Maryland Department of Transportation

Walk Maryland 

Walking is Maryland’s official exercise and, in full or in part, how most of us complete our daily trips. Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is committed to making walking safer, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities through statewide initiatives, community partnerships, innovation, and data-driven planning.

Our various projects and programs combined form our Walk Maryland program. Explore the program pages and resources linked below to learn more about our efforts to improve safe walking conditions and how you can get involved.

Walktober Logo on top of background of leaf covered path and close up of two feet with athletic shoes walking

Walktober and Walk MD Day

October in Maryland is WALKTOBER - a month-long celebration dedicated to promoting walking as the state’s official exercise. It kicks off with Walk Maryland Day and then, throughout the month, the MDOT and partners host free events, lead discussions, and offer materials to build awareness highlight pedestrian safety, public health, and commuting options.

Image of a group of nine people walking on a forest hiking trail

Walkinars

To celebrate Walktober and National Pedestrian Awareness Month in October, MDOT sponsors a series of free 90-minute webinars (Walkinars) centered around a variety of walk related topics. Explore this page to see this year’s program and to access Walkinars held from 2020 to 2025.

Image of a group of people walking happily on a paved path

Sidewalk Data

The Sidewalk Data Collaboration is an effort underway to map all state and locally owned sidewalks throughout Maryland. The development of comprehensive data on pedestrian infrastructure directly supports numerous goals and objectives identified by the 2050 Maryland Statewide Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan and aligns with MDOT’s vision to provide safe and convenient active transportation that supports equitable access for all.

Image of childen and parents walking and cycling on a sidewalk with a school bus positioned on the adjacent street

Safe Routes to Schools

Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) is a national program that focuses on getting students to and from school safely by walking, biking, or rolling, using tactics of engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, equity, and evaluation. SRTS in Maryland is supported by MDOT and fellow state agencies that have launched a SRTS Coordinator pilot program to improve safety for students and facilitate community-wide safety planning.

Use these MVA and MVA Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO) resources to learn about programs to improve pedestrian safety.