What are "Talking Streets"?

By inviting communities to walk along a particular street, observing the surroundings and engaging in a facilitated discussion, we are able to identify needs and possibilities. This serves as a platform to enable interaction between policymakers, street engineers and designers, street users and residents. Furthermore, Talking Streets is the first step in introducing communities to the concept of Open Streets Days. 

Why?

Streets connect our city, connect us with others, and can be drivers of economic development. They should be safe places for pedestrians, non-motorised transport users, and motorists to
share. But too often streets prioritise cars and are poorly designed, not taking into account the needs of all users.

How?

Talking Streets is a simple tool we can use to better understand street design and function, and how to improve streets. It is in essence a meeting that takes place on the street while walking and talking. A Talking Streets walk generally lasts two hours and involves 10 to 25 participants.

For more info on what it takes to organise a Talking Streets walk, check out our Talking Streets Toolkit.