability are described in America Walks  March Newsletter.