In 2008, the Maryland governor issued a proclamation declaring October as “Walktober” and encouraging people of all ages to step out during Walktober to enjoy Maryland’s autumn beauty. Since then, Maryland’s official state exercise has been walking.
This year, the month-long celebration includes the 10th Annual Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday October 1st. Thursday Walkinars scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to noon will feature experts discussing pedestrian safety and ideas and innovations to promote walkable communities and expand pedestrian access, safety, and commuting options across the state.
Join MDOT every Thursday during October from 10:30 a.m. to noon for one of five free Walkinars:
- October 2 – National and Local Impact: Walking, Health, and Communities – Register
- October 9 – Safety: Designing Walkable Communities for All – Register
- October 16 – Accessibility: How Transportation Trails Improve Community Access – Register
- October 23 – Education: Teaching Walking Safety from a Young Age – Register
- October 30 – Agency: Walking Across Maryland with the State Secretaries Roundtable – Register
In addition to the Walkinars, don’t forget:
- October 1 is Walk Maryland Day, where more than 50 partners host community walks, workplace walks, and walking tours. Register to lead or join a walk!
- October 8 is Walk to School Day, where any school or group can register their walk to teach safety to students. Register here!
This year, MDOT is excited to introduce the MDOT in Motion Step Challenge, a fun and friendly competition designed to encourage Marylanders to get moving while helping us reach a collective walking goal across the state. Launching with Walktober, the challenge inspires individuals and communities to come together, promotes healthier lifestyles, and highlights the importance of safe, accessible walking routes. This year, the challenge will establish a baseline to help MDOT set future goals for walking. Over the course of the year, we’ll see which county takes the most steps and recognize your hard work during our 2026 MDOT in Motion series!
After Walk Maryland Day, let’s all keep walking! There will be walk-related events and educational opportunities across Maryland throughout October. As Maryland celebrates Walktober, it reminds us we are all pedestrians during our day and strengthens awareness of key resources, needs, and opportunities to support and encourage safe walking. Be sure to check the Walktober website early and often, as registered walks, events, and programs will be added. You can also subscribe to ongoing updates from the Office of Active Transportation and Micromobility by adding your email here.