Philadelphia is a Silver Level Walk Friendly Community.
The designation comes from the national Walk Friendly Communities program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
The program cited Philadelphia for its “excellent wayfind system, informational enforcement strategies and zoning practices that encourage walking.” The “Walk!Philadelphia” mapping system and the city’s bicycle police patrols were commended.
“Philadelphia is a great place to walk for residents, commuters and visitors,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “A more walkable Philadelphia makes for a healthier, safer and more sustainable city.”
Philadelphia was among 10 cities recognized for Walk Friendly Communities status on Thursday.
Gold Level honors were bestowed on Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco. Philadelphia shares Silver Level status with Alexandria, Va. and Santa Monica. Bronze recognition went to Cary, N.C., Corvallis, Ore., Davidson, N.C. and Lee’s Summit, Mo.
A statement from the mayor’s office touted the city’s first Pedestrian Plan which was adopted last fall. The city also listed converting 535 signalized intersections to all-way stops and expanding the use of countdown pedestrian signals across Philadelphia among the measures taken to increase pedestrian safety.
Across the U.S. 32 cities have been designated as Walk Friendly Communities.
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Check the full list here.
