Last Wednesday and Thursday, Malad City received a “walkability” assessment training through AARP of Idaho, made possible through a grant written by Molly Beseris, Executive Director of the Four County Alliance of Southeast Idaho (4-CASI).

The in person two-day Walkability Training from America Walk's Walk2 Connect program was funded by AARP Livable Communities through the AARP Rural Lab program. The purpose was to assess Malad City’s walking areas to assess their condition and to help city officials make a plan to upgrade areas that are lacking.

On Wednesday night, a Glow Walk was held at the Malad City Walking Path, with music and lots of glow sticks. A group of about 40 children and adults walked around the path, enjoying one another’s company. Everyone agreed that the walking path is a wonderful facility for walking.

Anna Luacaci from America Walks facilitated the training on Thursday, which was held at Malad City Hall. Attending from Malad City were Mayor Joan Hawkins, Gaylen Garrett from the Public Works Department, Malad City Council Persons Tyrell Neal and Jaime Olsen, and Chairman Mandi Hess of the Malad Area Chamber of Commerce; Suzy Nesbella, a volunteer from AARP from Boise, Laurie Keyes from the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments (SICOG), and Molly Beseris from 4-CASI.

According to Smart Growth America’s 2021 Dangerous by Design report, from 2010 to 2019, drivers in the U.S. struck and killed 53,435 pedestrians – an average of more than 14 people each day. This program is provided to help ensure that walking is a safe, accessible and convenient alternative for people who choose to walk.

Another reason besides safety to assess the condition of sidewalks, is to encourage walking in communities for health, and to provide a safe place for wheelchairs and other mobile devices. Luacaci shared her personal story of why she started walking for her health after she was involved in a car/pedestrian accident. Part of her recovery involved more walking. She started a walking group in 2016, and that’s when she noticed the condition of some public streets, leading her to her present involvement with Walk America. She pointed out that loneliness and isolation is a problem in our country, and walking is a known cure for that problem, as well as mental and physical health issues. 

A route was outlined later in the afternoon for the audit. The attendees walked the route, noting deficiencies and problems that would discourage walking or the use of wheelchairs, bicycles or tricycles. Problems noted were sidewalks that were broken and crumbled; sidewalks that with raised areas from the roots of trees, problems with overhanging trees and weeds, no cutouts for crossings, and in some places, no sidewalk at all. All sidewalks that were walked seemed to pass the width test. Some sidewalks were in very good condition. One problem that Luacaci pointed out was slanted sidewalks in areas of downtown, which are difficult for those in wheelchairs and which cause water to pool and freeze in the winter. 

After the audit, the participants handed their individual sheets noting the deficiencies they noticed to Councilman Neal, who will provide a final summary.

Those present felt that it would be very beneficial to continue the assessments in other areas of the city. For this, they would call on city residents to help by assessing their street or block. More information will be provided regarding this assessment. A brainstorming period was held about holding monthly themed walks in the community to bring people together to help with these issues.