WALKArlington is an initiative of Arlington County, Virginia, where people have many options for moving about their community. By partnering with citizens, businesses, and County departments to promote the health, environmental, commuter, financial, and community-building benefits of walking, WALKArlington strives to "get more people walking more of the time."
Arlington's investment in walkability has paid off in everything from quality of life to traffic reduction. In fact, a December 2007 report released by the Brookings Institution ranks the Washington region first among the country's major metropolitan walkable areas per capita, citing Arlington's pedestrian-friendly urban villages and smart growth as key contributing factors. Seven of the 20 most walkable communities highlighted by the report are Arlington County urban villages. They include: Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn, Crystal City, Pentagon City and Shirlington. Read the press release for more on this insightful report!
Why Walk?
Because walking is good exercise, it's convenient, it's free, it's good for the environment, it supports business, and it builds community.
And here in Arlington, walking is simply one of the most enjoyable ways of getting around.
A Multi-Faceted Program
WALKArlington was created in response to parents advocating for safe routes to neighborhood schools, developers and County staff building safer intersections, and business owners, public artists, urban designers, park planners, and event planners working to create destinations of special character that serve as magnets for walkers.
There is a role for everyone in helping to create a more walkable Arlington-even if it is simply getting out and seeing the community on foot more often. Lively streets encourage walking! Walking begets more walking!
