Walkable Community Workshop Series

In March 2005, a series of eight Walkable Community Workshops were held throughout the Baltimore region.

The WCW program works with communities to identify real-world pedestrian problems and possible solutions. During each workshop, the trainers deliver a presentation on the elements of a walkable community, as well as ways to address common problems.

The workshops are not just about listening to presentations, however. Rather, the focus is on a neighborhood walking tour (called a “walkabout” or “ped audit”). During the walkabout, trainers emphasize thinking about and trying to understand the perspective of a pedestrian in the community. Special attention is placed on the needs of children, the elderly, and people with physical disabilities.

Then, participants take charge. Divided into small groups, they mark up community maps with suggestions on how specific areas could be improved, what local policies and practices might be changed to improve pedestrian safety, and what programs could be initiated to get more people to walk and bike for recreation, running errands, and, combined with public transit, to commute to work and to other destinations.

Attendees included community residents; elected officials; pedestrian and bicycle advocates; local, regional, state and federal agency staff drawn from transportation, planning, parks and recreation, schools, public works, tourism and economic development; business owners and business association representatives; and leaders of faith-based organizations.

The WCW program was presented by the National Center for Bicycling and Walking; coordinated by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Carroll County; and funded with a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office at the Maryland State Highway Administration.

For more information:
Heather Strassberger, hstrassberger@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 x1025.


Links within this web site:

BikePed Beacon - Check out our e-newsletter!

Bicycle Initiatives and Issues


Links outisde this web site:

National Center for Biking and Walking

What makes a walkable community? Learn more in NCBW's Creating Walkable Communities Guide (pdf).

Last Updated on Monday, 07 February 2011 15:43