The Walkable Community Workshops will involve a cross section of citizens groups, businesses, educators, law enforcement, developers, housing advocates, legislators and others in discussions on how to make local communities more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The workshops will offer participants an in-depth look at the kinds of design and engineering improvements needed to create safer, more walkable neighborhoods and communities.

In the first 10 weeks of 2007, 10 people — ranging in age from 59 to 90 — were killed while in O'ahu crosswalks, on sidewalks or jaywalking.

"The design of our communities has a direct impact on the quality of our lives," AARP Hawaii Associate State Director for Community Outreach Jackie Boland said in a press release.

"It's time for Hawai'i residents to get involved in creating the kinds of communities we want — communities that promote safety and encourage walking for people of all ages. These sessions will help develop an informed base of citizens who can respond to development opportunities in our neighborhoods and influence positive changes."

The Hawaii Walkable Community Workshops will be facilitated by Charlie Gandy, a national expert in community design, trail planning, and bicycle and pedestrian advocacy. His Colorado-based consulting firm, Livable Communities, Inc., aims to assist governments, community groups, and design firms address policy and planning challenges related to walkability.

The workshops are open to the public, but pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Jackie Boland at 545-6003 or jboland@aarp.org. Workshop locations and times are as follows: