The city of Minneapolis wants its citizens and visitors to take a walk -- whenever and wherever possible.

In its 230-page Pedestrian Master Plan, the city is detailing how it intends to encourage walking.

One of the master plan's several goals is to change how people think about walking, specifically "to change people's personal habits, cultural norms, and perceptions about walking," according to the city's summation of the plan. "A lot of people rely on automobiles for travel to destinations that are walkable in Minneapolis. In order to change people's habits and perceptions, the city needs help to foster a culture of walking."

The city says that one way it promotes walking is through a program staffed by four ambassadors and several summer youth ambassadors who give presentations, lead walks, and host events within Minneapolis and 13 neighboring communities.

The plans other goals address the need for a well-connected walkway system, accessibility, safety, convenience and sufficient funding.

The public can learn more about the plan tonight at the Minneapolis Central Library downtown. Workshops begin at 5:30. The master plan will be presented at 6:30.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482