What is Jane’s Walk?

No one can find what will work for our cities by
looking at suburban garden cities, manipulating
scale models, or inventing dream cities.
You’ve got to get out and walk.
- Jane Jacobs, writer & urban visionary

Jane’s Walk is a series of free neighborhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves.  Since its start in 2007, Jane’s Walk has happened in cities across North America, and is growing internationally.

Jane’s Walk honors the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. Jane’s Walk helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

All Jane’s Walk tours are given and taken for free. They are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighborhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents. Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighborhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them. Jane’s Walks are fun, engaging and participatory – everyone’s got a story and they’re usually keen to share it.

Thousands of people have taken part in a Jane’s Walk. Past walks have explored a range of urban landscapes, from social housing slated for redevelopment to areas with a rich architectural and cultural heritage, to teen hangouts and secret gardens.  Walks are led by individuals and small groups. Some focus on historical themes more than geographical areas, for instance, some strolls are built around ideas like the history of the bicycle, gay and lesbian history, places of relevance to the homeless, the history of ‘skid row’, and urgent planning matters facing certain neighborhoods.

Click on the following links for helpful information and resources about hosting a Jane’s Walk:

• 6 Tips for Leading a Jane’s Walk
• Who are the tour guides & Where do they go?
• Why do a Jane’s Walk in my town or neighborhood?
• How do I bring a Jane’s Walk to my town?
• Jane’s Walk USA and community groups
• Jane’s Walk School Edition

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To become involved, get more information, or schedule an interview, please contact Yuri Artibise, co-ordinator of Jane’s Walk Phoenix. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter