News

May 13, 2020
Ten Cities Recognized with "Walk Friendly" Designation by Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) Program
Charlottesville earned Gold-level designation; Portsmouth earned Bronze-level

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., May 13, 2020— The Walk Friendly Communities program (WFC) recognized ten U.S. cities for their commitment to prioritize pedestrians and create safe, comfortable and inviting places to walk. The Walk Friendly Community designations include Gold-level recognition for Boulder, Colorado; Charlottesville, Virginia; Evanston, Illinois; and Somerville, Massachusetts.

These communities showcase the bold steps that cities and towns can take to prioritize people on foot. Communities recognized by the Walk Friendly Communities program include:

Gold
Boulder, CO
Charlottesville, VA
Evanston, IL
Somerville, MA

Silver 
Charlotte, NC
Culver, IN
Lee's Summit, MO
Raleigh, NC

Bronze 
Bloomington, IN
Portsmouth, VA

Walk Friendly Communities is a national recognition program developed to encourage cities and towns across the United States to develop and support walking environments with an emphasis on safety, mobility, access and comfort. Sponsored by FedEx and managed by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC), the program distinguishes communities leading the way in walkability and seeks to share their stories to inspire other communities to move toward their own innovative solutions. In the 11 years since the program began, it has recognized 76 cities across 32 States with Walk Friendly designations.

"These cities are showcasing what a commitment to pedestrian safety and walkability looks like," said Dan Gelinne, WFC program manager. "We're encouraged to see a focus on elevating the needs of those on foot. These communities are demonstrating that both small towns and large urban areas can take steps to prioritize walking in the transportation system."

Cities and towns interested in joining the ranks of Walk Friendly Communities are encouraged to submit an application. The next round of applications is open now, and submissions are due by June 15, 2020. Interested communities are encouraged to visit www.walkfriendly.org to learn more about the program and review the application process. 

"FedEx is very proud to sponsor the Walk Friendly Communities program. As part of our FedEx Cares commitment, this program has had a far-reaching impact across the United States in making communities safer for pedestrians," said Jenny Robertson, vice president, FedEx Corporate Communications.

About the WFC Program 
Walk Friendly Communities awards designations from bronze to platinum to participating communities with a commitment to improving and sustaining walkability and pedestrian safety through comprehensive programs, plans, and policies. Modeled after the League of American Bicyclists' "Bicycle Friendly Communities," WFC is the first program to highlight walkability initiatives and programs. At the core of the WFC program is a comprehensive web-based assessment tool that evaluates community walkability and pedestrian safety related to engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, and planning. The assessment tool is intended to both evaluate conditions for walking and provide communities with specific feedback and ideas for improving walkability. WFC is sponsored by FedEx and maintained by the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. It is supported by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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