Category Archives: Social Distancing

The Pandemic Pedestrian – Phase Two

Early in BC’s Phase Two, things don’t seem all that different.

Once-busy downtown intersections still have few vehicles or pedestrians.

Tourists (plus the Coho and the Clipper) have not returned.

People and their pooches are still out for mid-morning strolls.

Back alleys are still great places to be able to maintain two metres between pedestrians.

Construction never stopped.  The Dallas Road pathway may soon be open.

And wildlife is still enjoying the peace and quiet.

But things are gradually “opening up” – though walkways, farmers’ markets and patio spaces all have a different look and feel this year.  Pedestrians, like everyone else in BC, are still being asked to “be kind, be calm and stay safe.”

 

A Bit of May Magic: A walk for wee ones to celebrate Jane’s Walks 2020

A walk along Pilot Street in James Bay will put smiles on the faces of youngsters and the young at heart.  Many locals have created magical scenes at the bases of trees or in their yards along the one-block stretch of this residential street.

Strolling up and down both sides of the block will take about 20 to 30 minutes.  Be sure to check all sides of the trees (look up, too), practice physical distancing and enjoy this special walk.

The photos are a preview only;  there is lots more to discover on Pilot Street.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

How Walkable is your Neighbourhood? A Virtual Walking Audit in Honour of Jane’s Walk, 2020

Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urban activist who advocated for preservation of urban communities where a diverse population could live, work and walk to most the services they required.

Most years members of Walk On, Victoria participate in Jane’s Walk Weekend by leading several community walks. This year, because of social distancing necessary to help control the spread of Covid-19, we are offering suggestions for alternative virtual walks.

How Walkable Is Your Neighbourhood?

One way Walk On Victoria suggests celebrating Jane’s Walk Weekend this year is that pedestrians do a walking audit to assess the walkability of your own neighbourhood. Walking audits are a recommended part of all Jane’s Walks. Jacobs believed that a walkable neighbourhood is key to building community relationships and to keeping communities safe.

To do a walking audit, take your camera and a notepad and set out to rate the walking infrastructure you encounter along your walk.

You are encouraged to choose a walk that is not only recreational but that is also en route to where you carry out daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, banking, going to a pharmacy, the library, etc. If you don’t live within walking distance of any of these amenities, then do an audit of the route you usually walk to catch a bus or for exercise and recreation.

Here is a sample walking audit that two Walk On Victoria members completed for the segment of Richmond Road between Cedar Hill X-Road and Lansdowne:

Virtual Jane’s Walk Audit Richmond Rd., Saanich

Some of the factors to consider in doing your audit are:

  • Condition of the sidewalks: Is the pavement smooth or broken? Free of debris or littered with leaves, dirt, gravel, or trash? Is the pavement even or dangerously slanted? Is there room on the sidewalk (or pathway) for two people to walk side by side? Is the sidewalk wide enough that someone walking in the opposite direction is able to pass? Do obstacles such as parked cars, utility poles, signs, fire hydrants, bushes and shrubs or drains obstruct the path? Is the sidewalk wide enough for use by someone on a mobility scooter, wheelchair, or walker or someone pushing a baby stroller? What is the drainage like on the sidewalk? Are there pools of sitting water or mud that is slippery? In winter, are there places where snow and ice are not removed?

Picture 3B

  • What about areas where sidewalk is absent? Is sidewalk continuous, or do you need to cross the street to get to sidewalk when sidewalk on one side of the street abruptly ends? Do you need to walk in the street to get around parked cars that pull onto the boulevard?

Picture 6A

  • Safety of crosswalks: How many crosswalks are there on your route? What is the distance between crosswalks? Are crosswalks so far apart that pedestrians have little alternative other than to dash across the street mid-block?  Are crosswalks located in a place that is clearly visible for motorists from a safe distance (not on a curve in the road)?  Are the intersections wheelchair/stroller/scooter accessible?
  • Does walking along your route feel safe? Is there separation for pedestrians from the street or does the street abut directly with the sidewalk? What is the traffic speed limit? Does it feel like cars are moving by too close and too fast? Are there any traffic calming features on your route?

Picture 7C

  • Bus stops: Are there crosswalks near bus stops, or does a pedestrian need to cross mid-block to get to the bus stop? What is the condition of the bus stop? Is there a bus shelter? A bench? Is the bus stop well-lighted? Is the bus stop just a sign on the edge of the road or on the front lawn of a residence?

Picture 7A

  • Walking at night and in bad weather: Walking on a nice day in May is quite different from walking in heavy rain at 9 pm in November. In bad weather, are you likely to have water splashed on you by passing cars? Is the street lighting on your route adequate to make you visible to motorists? Are you able to see the pavement well enough to avoid tripping or slipping on debris on the sidewalk?
  • Places to rest: Are there any benches or places to rest along your route? If so, are they in good repair and easily accessible?
  • Natural environment: Is your route attractive? Are there trees and other greenery? Is the built environment along your route in good repair, and do business owners keep the sidewalk in front of their businesses clear of debris and obstacles?Picture 3C
  • Is there any art along your route? Any signage to help with directions?
  • What are some of your other observations about the walkability on your route? What changes need to happen to make your pedestrian experience safer and more pleasant?

Picture 4A

If you want to do your own walk audit, please share it with us! You can also send a copy of your audit results to your local municipality to point out areas for improvement.

For a formal walk audit form that some members have used as an advocacy tool in the past, please click here.

James Bay History in a Box: A walk to celebrate Jane’s Walks 2020, presented by Walk On, Victoria

Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood is home to many historic buildings and a fine selection of late 19th century and early 20th century residences.  Not all of the original buildings are still standing but many have been “preserved” in black and white wrap-around photographs on large utility boxes.

Join Walk On, Victoria (virtually) by strolling through history on May 2nd or 3rd, or any time this spring or summer.  Just look for the large utility boxes, remember to be mindful of other pedestrians and physical distancing, and enjoy your walk!

This walk covers approximately 5 kilometres and takes just over one hour as it rambles along quiet streets.   The route is a loop so it is possible to begin at any of the numbered stopping points.

Download a printable version of this walk here: https://walkonvictoria.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Janes-Walk-2020.pdf

Here is the map of the route: Joint - US 1

  1. King’s Printer, northwest corner of Superior Street and Government Street, kitty-corner from the Queen’s Printer (same building).  Photo 1935.  Notice the photo of the old printing presses.

Continue east on Superior Street to the next corner at Douglas Street.  Turn right to cross Douglas Street.

Continue reading James Bay History in a Box: A walk to celebrate Jane’s Walks 2020, presented by Walk On, Victoria