Walking Toward a Better Sunnyvale: Students Lead the Way

On a bright Saturday morning in Sunnyvale, the streets became more than just a way to get from one place to another—they became a classroom. Local high school students, alongside families and neighbors, gathered at Murphy Park for the Sunnyvale Walk Audit, part of Transit Month.

So, what’s a walk audit? It’s a community-powered way to look closely at the sidewalks, crossings, and overall comfort of our streets. Students and volunteers formed small groups, each with a short walking route to explore. Clipboards in hand, they observed, took notes, snapped photos, and thought carefully about how welcoming—or challenging—Sunnyvale’s streets can be for kids, seniors, and everyone in between.

This year’s event even brought a high-tech twist: drones hovered above, capturing aerial views of the circuits to complement what participants noticed on the ground.

For many students, it was an eye-opening experience. They weren’t just walking—they were analyzing how everyday details like shade, benches, lighting, and driver behavior shape the way people feel on the street. Along the way, they shared ideas, laughed with friends, and discovered what it means to contribute to a safer and more connected community.

After completing their routes, everyone returned to Murphy Park for snacks, a quick debrief, and a chance to share observations. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the energy of students who realized that their voices matter when it comes to shaping the future of their city.

Sunnyvale is at its best when neighbors come together. With students leading the way, the Walk Audit was more than just a stroll—it was a step toward building safer, healthier, and friendlier streets for all.