In April 2025, join the movement to advance more equitable, safe and accessible pedestrian safety for all! Learn more about the opportunities to get involved and support healthy communities and the many benefits of walking for people of all ages and abilities for the events below!
National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2, 2025
On April 2, 2025 the American Heart Association is celebrating National Walking Day 2025 and encouraging everyone to get out and walk more! Visit the AHA website for resources and to learn more about the many benefits of walking.
Walk to Work Day on Friday, April 4, 2025
Walk to Work Day is an annual event that highlights the many benefits of walking to work, no matter the length of the journey, or if you do it daily or weekly.
National Public Health Week: It Starts Here, April 7-13, 2025
April 7-13, 2025 is National Public Health Week (NPHW), and it is also the 30th anniversary of this important event! This year, join the American Public Health Association (APHA), public health professionals, and communities across the nation to celebrate the work done to advance health equity, community well-being, and the policies and programs that promote and protect public health. Ensuring communities are safe for walking is a part of this work for healthy, thriving communities. Learn more about NPHW 2025.
Explore the safety tips below from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on how to make walking safer in your community.
Safety Tips for People Driving
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Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
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Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
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Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
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Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
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Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
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Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
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Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
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Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
Safety Tips for People Walking
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Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
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Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
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If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
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Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
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If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
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Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
More resources to celebrate and advance pedestrian safety
- Explore our Stories from the Field to learn how communities across California are working to ensure safe, enjoyable and accessible walking.
- Visit the Go Safely, California website for resources, tips, and media toolkits on pedestrian safety.
- Explore our Guides and Toolkits section for resources on advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety.
- Visit the Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (CPBSP) interactive map to view final reports from workshops in communities across California.