Walking is the most democratic way of getting around, the oldest and most used mode of transportation in the world, besides being a healthy form of transportation – both for people and for cities. However, the urban sprawl, fostered by decades of prioritization to motorized mobility, and the poor quality of sidewalks (footpaths) discourage people from walking.

To support making walking both accessible and safe, sidewalks should be constructed with these eight complementary and interconnected principles in mind. Together, they not only make for vibrant sidewalks, but contribute directly to the development of active and healthy cities.