The effects of pedestrian activity on soil annelid populations were investigated in two public parks in the city of Brno (Czechia). Simultaneous sampling in three pairs of sites, each consisting of unaffected lawn and unofficial pedestrian path, revealed that pedestrian activity reduced earthworm and enchytraeid densities and biomass (only measured for earthworms). While the composition of the earthworm community was almost unaffected, that of enchytraeids was modified. Soil compaction, moisture and - in the case of enchytraeids - also soil organic matter were the major factors for annelid distribution.