Walkability workshop makes strides in Duncan

DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - A special workshop aimed at increasing awareness of "walkable" infrastructure was held Wednesday, Oct.16, in Duncan.

The Southwest Oklahoma Walkability Workshop put a spotlight on the city's downtown area, and how that area can be improved for people on foot or on bikes.

Speakers stressed the importance of changes made to make things better for pedestrians, but not worse for drivers.

One of the speakers was city planner Jeff Speck, who is based out of Boston. Speck regularly discusses how taking these steps can breathe life into cities and towns.

"I talk about what it takes for people to make the choice to talk, particularly people who own cars" Speck said. "And for people to make the choice, the walk needs to be as good as the drive, which means it needs to be simultaneously useful, safe, comfortable and interesting."

In addition to hearing from the guest speakers, the workshop also included an on-foot "walkability audit" through downtown Duncan.