Walktober Promotes Health, Exercise and Pedestrian Safety Across Maryland

AARP Maryland is joining with state and local agencies, nonprofits and communities across Maryland to host Walktober 2022, a month-long series of activities and virtual webinars in October promoting the state’s official exercise: walking.

Walktober features the October 5 celebration of the seventh annual Walk Maryland Day, as well educational activities focused on pedestrian safety, health and walking as a commuting option. *Bookmark this page for an updated list of Walktober activities.

AARP Maryland Executive Council member David Conway recently spoke to Heaven 600 Host Rev. Lee Michaels about Walktober:

The webinars – or “walkinars” – are being held online, rather than in-person events, to encourage safe practices as Maryland continues its COVID-19 recovery. Residents are invited to sign up for the 90-minute walkinars, which feature local, state and national speakers.

As part of the statewide focus on walking, walkable communities and pedestrian safety, MDOT is hosting a website, mdot.maryland.gov/walktober, with information about Walktober and Walk Maryland Day, as well as registration for the webinar series.

The seventh annual Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday, October 5, encourages Marylanders to spend part of that day taking a walk.

Stay tuned for information on 2022 Walk Maryland Day events!

In 2021, four walkinars were tailored to pedestrian enthusiasts, advocates, planners and residents. Panelists shared resources to help build, strengthen and sustain partnerships, and share new tools and technologies being used across the country to promote pedestrian access and safety. The series was open to all, and provides American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) with 1.5 Certification Maintenance credits per session to maintain certification.

“The walkability of our communities is a critical component to Maryland’s transportation mission,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater in a statement to the press. “Events such as Walktober, where we’re bringing different voices to the table, encouraging action and heightening awareness, are important as we work together to improve safety and deliver innovative solutions across Maryland.”

Walkinar participants heard about the benefits of walking and walkability, and about a wide range of state and national resources available to improve the safety and access to safe walking in their communities. The series included:

iStock/ Courtney Hale

October 1, 2021, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

“What Can We Do?”

Panelists discussed key resources and initiatives at the state and national level to promote pedestrian safety, access and wellness. Participants included:

• Marty Baker, Deputy Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning for MDOT
• Danielle Arigoni, Director of Livable Communities for AARP; and
• Ian Thomas, State and Local Program Director for the nonprofit America Walks.

iStock/Christine McCann

October 15, 2021, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

“Pedestrian Infrastructure, Safety and Health”

This webinar highlighted MDOT pedestrian safety initiatives, as well as Maryland Department of Health (MDH) efforts to encourage people of all ages and abilities to make walking part of a wellness plan. Panelists included:

• Jeff Dunckel, Pedestrian-Bicycle Safety Program Manager for the MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration’s Maryland Highway Safety Office;
• Kandese Holford, Regional Planner for Montgomery and Frederick counties at the MDOT State Highway Administration; and
• Representative of the MDH’s Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control.

October 22, 2021, 9:30 to 11 a.m

“New Trends and Technologies to Support Walkability and Walking”

This talk focused on tools and technologies that can help communities develop safe infrastructure and identify areas to target for access improvements. Panelists included:

• Hank Greenberg, Director of AARP Maryland
• Anat Caspi, Principal Scientist at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and Director of the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology
• Victor Juan Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of WaBu; and
• Dan Hudson, Trail Planner for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  

iStock/Feverpitched

October 29, 2021, 9:30 to 11 a.m

“Walking the Walk of Maryland’s Pedestrian Agenda”

Panelists discussed actions being taken across Maryland to integrate walking into residents’ daily lives and commutes. Panelists included:

• Cara Rozaieski, Director of Prevention and Healthy Communications at the Wicomico County Health Department;
• Tracey Greene Gordy, Senior Regional Planner at the Lower Eastern Shore Regional Office for the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP);
• Sandra Brecher, Chief of Communications Services for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Policy; and
• Chris Eatough, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the Howard County Office of Transportation.
  

In addition to AARP Maryland, various MDOT units, MDH, DNR, MDP, AARP Maryland, America Walks and agencies in Montgomery, Howard, Harford and Wicomico counties, other agencies and nonprofits participating in Walktober included the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Maryland Department of Commerce, the University of Maryland Extension, Horizon Foundation and Garrett Trails.

Maryland named walking as the official state exercise in October 2008. For more on Walktober or to register for events, go to mdot.maryland.gov/walktober.

Follow event updates on Twitter @WalkCycleMD and @MDOTNews, on Facebook at facebook.com/WalkCycleMD or facebook.com/CommuterChoiceMaryland/ and on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/commuterchoicemd/.

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