The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is partnering with the State to celebrate “Walktober,” a month-long series of activities in October promoting Maryland’s official exercise: walking. Maryland named walking as the official State exercise in 2008.  

“Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to improve our health, connect with our community and reduce our reliance on cars,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Walktober gives us the chance to highlight our commitment to enhance pedestrian safety and make walking a real option for more of our residents. Walktober in October also is a chance to spotlight the County’s more than 250 miles of hiking trails.  During this month, with the mild temperatures, and while our County bursts with vibrant fall colors, I encourage all residents to go out for a walk or hike.” 

MCDOT will be hosting a series of outreach events throughout the County designed to highlight the importance of walking and to promote the work being done under the Vision Zero program to make walking in Montgomery County safer for people of all ages and abilities. 

“MCDOT has advanced a number of projects to make the pedestrian system more accessible, including building new sidewalks and protected bike lanes,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Walking is an important form of exercise and also is a crucial mode of transportation for those who do not have access to a private vehicle. Walktober is an excellent opportunity to explore our County on foot, as part of your commute or as a way to enjoy the outdoors.” 

Walktober events will include: 

• Wednesday, Oct. 9, Walk and Roll to School Day. The MCDOT Safe Routes to School (SRTS) team encourage all students who have a safe path and live near their elementary school to walk to school on this date. All schools are encouraged to sponsor a Walk to School event and register their event at walkbiketoschool.org.    

• Thursday, Oct. 17, Walkinar 3 - Sidewalks to Safety: Ensuring Secure Routes for Students. MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School Manager, Duwan Morris, will be featured on a panel for a free webinar to discuss Safe Routes to School projects that enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk, roll and bicycle to school. Register for the free webinar. For a full list of free walkinars, visit the MDOT website. 

• Pedestrian Safety Outreach.  Outreach teams will be at various locations throughout the month to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety and talk with residents about recent safety improvements, including infrastructure projects and pedestrian hybrid beacons. View the calendar here.  

MCDOT also offers resources to schools to encourage students to safely walk, bike or roll to school throughout the year. MCDOT Safe Routes to School activities and resources include:  

• Walking Wednesdays. Walking Wednesday events are held on Wednesdays starting in October and continue throughout the school year when school is in session. Walking Wednesdays are designed to encourage students (and parents) to get to school by walking instead of by car - in conditions where it is safe to do so. Zeal the Safety Zebra shares safety tips and there will be giveaways and activities. Learn more and consider registering your school here.  

• Walking School Bus:  This parent-organized effort shares responsibilities with multiple adults to supervise a group of kids walking to and from school. A guide with detailed information on how to start a walking school bus is available here.  All Safe Routes to School program resources are free. Students, parents and schools are encouraged to start an SRTS program at their school. Educators can fill out a request form for their school. 

Visit Montgomery Parks for a list of walking trails throughout the County and plan a walk this October.   

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.  

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