COLUMBIA, Pa. — What began as a grassroots effort to encourage walking and community engagement is evolving into one of Columbia’s most visible advocacy organizations.

During Tuesday night’s borough council meeting, Columbia Walks founder Callie Thompson outlined the group’s future plans while emphasizing that recent pedestrian crashes and fatalities have transformed the organization’s mission.

“I wanted it to be fun and I still do,” Thompson told council. “The problem is as of August, it’s not fun right now. People are engaged because it’s heartbreakingly serious.”

Founded in May, Columbia Walks was originally envisioned as a community organization promoting healthy lifestyles, downtown engagement, and walkability. According to Thompson, plans included student safety workshops, mileage clubs, community events, business partnerships, walking challenges, and educational programs for new drivers.

However, a string of pedestrian-related incidents throughout the summer dramatically shifted the group’s focus.

Instead of simply encouraging residents to walk more, Columbia Walks is now concentrating on making sure people can walk safely.

Among the initiatives Thompson discussed were efforts to review crosswalk visibility, evaluate signal timing, identify infrastructure deficiencies, and collect pedestrian safety data. She also proposed temporary pilot projects that could be tested before larger investments are made.

The organization is also inviting collaboration.

Thompson encouraged borough officials and police officers to participate in community walks to experience pedestrian conditions firsthand and identify trouble spots throughout town.

Residents speaking during the meeting praised the group’s rapid growth.

Chris Weiss, who helped support the organization’s early efforts, noted that Columbia Walks has already launched a website, developed a mobile app, and built a network of residents focused on improving safety and supporting local businesses.

“We are so lucky to have them here in Columbia,” Weiss said of Callie and Robert Thompson.

Council members also acknowledged Columbia Walks’ contributions, with several expressing appreciation for the volunteer-driven effort while noting that pedestrian safety discussions are increasingly becoming a community-wide priority.

As Columbia officials prepare future safety initiatives, Columbia Walks appears positioned to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the conversation about how residents move through the borough.