Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring October 2025, as Walktober in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation.
Discussion
Walking is an activity that’s part of daily life for many Marylanders and is recognized as a healthy transportation choice. Walking is Maryland’s official state exercise. But with issues of pedestrian safety and access, many communities recognize walking - and improving the walkability of our neighborhoods - are goals that require public attention and action.
Throughout October, working in coordination with several state agencies and other partners, MDOT shared informational resources and a series of free webinars - or Walkinars - that are open to all. The month also includes Walk Maryland Day on October 1, 2025, a celebration that encourages all Marylanders to step out to enjoy walking or some other form of physical activity.
The Walkinar series is tailored to interest pedestrian enthusiasts, advocates, planners, and residents. These Walkinars highlighted how we can collectively rally around walking, an activity that is both central to the state’s active transportation efforts and a critical strategy to promote public well-being.
The Walktober Walkinar series, hosted by the Maryland Department of Planning, helps planners, local officials, stakeholders, and the public at large learn how to advocate for safe walking infrastructure. Walkinar panelists will highlight pedestrian-focused topics such as safety, health, infrastructure, and enforcement, as well as successful pedestrian programs throughout the State.
Walk Maryland Day <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=79>
October 1, 2025, is officially Walk Maryland Day! To celebrate, we are encouraging our Maryland citizens to register for the official walk. Click below to learn more and register.
October 8, 2025, is Walk and Roll to School Day nationally. Register with the national partnership here. <https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/registration>
2025 Walkinar Series
-October 2 National and Local Impact: Walking, Health, and Communities <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=123>
-October 9 Safety: Designing Walkable Communities for All <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=123>
-October 16 Accessibility: How Transportation Trails Improve Community Access <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=123>
October 23 - Education: Teaching Walking Safety from a Young Age <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=123>
October 30 - Agency: Walking Across Maryland with the State Secretaries Roundtable <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=123>
Source: <https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=136>
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually.