'Walking Summit' Highlights Long Path Ahead

A piece from the Congress for the New Urbanism discusses the 2017 National Walking Summit. The proceedings included the release of the nation's first walkability report card.

1 minute read

November 6, 2017, 6:00 AM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


New York City Pedestrians

Drop of Light / Shutterstock

Walkability fans came together this year at the 2017 National Walking Summit in St. Paul. Jay Walljasper writes, "The three-day event in September was organized by America Walks—a non-profit group encompassing more than 800 state and local organizations."

Attendees discussed the dangers that speeding and drunk driving pose to children and seniors. "Younger and older Americans are not the only ones at risk. The summit focused particular attention on challenges people on foot face in racially and economically disadvantaged communities, as well as rural areas."

The Summit also played host to the announcement of a national report card on walking and walkable communities. The U.S., perhaps predictably, did not receive passing grades. Walljasper also reports on various efforts around the country to promote walking and pedestrian safety. 

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