{"id":184082142,"date":"2010-11-01T13:55:42","date_gmt":"2010-11-01T13:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=184082142"},"modified":"2010-11-01T13:55:42","modified_gmt":"2010-11-01T13:55:42","slug":"walk-friendly-communities-encourages-towns-and-cities-to-support-safer-walking-environments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=184082142","title":{"rendered":"Walk Friendly Communities encourages towns and cities to support safer walking environments"},"content":{"rendered":"

[B’ Spokes: I wounder if our new ranking of the 4th highest pedestrian fatality rate will encourage any towns in Maryland to apply?]<\/em><\/p>\n

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from Welcome to the Fast Lane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation by Ray LaHood<\/p>\n

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In an interview with Grist<\/a> last week, I talked about livable communities. And one of the central features of livability is that you can get where you need or want to go without having to get into your car. For many reasons–the hassle of congested roadways, the need to reduce carbon emissions, the desire for better health–that’s what Americans have said they want.<\/p>\n

Making a community safer for walking is one way to improve livability. And a new program called Walk Friendly Communities<\/a> encourages towns and cities across the country to make safer walking environments a high priority.<\/p>\n

\"WFClogo\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Walk Friendly Communities program<\/a> will recognize communities that are working to improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access, and comfort. It is sponsored by DOT\u2019s Federal Highway Administration<\/a> along with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center<\/a> and FedEx. <\/p>\n

As FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez said, “Walk Friendly Communities will show how cities and towns across the country are creatively improving walkability and demonstrating leadership in addressing pedestrian safety concerns.”<\/p>\n

\"NorthCarolina\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Walking is one way of improving health through increased physical activity. But increasing the opportunities for people to walk in your community also offers other benefits.<\/p>\n