diff --git a/direct/src/controls/GravityWalker.py b/direct/src/controls/GravityWalker.py
index e22890de70..9534afafc4 100755
--- a/direct/src/controls/GravityWalker.py
+++ b/direct/src/controls/GravityWalker.py
@@ -462,10 +462,11 @@ class GravityWalker(DirectObject.DirectObject):
         jump = inputState.isSet("jump")
 
         # Check for Auto-Run
-        if base.localAvatar.getAutoRun():
-            forward = 1
-            reverse = 0
-        
+        if 'localAvatar' in __builtins__:
+            if base.localAvatar.getAutoRun():
+                forward = 1
+                reverse = 0
+
         # Determine what the speeds are based on the buttons:
         self.speed=(forward and self.avatarControlForwardSpeed or
                     reverse and -self.avatarControlReverseSpeed)