Walking is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, but did you know it can also be an opportunity to increase safety in a neighbourhood? Walking around your neighbourhood, whether it’s with a neighbour, dog, or by yourself, can help to make your neighbourhood safer.
Walking can help you get more familiar with your community, observe new things and trouble spots in the neighbourhood. While you walk you can survey poor lit areas, is the signage in your neighbourhood adequate? Do the sidewalks and roads need maintenance? When you go for walks in your neighbourhood with these questions in mind you can easily spot areas that need attention.
When you’re out walking, don’t forget you can call 3-1-1 to report to City services, 9-1-1 for emergencies, or Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at (403) 266-1234 for non-urgent police concerns like noise complaints, minor accidents, etc. You can also connect with other resources like Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) about suspicious residential and commercial properties at 1-866-960-7226.
Walking can also help you bump into your neighbours and get to know them. You might even meet new walking buddies for a future walking group or meet-up!
