SoHo Residents Launch Walking Groups Along Prince Street

Twenty-five people met at the corner of Broome and Greene streets last Tuesday at 7 a.m. to launch a new neighbourhood walking group that now meets every week.

Interest has grown this summer because longer daylight and SoHo’s established wellness routines have prompted more people to seek free outdoor options instead of indoor classes. Local health advocates point to rising demand for low-cost group activities that fit around work schedules on West Broadway and adjacent blocks.

Mapping routes with established SoHo partners

Organizers began by tracing a 3-mile loop from the starting point on Broome Street, past the New Museum, through Washington Square Park and back along Mercer Street. They secured basic insurance coverage through the SoHo Alliance and coordinated safety notes with the Hudson Square Connections business group that already runs evening patrols in the area.

A 2024 New York City Department of Health study found participants in organised walking groups recorded 30 percent higher weekly step counts than solo walkers, with average group sizes of 15 to 30 people meeting at no charge after a free online registration that closes two days before each session.

Practical next steps for new groups

Anyone planning a similar group should pick a fixed weekday and time, post details on the bulletin board inside the Mercer Street community space, and require each walker to confirm with a doctor beforehand. Groups that began this way in nearby blocks have sustained attendance above 20 people for six months by sending simple reminder texts the night before and adjusting pace for different fitness levels.

After the first three meetings, leaders typically rotate responsibility for checking weather and selecting an alternate indoor meet-up spot if needed, keeping the focus on steady participation rather than speed or distance goals.