Last year was a difficult one for all of us, and the events that transpired in 2020 challenged every aspect of our society and our lives. Like many of the Council’s programs, the Council’s pedestrian advocacy group Feet First Philly was impacted, but the group adapted to meet the evolving needs of pedestrians. The pandemic reinforced the need for better public space conducive to walking and rolling, and Feet First Philly was a key voice in creating Philadelphia’s Recovery Streets program which pushed for more open streets and ways to better use public space during the health crisis.
Feet First Philly announced the release of its Pedestrian Advocacy Guide last Summer. The guide connects residents and community groups to existing city resources that are often tough to navigate. The guide helps individuals and civic organizations identify risks pedestrians face in their own neighborhoods and find solutions to address those issues with information about sidewalks, road conditions, parking, driver behavior, and quality of life issues that impact pedestrians.
Feet First Philly also partnered with Temple University’s Office of Sustainability in October to launch a Walk Audit Certification Program for students. Over twenty graduate and undergraduate students from five colleges including Fox School of Business and Tyler School of Art and Architecture participated in the certification program. The two-part training taught students how to evaluate the pedestrian experience and conduct a qualitative walk audit.
Park and trail lovers of all ages were invited to participate in a Virtual Scavenger hunt in November and December at four amazing Philadelphia parks. Visitors downloaded Bingo cards before heading to FDR Park, Cobbs Creek Park, Tacony Creek Park, and Grays Ferry Crescent Park and keeping social distance they looked for clues and posted pictures online. Lucky winners earned great prizes including backpacks and sunglasses while they spent quality time outdoors.
Feet First Philly also got a new logo in 2020! Follow Feet First Philly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and let us know what you think of the new look.
The year ended strong with over 30 applications for Feet First Philly’s public space enhancement mini-grant. Submissions varied widely and showcased many interesting projects and ideas from civic groups in Philadelphia. Applications are currently being reviewed, and grantees will be awarded up to $2000 to fund their projects early this year.
Feet First Philly is Philadelphia’s only advocacy group dedicated to pedestrian rights. For more info on this group’s advocacy work including how you can get involved, contact Titania Markland at tmarkland@cleanair.org
