Popular urban walking areas feature landscaped paths leading to public spaces, shops, and services, with well-lit streets linked by safe crosswalks.

People who live in walkable communities are healthier, safer, and happier than residents of less walkable areas. By taking steps to improve your community’s walkability, you’ll make it a better place to live.

Start with these ideas:

• Get moving. Walk through your community regularly and gauge its walkability. Can you find clear pathways to stores and services? Do you see public spaces where people gather and play? Are the spaces and paths accessible to people of all abilities?

• Make it social. Recruit your neighbors to walk with you, and get their insights. Organize a group of children and parents to walk to school or the corner store, a movie, or dinner date.

• Raise your voice. Tell decision makers what’s needed to make your community more walkable: Sidewalk maintenance, lighting, resting benches, and other infrastructure are key. Attend neighborhood association and school board meetings to endorse safe routes to schools, cultural sites, and town centers.

A walkable community benefits everyone — from seniors to children, parents pushing strollers, merchants, and shoppers. What can you do to encourage more walking in your community?