Walk Friendly Communities Application Process Opens November 15
News Brief
November 7, 2021
CHAPEL HILL , NC—The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) has released an updated community assessment tool for the Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) program. The assessment tool, which evaluates community walkability and pedestrian safety through questions related to engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and planning, now enables applicant communities to explore resources developed by designated Walk Friendly Communities. It is a valuable new way to highlight program elements that are working for cities and towns focused on improving walkability in their communities. The revised assessment tool can be downloaded at www.walkfriendly.org/WFCAssessmentTool_Nov2011.pdf.
PBIC also announces the opening of a third WFC application process. Communities will be able to submit applications to the program beginning on November 15, 2011, by visiting www.walkfriendly.org/assessment. Applications will be due on January 16, 2012.
Improvements to the community assessment tool include clearer questions, updated tools and resources, and an improved format to better provide community-specific responses. Driven by feedback from both communities and staff, the goal of these updates is to ensure that the tool contains recent and relevant research and information to assess a community’s comprehensive approach towards improving their walkability. The questions of the assessment tool are intended to both evaluate conditions for walking and provide communities with feedback and ideas for promoting pedestrian safety and activity.
WFC is a national recognition program to encourage towns and cities across the United States to establish or recommit to a high priority for safe walking. Assessing the communities’ commitment to improve conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access and comfort, PBIC makes designations based on a Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze level, and all communities received detailed feedback on where and how they can improve. A list of current Walk Friendly Communities is available at www.walkfriendly.org/communities.
Officially launched in October 2010, the WFC program is funded by FedEx and the Federal Highway Administration. For more information, visit www.walkfriendly.org, or direct your questions to info@walkfriendly.org.
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About the WFC Program
The Walk Friendly Community designation, awarded from bronze to platinum, is given to applicant communities that have demonstrated a commitment to improving and sustaining walkability and pedestrian safety through comprehensive programs, plans and policies.
At the core of the WFC program is a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates community walkability and pedestrian safety through questions related to engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and planning. The assessment tool questions are intended to both evaluate conditions for walking and provide communities with feedback and ideas for promoting pedestrian safety and activity.
Modeled after the League of American Bicyclists’ “Bicycle Friendly Communities,” WFC distinguishes cities and towns that are leading the way in walkability. WFC is the first program to highlight communities for their walkability initiatives and programs, while also offering feedback to assist communities in improving walkability.
About PBIC
Since its inception in 1999, PBIC's mission has been to improve the quality of life in communities through the increase of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
About the FHWA Bicycle & Pedestrian Program
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Program of the Federal Highway Administration promotes bicycle and pedestrian transportation use, safety, and accessibility. The FHWA Bicycle & Pedestrian Program issues guidance and is responsible for overseeing that States and other agencies understand and meet legislative requirements.
About FedEx and Walk Friendly Communities
Every day FedEx drivers share the streets with pedestrians and see the importance of walkable communities. FedEx supports Walk Friendly Communities in effort to help communities create access to safer, more walkable roadways.
Media Contacts:
PBIC: Carl Sundstrom, 919.843.4963 (office), sundstrom@hsrc.unc.edu
FedEx: Deborah Willig, 901.508.4377 (cell) deborah.willig@fedex.com
FHWA: Kelly Hanahan, 202.366.0877 (office) kelly.hanahan@dot.gov
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