Walk21 Foundation
Walk21 Foundation is a UK-registered international charity that promotes walking and walkability globally through the Walkability App, the International Charter for Walking, the 8 Steps training methodology, and an annual conference, serving city governments, UN agencies, researchers, and advocacy NGOs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersWorking globally, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Walk21 Foundation does
Walk21 Foundation is a UK-registered charity (Charity Number 1174564) founded in 2000, headquartered in Cheltenham, United Kingdom, and operating globally with a mission to promote walking and walkability. Its core offerings include the Walkability App (a mobile citizen-reporting tool with geo-location and heat-mapping functionality available on Apple and Google stores), the STRIDE walkability assessment tool, the International Charter for Walking (a signable policy reference translated into multiple languages), the 8 Steps training methodology for cities, and a curated Conference Library of nearly 2,000 research papers. The organization also runs the annual International Walk21 Conference, rotating globally, and produces regional reports and toolkits such as the Walking and Cycling in Africa report.
Walk21 operates through a community-led, event-driven model targeting four primary segments: city and municipal governments, walking and transport researchers, walking advocates and NGOs, and international organizations and development agencies. Its distribution relies on digital self-serve channels (website resource downloads, app stores), direct conference sales, and channel partnerships with UN-Habitat, UNEP, the FIA Foundation, Alstom Foundation, and the World Bank. As a non-profit, Walk21 funds its activities through charitable activities, grants from foundations (Alstom Foundation, FIA Foundation), project partnerships with international organizations, and conference registration — primary services are offered free, with fees accruing mainly through training and conferences.
The competitive position is anchored by an ecosystem of 5,000+ organizations, experts, researchers, and advocates, governance representation on bodies such as SLOCAT and SUM4All, and alignment with WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity. Strategic emphasis areas include the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, public transport integration (Alstom/UITP partnership), and capacity building in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean through the Africa Network for Walking and Cycling (ANWAC) and Regional Dialogues.
Walk21 Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Walk21 Foundation
- Legal name
- Walk21 Foundation
- Website
- https://walk21.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Walk21 Foundation is a UK-registered international charity that promotes walking and walkability globally through the Walkability App, the International Charter for Walking, the 8 Steps training methodology, and an annual conference, serving city governments, UN agencies, researchers, and advocacy NGOs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Walk21 Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Walking Advocacy and Urban Mobility
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)
Keywords
Where Walk21 Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Working globally, United Kingdom
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Walk21 Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Charitable activities and grants: As a registered charity (Number 1174564) in England and Wales, Walk21 operates through charitable activities, grants, and partnerships. The organization conducts projects, training, and provides resources to advance walking globally.
- Conference and event coordination: Walk21 coordinates the annual International Conference, workshops, and events to inspire action and share knowledge, which may include registration fees and sponsorship.
- Project partnerships and funding: Walk21 receives funding and support from partners including foundations (Alstom Foundation), international organizations (UNEP, UN-Habitat), and participates in funded projects like Trans-Safe Project and Africa Network initiatives.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Walk21 Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Walk21 Foundation is an international charity that provides knowledge, capacity, and advocacy resources to promote walking and walkability globally. Its offerings include the Walkability App for citizens to assess walking environments, the International Charter for Walking as a policy reference, the annual International Walk21 Conference series, the STRIDE Walkability Tool, The 8 Steps training methodology, and a Conference Library of nearly 2,000 research papers. The foundation works with over 5,000 organisations, governments, and researchers to develop evidence-based walking policies.
Product overview
Walk21 Foundation is an international charity focused on promoting walking and walkability. The organization operates as a knowledge, capacity, and advocacy organization that works with over 5,000 organizations, experts, researchers and advocates. The core product portfolio includes the Walkability App (a mobile application for citizens to assess walking environments and collect evidence), the International Charter for Walking (a policy signing document), the annual International Walk21 Conference series, the Conference Library (access to ~2,000 research papers), Pathways to Walkable Cities (guidance platform), Measuring Walking resources, and The 8 Steps training methodology. Walk21 also produces specialized reports and tools including the STRIDE Walkability Tool, and organizes Regional Dialogues as part of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Walkability App: A practical tool to assess walking environments and collect local evidence on people's walking experience.
- International Charter for Walking
- STRIDE Tool
- The 8 Steps
Products and services
- Walkability App A mobile application that enables citizens to share their walking experiences, assess walking environments, collect local evidence (including geo-location, age, gender, ability dimensions), generate heat maps, and create baselines to inform local and national policy makers. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- International Charter for Walking A common policy reference document that cities, organisations, neighbourhood groups, and individuals can sign to support more everyday walking and greater walkability. Available in multiple languages and serves as a global advocacy tool for promoting walking at the policy level.
- International Walk21 Conference The annual International Walk21 Conference on Walking and Liveable Communities, coordinating workshops, events, and projects to inspire action to benefit people walking. The conference rotates globally with past editions in Rotterdam, Kigali, Dublin, Seoul, and upcoming editions in Tirana and regional dialogues in 2026.
- STRIDE Walkability Tool A walkability assessment tool used to map local streets and collect citizen feedback on walkability concerns. Deployed in projects with school children, communities, and government partners including Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) for street improvements requested by citizens.
- The 8 Steps Training Program A structured training program and workshop methodology facilitated by Walk21 to help cities develop walkability action plans through eight structured steps. Used in workshops with city governments such as Rotterdam.
- Conference Library Access to nearly 2,000 papers from past Walk21 conferences, sharing research, policy, projects, and practice on walking from around the world.
- Pathways to Walkable Cities A platform and resource set helping cities, practitioners, and partners measure, understand, and support walking. Includes guidance on walking data capture and use in planning and decision-making.
- Measuring Walking Resources Guidance and resources to help cities and partners capture walking data and use it in planning and decision-making.
- Walking and Cycling in Africa Report A report published with UNEP and UN-Habitat providing evidence and good practices to inspire action for walking and cycling in Africa.
- PATH Partnership Report: Make Way for Walking and Cycling A report highlighting walking and cycling's benefits and potential for climate, air quality, health and well-being, published with the Partnership for Active Travel and Health coalition.
- Walk21 Regional Dialogues Regional dialogues organized by Walk21 to shape the pathway for walking through the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, including upcoming 2026 dialogues such as Cape Coast, Africa.
- Training Programs Various training offerings including workshops, the 8 Steps methodology, and policy training developed in partnership with research and industry partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- In Kumasi, Ghana - positive walking experiences increased from 14% to 37% after interventions; safety concerns decreased by 48 percentage points; comfort concerns decreased by 57 percentage points
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Walk21 Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Walk21 Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Walk21 Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered key and core.
- AlstomkeyPartnership on Active to Public Transport project in Danube region. Walk21 presented at UITP congress with Alstom stand. Veronique Andries, Vice President Sustainability & CSR at Alstom highlighted importance of walking access to public transport.
- European Cyclists' Federation (ECF)coreCo-organizers of COP27 side event 'Shifting Gear: Accelerating Active Mobility for Future Generations' and PATH Partnership for Active Travel and Health coalition.
- UN Environment Programme (UNEP)coreWalk21 collaborates with UNEP on sustainable mobility initiatives, including the Africa Network for Walking and Cycling, COVID-19 mobility surveys, and joint publications on walking and cycling in Africa.
- UN-HabitatcoreJoint work on Best Practice Guide for Walking and Cycling in African Cities and other urban mobility initiatives.
- UITP (International Association of Public Transport)keyWalk21 presented walkability to public transport reports at UITP congress in Hamburg (June 2025) on walking access to stations and stops.
- World Resources Institute (WRI)keyCo-organizers of COP27 side events on active mobility and sustainable transport transformation.
- Dutch Cycling EmbassykeyCo-organizers of COP27 side event and collaboration on active mobility capacity building.
- Transportation Decarbonisation AlliancekeyCollaboration on COP27 side events and launch of Call for Action to support Active Mobility Capacity Building.
- Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi, GhanakeyCollaboration on Trans-Safe Project walkability study in Kumasi, Ghana, measuring impact of pedestrian interventions using the Walkability App.
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)keyPartnership with Walk21 and Alstom Foundation for women walkability project in Dublin.
- Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (CEDEUS)keyPartnership on sustainable urban development research and women walkability initiatives.
- Africa Network for Walking and Cycling (ANWAC)coreWalk21 leads this network under UN Environment's Share the Road programme to champion best practice and influence research, policy and practice for walking and cycling in Africa.
- Trans-Safe ProjectkeyResearch initiative including 30 partners across Africa and Europe working together on road safety, with Walk21 contributing walkability expertise.
- SLOCAT PartnershipkeyWalk21 participates in SLOCAT Transport Days at COP summits. Bronwen Thornton serves as Chair of the Board for SLOCAT Foundation.
- World Health Organization (WHO)keyWalk21's work aligns with WHO Global action plan on physical activity (GAPPA) which recognises walking and walkable communities as key components of everyday activity.
- SUM4All (Sustainable Low Carbon Transport Initiative)keyWalk21 was elected as civil society representative on SUM4All's Steering Committee.
- World BankkeyWorld Bank Global Transport Director Nicolas Peltier participated in COP27 panel on leveraging international financing for active mobility.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Walk21 Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- FIA Foundation: International philanthropy funding road safety, sustainable mobility, and active travel. Comparable as Walk21's financial partner funding the PATH coalition coordination, operating in the same funding and advocacy ecosystem but as a much larger grantmaking entity.
- World Resources Institute (WRI): Large global research organization with sustainable mobility and active travel programs. Comparable as a co-organizer of COP27 active-mobility side events with Walk21, but operates as a much broader environmental/sustainability institution rather than walking-specialist.
- UITP (International Association of Public Transport): Global association for public transport authorities and operators. Comparable as a Walk21 partner presenting walkability-to-public-transport reports at UITP's Hamburg congress, with shared interest in first/last-mile walking access to transit.
Direct peers
- Rails to Trails Conservancy: US-based nonprofit creating walking and bicycling trails from former rail corridors. Comparable as a walking-and-active-travel advocacy nonprofit with strong community network, policy work, and project delivery on the ground.
- SLOCAT Partnership: International multi-stakeholder partnership focused on sustainable, low-carbon transport. Comparable as a peer advocacy/coalition organization where Walk21 participates, with Walk21's CEO chairing SLOCAT's board and Walk21 contributing to Transport Days at COP.
- Living Streets: UK-based charity dedicated to creating safe, attractive, and enjoyable streets for walking. Closely comparable as a national-level walking advocacy charity operating in Walk21's home UK market with similar policy and community-engagement methods.
- European Cyclists' Federation (ECF): Brussels-based active-mobility advocacy federation representing cycling interests across Europe. Closely comparable to Walk21 as a peer active-mobility advocacy NGO that co-organizes COP side events and PATH coalition work alongside Walk21, with overlapping partner ecosystems (FIA Foundation, UNEP).
- PeopleForBikes: US-based bicycling advocacy nonprofit that also promotes walking and active mobility. Comparable as an active-mobility advocacy organization running city networks, policy campaigns, and industry partnerships analogous to Walk21's model.
- Sustrans: UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike, or public transport for everyday journeys. Comparable as a walking-and-cycling focused charity working with governments on active travel infrastructure and policy, with overlapping UK funder and partner networks.
- ITDP (Institute for Transportation and Development Policies): International nonprofit focused on sustainable and equitable urban transport, with active mobility and walkability as core programs. Comparable as a peer organization producing city-focused tools, training, and policy frameworks for walking and sustainable transport worldwide.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Walk21 Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceWalk21 Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Walk21 Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Walk21 Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Walk21 Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Walk21 Foundation
What does Walk21 Foundation do?
Walk21 Foundation is an international charity that provides knowledge, capacity, and advocacy resources to promote walking and walkability globally. Its offerings include the Walkability App for citizens to assess walking environments, the International Charter for Walking as a policy reference, the annual International Walk21 Conference series, the STRIDE Walkability Tool, The 8 Steps training methodology, and a Conference Library of nearly 2,000 research papers. The foundation works with over 5,000 organisations, governments, and researchers to develop evidence-based walking policies.
Is Walk21 Foundation a public or private company?
Walk21 Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Walk21 Foundation founded?
Walk21 Foundation was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Walk21 Foundation based?
Walk21 Foundation is headquartered in Working globally, United Kingdom, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Walk21 Foundation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Charitable activities and grants are the primary driver. The others are conference and event coordination and project partnerships and funding.
Who are Walk21 Foundation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are FIA Foundation, World Resources Institute (WRI) and UITP (International Association of Public Transport). Direct peers are Rails to Trails Conservancy, SLOCAT Partnership, Living Streets, European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), PeopleForBikes, Sustrans and ITDP (Institute for Transportation and Development Policies).
Does Walk21 Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Walk21 Foundation.
What industry is Walk21 Foundation in?
Walk21 Foundation's product category is Walking Advocacy and Urban Mobility. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAM, Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813312.