A Test for Walkability

"Covering just under 29 miles of streets and alleys in Old Pasadena and the Central, South Lake and Playhouse districts, teams of walkers will be asked to rate how safe and pedestrian-friendly city streets are, and if it's easy and convenient enough for people to park once and walk from one district to another."

"'We're looking for the good, the bad and the ugly,' said urban designer and planner Deborah Murphy, the project consultant. 'In essence we're all pedestrians ... when we leave our cars.'"

"Teams are made up of environmentalists, urban planning experts, city workers, architects, elected officials - including Mayor Bill Bogaard, and Councilmembers Jacque Robinson and Steve Madison - and neighborhood residents 'who are really concerned about walking conditions,' Murphy said."

"They'll be asked to evaluate everything from how easy it is to understand instructions for parking meters to any 'unpleasant smells' and junk on public spaces."