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CLEMMONS — The village of Clemmons hosted several walk audits on March 15 and March 22, continuing to work towards the realization of the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan study.

The initiative seeks to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. One portion of the plan included four separate walk audits on several of the problem streets in the village. These streets included Peace Haven Road, Kinnamon Road, Stadium Drive, Harper Road and Holder Road. Known for their heavy traffic with disconnected or non-existent sidewalks, these streets pose challenges for pedestrians.

During each walk audit, participants were asked to gauge their comfort level as they navigated along these routes with cars traveling by at high speeds. The activity illuminated the various hazards and inconveniences faced by pedestrians in Clemmons.

In one encounter at an intersection, a driver honked at the group to hurry them along as they were in the turning lane, highlighting a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and the need for change.

The participation in these walk audits was sizable, with groups ranging from five to sixteen individuals in each session. Many participants were residents of the communities, offering insights and details that might have been missed in a single walk audit or on a typical Saturday. Their familiarity with the walking routes helped provide a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs and challenges.

Several participants shared their appreciation for the study and spoke about their hopes for future enhancements to walkability in their neighborhoods. The data and insights were gathered by village planners Doug Moore and Carolina Drake and will support the proposed enhancements and ensure that they align with the wants and desires of the neighborhood residents.