In fall 2016, students worked with Ken Schroeppel, assistant professor clinical teaching track of urban and regional planning, on walkability assessments of Denver neighborhoods in partnership with WalkDenver. The article “Grad students help design a more walkable Montbello” on the Confluence Denver website describes the students’ task of evaluating the walkability of the Montbello neighborhood in northeast Denver. These assessments included analyzing the existing conditions in Montbello by performing on-site audits using the WALKscope tool, researching demographic data for their study area, and interviewing local residents about their walking habits, challenges, and needs. 

 

The students found a number of ways to help make Montbello a safer place for pedestrians. They recommended installing rollover curb sidewalks throughout the neighborhood and identified a lack of safe crossings on the wide roads throughout the neighborhood. Other factors that reduce walkability in the neighborhood include poorly maintained sidewalks, high speed limits and a dearth of shade trees. The students recommended improving sidewalks, crossings and bicycle lanes close to schools, parks, recreation centers and libraries.