Just in time for October, University of Maryland Extension (UME) is teaming up with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to begin the tradition of Walktober.
Walktober is a full month dedicated to health, safety and education for pedestrians and drivers to build safer, more sustainable communities in Maryland.
"Promoting health and wellness in our state's communities is a priority for the University of Maryland Extension," said Jinhee Kim, Family and Consumer Science Program Leader. "We're excited to partner with MDOT to enhance the safety of our neighborhoods, to educate pedestrians and drivers, and help make Maryland a safer, healthier place for everyone."
Walktober events include four “Walkinars” - online webinars about pedestrian-related topics in Maryland - and WalkMaryland! Day on Oct. 7, 2020.
There will be four different opportunities for the public to participate in the free, online Walkinars. Participants through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) will be able to earn 1.5 CEU credits for attending the sessions.
- Oct. 1 - Get Maryland Walking: What Can We Do?
- Oct. 15 - Pedestrian Infrastructure, Safety, and Health
- Oct. 22 - New Trends and Technologies to Support Walkability and Walking
- Oct. 29 - Maryland Walk Events
WalkMaryland! on Oct. 7, 2020, is a great way to encourage your community to increase physical activity levels. Group leaders register to lead a neighborhood walk and encourage members to engage in physical activities individually or together in their neighborhood.
As a registered "Sole Mate," you can choose from a list of registered walk leaders in your own neighborhood. WalkMaryland is a program that encourages you to increase your physical activity in a fun, community-oriented way while promoting pedestrian and driver safety throughout the state of Maryland. You may participate as an individual or as a group with others, such as a class or youth group such as 4-H.
Appropriate face coverings and COVID safety guidelines will be followed during the Oct. 7 event. To register to be a Group Leader, go to https://go.umd.edu/WalkMaryland. We hope you will be inspired to join us and others in Maryland and get more active and create healthier, safer communities for pedestrians and drivers. Learn more about WalkMaryland! at https://extension.umd.edu/resource/walktober and register to join the walks at http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/walktober.