Metro's Walk There! program has helped thousands of people explore new treks in their neighborhoods. On Aug. 30, the program’s guided walk series won an award from the Association for Commuter Transportation at its annual conference in Chicago. The association supports organizations that promote sustainable travel options, such as walking, biking, carpooling and taking transit.
Each year, the association honors outstanding achievements and recognizes significant contributions made by organizations to reduce traffic congestion, conserve energy and improve air quality.
The Association for Commuter Transportation Marketing and Outreach Award recognized Metro’s 2009-2010 Walk There! guided walk series for:
- Educating people living in suburban and urban communities about great places to walk close to their homes, such as trails, historic neighborhoods, parks and local downtowns.
- Promoting walking for transportation purposes, such as shopping and errands, getting to work and accessing recreational and cultural destinations.
- Promoting the health and economic benefits of walking in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.
- Disseminating pedestrian safety tips as well as walking fitness tips.
- Educating the public about efforts to develop local trails and a regional trail network.
The Walk There! guided walk series, funded by a grant from Kaiser Permanente, promoted the ease and benefits of walking for transportation and recreation. The hosted walks were adapted from the popular guidebook, which encourages users to actively explore their community through descriptions and maps of 50 treks in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region.
Metro encourages walking for short trips and errands because it is a great way for people to connect with their communities, interact with their neighbors, get exercise and experience nature.