If you really want to get to know the city, then the best way to do that is on foot. That’s right. It’s time to get out of the car, and explore the various urban neighborhoods with your friends and others who appreciate myriad offerings that can only be found in tight-knit areas such as Amherst Street, the Lower West Side, the Old First Ward, etc.
As a tribute to the world’s most respected urbanist, people are celebrating the life of Jane Jacobs by organizing Jane’s Walks throughout the world. Buffalo is lucky enough to be on the list of cities that now hosts pedestrian tour events of this nature.
The tours are held by people just like you and me – residents who are proud to take people through our neighborhoods, showing them the ins and outs of city living. The free tours are designed to help spread the prolific words and actions of writer and urban activist, Jane Jacobs.
2014 was the inaugural undertaking for Buffalo. Altogether there were four walks and a bicycle tour, with over 90 people participating. This year, organizers are hoping that even more people step up to organize tours, which in turn will turn more people on to the benefits of city living. The tours range from 60 to 90 minutes, and are noncommercial in nature.
Some of the themes that revolve around a walk are: revitalization, public art, public safety, urban preservation and neglect, issues of race or gender, political issues, immigrant communities, urban farming and food security, environmental issues, and history.
This year Jane’s Walk will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3.
You can visit Jane’s Walk Buffalo on Facebook, or on this website (for details contact info).