Breaking Down Barriers: Pedesting App Launches with Four New Central Locations

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I recently had the privilege of attending a press conference in Calgary, announcing that the new Pedesting app has expanded to include four locations: the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Stephen Avenue Place, Life Plaza, and Bow Valley College. These additions to a growing list of locations mark a significant stride toward creating more vibrant, healthy and inclusive spaces in the city.

Nabeel Ramji, CEO of Pedesting expressed his enthusiasm for these new partnerships: "We're thrilled. These organizations are taking leadership in a broader mandate when it comes to EDIA," an acronym he explained stands for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

While Pedesting is rapidly expanding across Calgary, Nabeel and his team are set to grow beyond the city, into Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver as part of their ultimate goal to make Canada the "most accessible country in the world."

Nabeel's personal experience as a wheelchair user adds a user's perspective to the app's development, which not only facilitates better outdoor navigation but also addresses the unique challenge of mapping indoor spaces. Pedesting does this with the help of building plans provided by venue owners and managers, as well as data collected through crowdsourcing from users of the app.

Calgary's Mayor Jyoti Gondek was also at the press conference. As a staunch supporter of the initiative, she emphasized that: "Creating a city that is accessible for everyone requires a collaborative effort between government and business. Pedesting is providing a singular touch point to help individuals navigate through Calgary with dignity and simplicity."

The importance of such an initiative is evident when you consider that more than 100,000 Calgarians have a physical disability, according to Statistics Canada. Nationally, more than 3.2 million Canadians use a wheelchair. Pedesting's commitment to breaking down accessibility barriers aligns with its vision of ensuring that everyone can enjoy public spaces with confidence, whether they're pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, or simply walking on an icy day.

Nabeel maneuvers through the city in a wheelchair due to a rare form of cerebral palsy. “I have to make a conscious effort to put myself out there.” he said. “There is a sense of being isolated and not leaving the house, because it’s too difficult.”

He explained the difference between finding accessible bathrooms that are just code-compliant versus those with power door openers and handles placed on the right side of a toilet, which allow him to use his stronger arm. These are the kinds of details available on top of a map in the Pedesting app.

For users of the app, Pedesting is a free platform that can provide better navigation, access to amenities, and a greater sense of confidence when travelling. "It also gives people greater dignity because they can select locations that allow those with mobility challenges to be fully present,” Nabeel said.

"When you're starting out on your EDIA journey, don't be afraid to ask questions," Nabeel added. "You don't need to get everything right from the get-go. It's a journey and Pedesting can be part of your journey."

Leor Rotchild is host of the podcast Pipelines and Turbines and author of the forthcoming book How We Gather Matters: Sustainable Event Planning for Purpose and Impact.

Pedesting is an app designed to help pedestrians find the easiest, safest, and most accessible indoor and outdoor routes across the city. Launched in September 2023, the app is available for download on Google Play and the Apple Store.