ANNAPOLIS, MD—As part of an effort to promote walking and other forms of sustainable transportation, Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed October as “Walktober.” The declaration marks the fifth annual Walktober celebration in the state.

“Maryland’s sidewalks, crosswalks and trails are an essential part of our transportation network which helps provide safe and equitable access for all,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld in a statement. “Join us this Walktober as we celebrate the many benefits of walking and focus on improving the walkability of our communities and collaborating to address pedestrians’ needs.”

The Walktober celebration is an opportunity for state agencies, nonprofits, and communities across Maryland to come together and promote the many benefits of walking. This includes reducing traffic injuries and deaths, improving access to healthy lifestyles, and making communities safer and more livable.

The state is encouraging residents to participate in official Walktober events or by simply taking a walk at a location of their choice. More information about Walktober events and registration can be found online.

Walk Maryland Day

The annual Walk Maryland Day is Wednesday, October 2 – a celebration of Maryland’s official exercise and a call to action to support safe walking and walkability. It includes community walks across the state. Participants can become “Sole Mates” by registering to join one of the official walks. Register here.

“Walkinar” Thursdays

The Maryland Department of Transportation is hosting 90-minute webinars or “Walkinars” to share resources about the value of walking. The “Walkinars” also help build, strengthen and sustain partnerships to encourage walking, and serve as a platform to discuss tools and technologies that promote pedestrian access and safety. Lt. Governor Aruna Miller will kick off the sessions this week. The series is open to all and will be held virtually from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday in October. Topics are listed below, and registration is available here.​

• October 3: From Nation to Neighborhood: Exploring National and State Perspectives Safety
• October 10: Crafting Safe Spaces for Every Step with Every Trip
• October 17: Sidewalks to Safety: Ensuring Secure Routes for Students
• October 24: Step Forward: Advancing Pedestrian Access and Safety
• October 31: Sustainable Growth: How walkability creates more equitable and vibrant places for all

October also has been designated as National Pedestrian Safety Month by the U.S. Department of Transportation. As an Ally in Action of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s national roadway safety effort, MDOT is proud to celebrate Walktober and advance policies and initiatives that aim to reduce serious traffic injuries and deaths. As part of those efforts, the Department recently launched a department-wide Complete Streets Policy, the data-driven Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) and a project to create a statewide sidewalk database that will help the agency plan and prioritize future pedestrian safety projects.

For more information about Walktober, visit the Maryland Department of Transportation website.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.