Walktober News 

September 23, 2021

MDOT And Partners Host Walktober To Promote Pedestrian Safety, Access And Health

Monthlong Celebration Includes Webinar Series, Walk Maryland Day​ on October 6

HANOVER, MD – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is partnering with agencies, nonprofits and communities across Maryland to host the second annual Walktober, a monthlong celebration with activities and virtual events promoting the state's official exercise: walking. Walktober 2021 includes the seventh annual Walk Maryland Day on October 6, as well as several local events and an online webinar series focusing on pedestrian safety and health, and on walking as a commuting option.

For many, walking is an important element of life for health, transportation and overall well-being. Walktober calls on all Marylanders to experience the many benefits of walking.

Maryland designated walking as the official state exercise in October 2008. As part of its focus on walkable communities and pedestrian safety, MDOT is hosting a website, mdot.maryland.gov/walktober, with information about Walktober, Walk Maryland Day and statewide events, as well as registration for the webinar series.

October 7, 2020

Maryland Department of Health encourages residents to participate in annual Walk Maryland Day events

“Walk Towards Wellness” at noon today and throughout “Walktober” to experience the benefits of Maryland’s official state exercise

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) encourages Marylanders to take part in today’s 6th annual Walk Maryland Day through planned walks across the state, while maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings. The event is a highlight of the state’s month-long celebration of “Walktober,” which focuses on Maryland’s official exercise.

Walk Maryland Day 2020 urges all Marylanders to Walk Towards Wellness, stressing the importance of physical exercise, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Walks have been organized statewide with safety measures in place, and residents can become Walk Maryland Day “Sole Mates” by joining one of the official walks, or register walks they take alone or with others. Registration is still available at mdot.maryland.gov/walktober.

October 1, 2020

Governor Hogan Proclaims Maryand’s First-Ever Walktober

Highlights Benefits of Maryland’s Official State Exercise
Celebration Includes Annual Walk Maryland Day, Walktober Webinar Series

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today issued a proclamation designating the month of October as “Walktober” in Maryland, recognizing the state’s official exercise—walking—for its health benefits and its important role in the state’s transportation and recreation network.

“Maryland was the first state in the country to designate an official exercise, and walking is an invaluable source of health and well-being for all Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan. “During the COVID-19 emergency, citizens have turned to walking not only as a beneficial physical activity, but also as a commuting option. During Walktober, I encourage people of all ages and abilities to take a step toward good health and enjoy Maryland’s beauty on foot.”

September 10, 2020

MDOT And Partners Host Walktober to Promote Pedestrian Safety Access and Health

Monthlong Celebration Includes Webinar Series, Walk Day Maryland on October 7

HANOVER – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is partnering with state and local agencies, nonprofits and communities across Maryland to host Walktober, a monthlong series of activities and virtual webinars in October promoting the state's official exercise: walking. Walktober features the October 7 celebration of the sixth annual Walk Maryland Day, as well four webinars focusing on pedestrian safety, health and walking as a commuting option.