A Stroll With Los Angeles' Own 'People Walker'

A cartoon strip captures the essence of Chuck, the creator of The People Walker in Los Angeles.

2 minute read

August 18, 2018, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Secret Stairs

Lisa Bronitt / Shutterstock

A cartoon strip by Andrew Greenstone captures the experience of walking with Chuck, the original People Walker in Los Angeles, who runs a business in Los Angeles as a "walker for hire." 

The idea of a "people walking" business might seem like satire on the surface, but there's a lot to learn and love about this story. Greenstone titles the comic "stop and smell the roses," and there's plenty of neighborhood appreciation and discovery to celebrate in the comic. There are also lessons that might interest planners about why a people walking business might be popular. At one point Chuck tells Andrew about the five main demographics of people who use the people Walker service:

People who work at home and need something to break up their day, and some one to talk to. People that just need motivation to exercise. A lot of doctors prescribe walking and then people don't follow through on it. Scheduling a walk helps them with accountability and motivation. There are people that just want to feel safe. This service definitely helps people feel better about walking at night. The last group are tourists that are new to town. It really helps to have someone who knows which Thai restaurant looks terrible, but it really good, which bars cost to much, stiff like that.

Greenstone is hardly the first journalist to notice the appeal of the People Walker business. In the past, the business has attracted media attention from the likes of The Guardian, Vice, and the New York Post.

Friday, August 17, 2018 in The Nib

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog