HANOVER, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation has launched its annual “Walktober” celebration, a month-long series of events and webinars throughout October aimed at promoting pedestrian safety, health and accessibility across the state.
Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed October as “Walktober” to celebrate walking, which is Maryland’s official state exercise. The month-long focus coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Pedestrian Safety Month.
“October is Walktober – a time to celebrate the simple act of walking and the many benefits it brings to our health, our communities and our environment,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. “As we enjoy the cooler weather and changing seasons, I encourage everyone to take part in Walktober by walking more and joining local walk group activities happening across the state.”
Key events include Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday, Oct. 1, which encourages all residents to take a walk, and Walk to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Marylanders can sign up to become “Sole Mates” to register and log their steps for the statewide celebration.
Weekly ‘Walkinars’ Planned
The celebration also features a series of free, 90-minute online webinars, dubbed “Walkinars,” held virtually every Thursday in October from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The sessions will feature state and national speakers discussing tools and resources to encourage walking and promote pedestrian safety and access. Topics include:
- Oct. 2: National and Local Impact: Walking, Health, and Communities
- Oct. 9: Safety: Designing Walkable Communities for All
- Oct. 16: Accessibility: How Transportation Trails Improve Community Access
- Oct. 23: Education: Teaching Walking Safety from a Young Age
- Oct. 30: State Agency Roles: Walking Across Maryland with the State Secretaries Roundtable
The department noted its commitment to safety is reflected in recent data-driven initiatives such as its new Complete Streets Policy, the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, and the Sidewalk Data Collaboration project, which aims to help prioritize sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements statewide.
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