This year, from April 1-7th, there are several ways to celebrate the important role that equitable, safe and accessible pedestrian safety plays for healthy and thriving communities. Learn more about the opportunities to get involved and support safe spaces to walk for people of all ages and abilities for the events below!
National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 3, 2024
On April 3, 2024 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is celebrating National Walking Day 2024 and encouraging everyone to get out and get walking! Visit the NHTSA website for resources, safety tips, and guidance on how to make your community safe and walkable for all.
Walk to Work Day on Friday, April 5, 2024
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. Making walking a part of your commute not only provides health benefits, it also supports a reduced carbon footprint - which is good for the planet!
National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2024
April 1st - 7th is also National Public Health Week (NPHW), and this year's theme is "Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health" and how communities can flourish when we support one another and stay engaged.
Improving walkability in our communities provides benefits for everyone, and increases opportunities for physical activity. It also helps communities by improving safety, increasing interaction between residents, improving local economies, and reducing air pollution.
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.