Free Walkinars 

Walking is an activity that many of us take for granted. But as pedestrian accident rates continue to rise and access to safe pedestrian spaces is diminished, communities are recognizing that walking — and improving the walkability of our neighborhoods — requires public attention and action.

Sidewalks are a key component of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s 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.

Family taking a walk

Throughout October, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), in coordination with a several state agencies and other partners, will sponsor a series of 90-minute webinars, or Walkinars, to highlight how we can rally collectively around walking, an activity that is both central to the state’s Active Transportation efforts and a critical component promoting public well-being.

In fact, walking is recognized as the State of Maryland’s Official State Exercise. The Walktober Walkinar series, hosted by the Maryland Department of Planning, will help planners, local officials, pedestrian advocates and the public at large learn how to advocate for safe walking infrastructure. As an example, through the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP), the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration works with communities to improve pedestrian safety by identifying challenges, setting goals and objectives, focusing on areas of need, setting priorities and taking action.

Panelists will build on the Maryland Department of Transportation’s efforts by identifying key resources to strengthen and sustain local partnerships and share new tools and technologies being used across the country to identify and plan for pedestrian-accessible routes for all ages and abilities.

All webinars will take place every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern. See the specific details below.

These Walkinars provide American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) with 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) credits to maintain their certification. Please note, to receive AICP credit you must attend the live broadcast.

Click here for previous Walkinars


2024 Walkinar Series


Walkinar #1: Title TBD

Thursday, October 3, 2024


Walkinar #2: Title TBD

Thursday, October 10, 2024


Walkinar #3: Title TBD

Thursday, October 17, 2024


Walkinar #4: Title TBD

Thursday, October 24, 2024


Walkinar #5: Title TBD

Thursday, October 31, 2024