Our Neighborhood Walks
May 31st, 2022 – Story: Jason H.
Walking is as old as the walk-about trails of the aboriginal tribes across Australia’s Bundian Way, to the Camino de Santiago trails of Spain. In modern times the reasons to walk are numerous and prevalent!
Wichita’s walking groups have been around for a while, but we wanted to shout out that we’ve noticed it’s more popular than ever!
Ever since Bike Walk Wichita’s inception, walking groups have been a big part of the non-profit organization. In the early days of Bike Walk Wichita, the advocacy side of promoting bike and walk initiatives with city planners was at the forefront of BWW’s mission. Helping the city create the Wichita Bicycle Master plan, which also generated more multi-path initiatives. Soon after this time, bike and walk workgroups were also formed within the organization, including a Pedestrian Workgroup.
We all hope to maintain our health. People may not realize that one of the easiest and best ways to maintain and improve their health is to walk
— Dr. Barbara Coats, MD
An advocacy cause for better traffic laws and safer streets–The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is held on the third Sunday of November each year to remember those who died or were injured in road crashes.
Last year’s event started at East High School and participants traversed Douglas ave. Pictured far left, Lisa is a Health Educator and avid volunteer for advocacy-related issues. Next to her on the right, Jane Byrnes was one of the founders of Bike Walk Wichita, and the BWW Walking group, a licensed dietitian, teacher and a veteran advocate for safer streets and health-related subjects.
Jane Byrnes explains, “I realized early on that walking with safety is equally vital. That 1/3 of Wichitans outside of cars also need safety: that includes people in wheelchairs, painting crosswalks around schools and throughout Wichita.”
It’s agreed amongst most walking group participants, that several of the main benefits of walking is physical health, mental health, sociability, and good for the environment. But there are so many more benefits. Walking is the most popular form of physical activity in the United States, according to America Walks website. They have concluded that 41% of all trips made in the U.S. are one mile or less and could be perfect for walking.
One of Bike Walk Wichita’s avid walking group leaders and supporters for many years is Dr. Barbara Coats, a retired family doctor. In line with the physical benefits of walking, she affirms, “Eat this special food, take this special supplement, buy this special vitamin. We are all exposed to many sales pitches that promise better healing if we only buy a particular product. But usually, there is little or no evidence to truly back up the claims. Simple things like eating a healthy diet, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active will do much more for you.”
Barbara continues, “Developing a habit of walking is so helpful, and walking with others can lead to friendships which encourage that habit to continue. It helps us to connect with each other.”
Some are continuing to lead, the way in this walking connection…
Evergreen Neighborhood
Denise Romero has been actively involved in her community and has led several events in the Evergreen neighborhood. Last summer’s Bike Jam and Urban Hike were a success. In the earlier cooler months this year, she led Caminando Adentro (Indoor Walking) at the Evergreen recreational center, a partnership between Bike Walk Wichita, and Salud +Bienstar. It was a great option for those who wanted to keep the walking events going, despite the cold weather.
Recently, Denise is leading walks every Thursday meeting at the Evergreen Library. She shares her favorite local businesses along the route and provides a tour of the new library/community center.
Fairmount Neighborhood
Cierra Rhodes, has been actively involved in her community and leading walk events in the Fairmount neighborhood. She is involved with the progress of the Redbud trail signage. Also, she is helping partnership with Shocker Neighborhood Coalition, which is a WSU commitment to help bring prosperity to the neighborhood.
Recently Cierra has been hosting Fairmount neighborhood walks on Saturdays or Sundays which meet at 15th and Gentry Ave.
Neighborhood Outreach
Jody McClure has been actively involved in different communities, in an effort to facilitate building a culture of inclusion for all. She has been meeting with LGBT-friendly churches and businesses to encourage walking groups. She also has helped design more inclusive materials and programming.
“I enjoy visiting with the walking group participants, about where they are from, and what they do. It is so great seeing the smiles on everyone’s face as they are there knowing they are in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment.”
Pictured on the right, the College Hill United Methodist Church walk was a great success. Typically the walking group will meet at the Church or locale and set out from there discovering great paths throughout Wichita.
In addition, the original walking events are currently in full swing:
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Walking Wednesdays
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2nd Sunday Slow Roll + Strolls
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Later this fall, Walktober
Check our BWW Google Calendar, found under this websites’ first drop-down menu
Or check out our Facebook events page
Walk leaders are always in need of Walk assistants to help with routes, safely cross intersections, and answer participant questions
sign up to Volunteer on this website’s Volunteer page, found under the first drop-down menu
Thanks to everyone involved!
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