USDOT, with the help of national groups, is sponsoring a new Walk Friendly Communities national recognition program that will encourage towns and cities across the U.S. to make pedestrian safety a top priority. (Sound familiar? The name echoes the League of American Bicyclists’ successful “Bike Friendly Community” awards.)

Not only will the program showcase how communities across the country are supporting safer walking environments, it offers a comprehensive assessment tool that will help applicants evaluate community walkability and pedestrian safety.  The assessment will help communities identify achievements and areas needing improvement to establish the safest walking community possible.

Applications for the Walk Friendly Community designation are due Dec 15, 2010.  Learn more about the program here.

Walk Friendly Communities logo via USDOT.