Jane's Walk
What It Is
Jane's Walk is an annual weekend of free, self-generated, neighborhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other. Since its inception in 2007, Jane's Walk has happened the first weekend in May in cities aross North America, and is growing internationally. Jane's Walk has grown from a cople dozen walks to more than 400 walks in 68 cities in 2010.
Jane's Walk honors the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. Jane's Walk helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.
All Jane's Walk tours are given and taken for free. These walks are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighborhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents. Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighborhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them. Jane's Walks are meant to be fun, engaged and participatory – everyone's got a story and they're usually keen to share it.
How to Participate
Learn about scheduled walks near you or find guidelines, inspiration, and registration to offer your own walk through the following links:
For walks in the United States visit Jane's Walk USA.
For walks in Canada and other countries visit Jane's Walks.
