Walk for a Change

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Where will the walk take place?

The walk will usually be conducted in busy areas within the city where participants can experience both the good and challenging aspects of walking infrastructure. Each edition will have a different route, which will be shared in the promotional poster and registration form.

• How long is the walk?

The walk will typically cover a distance of 1 to 2 kilometres.

• How much time will the walk take?

The walk is expected to take around 1 to 2 hours, as it includes time for observation, reflection, and group discussions along the route.

• What should I wear?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear, suitable for walking and the prevailing weather conditions.

• Should I carry water or food?

Yes, we suggest that you carry your own water bottle and light snacks if needed. We will arrange light refreshments, and the cost will be shared among participants.

• Is there a participation fee?

No, the walk is completely free to join.

• Will participants receive certificates?

No. Since this is not a competitive or formal training event, certificates will not be provided.

• Is this a fitness or exercise walk?

No. This is not a fitness activity.  The purpose of the walk is to understand whether our streets and walking infrastructure are suitable for all users.

• What happens in case of rain, heat, or other weather conditions?

The timing or date of the walk may be adjusted depending on weather conditions such as rain, heat, or dust to ensure participant safety and comfort.

• Should I carry an umbrella or rainwear?

Yes, we recommend carrying an umbrella or rainwear, especially during uncertain weather.

• Can children participate?

Yes, children are welcome. However, participants below 16 years must be accompanied by an adult family member.

• Can elderly people participate?

Yes, we welcome participants of all ages. For elderly participants, especially those above 75, it is advisable to be accompanied by a family member or caregiver if support is needed.

• Is the walk open to persons with disabilities?

Yes, we welcome people of all abilities to participate and share their experiences and perspectives on existing walking conditions.

• Do I need any prior knowledge or expertise?

No prior knowledge is required. The walk is designed for everyone, and all you need is curiosity and willingness to observe and share your experience.

• What will I be expected to do during the walk?

Participants will:

• Walk along a selected route

• Observe their surroundings

• Reflect on their experience

• Discuss what they observe with fellow participants and organisers

• Is registration required?

Yes, participants are required to register in advance. Details will be shared in the event announcement.

• Is there a limit on the number of participants?

To ensure a meaningful and manageable experience, there may be a limited number of participants per walk.

• How will my inputs be used?

Your observations and reflections will help:

• • • Understand how people experience walking

    • Identify common challenges and opportunities

    • Build awareness and support for better walking conditions in the city

• How will my inputs or observations be captured?

Your observations will be collected through a Google Form that will be shared after the walk. You can use it to share what you noticed, experienced, and felt during the walk.

• What will be done with participants’ views and suggestions?

Participants’ inputs will be collated and organised into different themes to better understand common experiences and challenges. As we conduct more walks across different parts of the city, we will look for patterns and similarities in what people observe. Over time, if practical and meaningful suggestions emerge, we will aim to share these insights with relevant authorities to support improvements in walking conditions.

WHY Walk for a Change?

Promoting Walking as a Pillar of Sustainable Mobility

Walking is the most fundamental and accessible form of mobility, yet it often receives minimal attention in the broader discourse on transportation and urban development. Through Walk for a Change, an initiative under the Purvca Foundation, we aim to highlight the critical role walking plays in fostering sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban mobility systems.

Launched in alignment with our commitment to sustainable transportation, Walk for a Change emphasizes walking as a key mode of transport that promotes health, reduces carbon emissions, and strengthens community well-being. 

Walk for a Change focuses on

1. Promoting Walking-Friendly Communities: Encouraging urban planning and infrastructure that prioritize pedestrian safety, convenience, and accessibility.

2. Community Engagement: Organizing events and campaigns that celebrate walking, such as walk-shops, pedestrian rallies, walkathons, and awareness drives.

3. Advocacy for Policy Change: Collaborating with government departments, urban planners, and civil society to promote investment in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like wide footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and traffic-calmed zones.

4. Aligning with National Initiatives: Supporting missions like Mission LiFE and the FIT India Movement, our efforts aim to promote walking as a viable, sustainable, and health-positive form of mobility.

Why Walking Matters

• Sustainable Transportation: Walking generates zero emissions, making it the most eco-friendly form of urban mobility.

• Health & Fitness: Regular walking promotes physical and mental well-being, reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases.

• Social Equity: Walking is the most accessible form of mobility, serving all age groups and economic strata.

• Reduced Traffic Congestion: Prioritizing pedestrians leads to fewer vehicles on roads, reducing congestion and pollution.

Activities

Walk for a Change works at the intersection of awareness, advocacy, and action:

1. Walking Events and Campaigns: Organizing pedestrian-centric events such as Walkshops, Walkathons, Urban Heritage Walks, and thematic walks to encourage walking culture among citizens.

2. Pedestrian Safety Awareness: Running campaigns to educate citizens about pedestrian safety and rights, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and differently-abled individuals.

3. Advocacy and Collaborations: Partnering with urban planners, transport authorities, and local governments to push for pedestrian-friendly policies and infrastructure investments.

4. Research and Surveys: Conducting studies to assess pedestrian infrastructure and behavior, and using the findings to inform public policy and community awareness programs.

Aligning with Our Vision

Walk for a Change seamlessly integrates with Purvca Foundation’s broader mission of promoting sustainable urban mobility in North-East India. By elevating walking as a legitimate mode of transportation, we aim to create cities that prioritize people over vehicles and foster an environment of health, sustainability, and inclusivity.

With Walk for a Change, we are not just advocating for better infrastructure but also inspiring a cultural shift towards walking as a preferred means of urban mobility. Together, we can take meaningful steps—literally and figuratively—towards a sustainable future.