Walking is about more than just being active.  Other benefits include: getting to know your neighbors; more people outside means more “eyes on the street” or people watching the neighborhood; you may discover new places in your area within walking distance of your home; and walking instead of driving to these places adds physical activity in your daily routine, creates less traffic and conserves gas.

Neighborhood Walking Routes 
Being active in your community can be as easy as getting outside and walking.  At Columbus Public Health, the Healthy Places Program as developed over 20 neighborhood walking maps. Find the full list of maps here. 

Columbus Art Walks 
Columbus Art Walks is a self-guided walking map and audio tour of featured districts in Columbus. A map will direct you to sites and an audio recording can be accessed providing information about each site on the map. Learn more on Columbus Public Health's Art Walk page. 

Safe Walking Tips
Being safe is important when taking a walk.  Follow these safety tips when walking in your neighborhood:

• Know your route before you leave.
• Use sidewalks. If you must walk on a route without a sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Use crosswalks. Even if it takes you a few extra minutes, walk to the closest crosswalk. Be sure that oncoming traffic is going to stop before you begin to cross.
• Never cross mid-block.
• Make yourself visible! You are more likely to get hit if a driver can’t see you. At night, make yourself visible by wearing light and/or reflective clothing.
• Don’t surprise drivers by coming out into the road from behind objects such as parked cars.
• Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to walk safely.
• Be aware of your surroundings. You have as much responsibility as the drivers do.
• Be a good role model. Teach your children safe guidelines for walking and follow them yourself.

Healthy Places Program 

Columbus Art Walks 

Columbus Neighborhood Walking Maps