BALTIMORE, MD—Fun fact: walking is Maryland’s official state exercise.

This October, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is partnering with state and local agencies, nonprofits, and communities across Maryland to host Walktober, a month-long series of activities and virtual webinars promoting the state’s official exercise.

Walktober features the October 7 celebration of the sixth annual Walk Maryland Day, as well four webinars focusing on pedestrian safety, health and walking as a commuting option.

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.

“Walking is not only our state exercise, but it’s been an important strategy for Marylanders dealing with the challenges of COVID-19,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “While many people have been teleworking and following ‘safer-at-home’ advice, they’ve rediscovered walking for health, recreation and overall well-being.”

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 annual Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday, October 7, encourages Marylanders to spend part of that day taking a walk. Walk leaders across the state will help lead registered walks following COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and face-covering requirements. Participants are also invited to register walks at locations of their choice, alone or with other registered partners. Marylanders can become a Walk Maryland Day “Sole Mates” by registering to join one of the official walks across the state.

The four walkinars, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursdays, October 1, 15, 22 and 29, are tailored to pedestrian enthusiasts, advocates, planners and residents. Panelists will share 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 is 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. “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 will learn 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 includes:

• October 1, “What Can We Do?”
  Panelists will discuss key resources and initiatives at the state and national level to promote pedestrian safety, access and wellness. Participants include 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.
• October 15, “Pedestrian Infrastructure, Safety and Health.”
  This webinar highlights 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 include 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 a lead representative of the MDH’s Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control.
• October 22, “New Trends and Technologies to Support Walkability and Walking”
  This talk focuses on tools and technologies that can help communities develop safe infrastructure and identify areas to target for access improvements. Panelists are 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).
• October 29, “Walking the Walk of Maryland’s Pedestrian Agenda.”
  Panelists will discuss actions being taken across Maryland to integrate walking into residents’ daily lives and commutes. Panelists include 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 Commuter 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 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 include 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.