WalkBoston is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to improving walking conditions in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Founded in 1990, our goal is to make walking and pedestrian needs a basic part of the transportation discussion.

Our mission is to create and preserve safe walking environments that build vital communities. We promote walking for transportation, health and recreation through education and advocacy.

We are a member-based organization representing over 58 cities and towns across the state. We welcome your advocacy efforts as well as your individual and corporate memberships. Every additional member strengthens WalkBoston’s voice on behalf of pedestrians across Massachusetts.

With your support, WalkBoston can continue to be the resource for pedestrian issues. We look forward to helping you make your community more walkable.
About Us Brochure

Here's How We Advocate:

• Make people aware that walking is a major mode of transportation.
• Meet with public officials to initiate changes.
• Advise professionals about pedestrian environments.
• Propose and support legislation..
• Produce educational materials
• Lead interesting walks year-round. [See our book WalkBoston.]
• Educate others to use their voice for advocacy.

Walking Is Good for Your Health

• It benefits your heart, lungs, muscles, weight and energy.
• It reduces obesity. In Massachusetts 54% of adults and 25% of children are overweight or obese.
• It is a safe, low-impact exercise for all ages.

Walking Should Be Safe and Easy to Do

• Streets, sidewalks, intersections and crosswalks must be designed for the safety of people on foot.
• “Traffic calming” can slow speeds, give pedestrians more walk time and benefit motorists as well.
• Faster traffic increases the likelihood of ped fatalities. 90% of pedestrians hit by cars die when struck at 40 mph. compared to 5% at 20 mph.
• In 2003, 86 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles in Massachusetts. Of 462 traffic fatalities, 18% were pedestrians.

Walking Builds Stronger Communities

• Pedestrian activity makes residential areas more neighborly, commercial areas more vibrant, businesses thrive, and crime decrease.
• Home buyers are willing to pay a $20,000 premium to live in a pedestrian-friendly community.

We Can Help You Get Started

• Advise on improvements for your community.
• Provide guidance, moral support and technical assistance.
• Present a speakers program on pedestrian design and advocacy.
• Help set up advocacy groups and make them stronger.