Marylanders across the state are preparing for the 2023 celebration of the ninth Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday, October 4. Walking is an activity available to people of all ages and abilities and provides many physical and mental health benefits as a key element of Maryland’s transportation and recreation network.

Improving the walkability of our neighborhoods is vital to ensuring accessible, equitable and sustainable options across the entire state, where we connect all Marylanders to life's opportunities and that no one is left behind.  Sidewalks are a key component of the Maryland Department of Transportations Complete Streets, which is the State Highway Administration's second generation policy for a developmental approach known as Context Sensitive Solutions. Historically, roads and transportation systems were often placed with just one goal in mind: connecting one place to another as efficiently as possible. The aim of Complete Streets is to balance the safety and efficiency of roads with access to other modes of transportation, facilities for bikes and pedestrians and other community needs.

The Maryland Department of Transportation would love to have you join us!

Walk Maryland Day is a celebration of our state's official exercise and a call to action to support safe walking and walkability with or without assistance. You can join by registering to walk on October 4 as either a Walk Leader or "Sole Mate." Walk Leaders are those who want to organize a walk and encourage others who enjoy walking to join. Sole Mates are those who would like to participate in a planned walk and can register for a walk in their desired location.

Anyone can register as either a Walk Leader or Sole Mate for any variety of safe walking experiences. Registered walks can be alone or in groups, in parks or city neighborhoods, via wheelchairs or on treadmills, or wherever and however safe walking experiences are available. So, get ready to celebrate Walk Maryland Day by registering today to walk on October 4!

The following registration links for both Walk Leader and Sole Mate are provided by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). 
 

Here's how it works: Walk Leaders will identify a safe walk (of any specified length) to be conducted on October 4 in a specified location. Sole Mates can register for a preferred walking area and will be matched with a Walk Leader. Walk Leaders will then be provided with a list of potential Sole Mates to plan logistics for their registered walk. While walking, all are encouraged to commemorate and celebrate their experience by taking photos or videos and sharing them on social media. Use #WalkMD2023 to share pictures and help show your support for walking in Maryland. We look forward to hearing from you!

Then what? After Walk Maryland Day, keep walking! There will be walk-related events and educational opportunities across the state throughout the month of October, as Maryland celebrates "Walktober!" Walktober reminds us that we’re all pedestrians at some point during our day and builds to strengthen awareness of key resources, needs and opportunities to support and encourage safe walking. Be sure to check the Walktober website early and often, as registered walks, events, and programs will be added throughout the month.