Walking can be useful as a tool to promote healthier lifestyles only when it is safe and easily accessible. It is possible for every municipality in the state to create a plan which offers its citizens safe and walkable passage toward a healthier lifestyle. Most municipalities already have the physical infrastructure in place for these safe passages — it is just a matter of designating the routes and informing the public. The key to getting people active is developing a Municipal Walking Map that is widely distributed and extensively advertised. Sidewalks, bike paths, hiking trails, “shortcuts,” park paths and abandoned rail lines can all be used in developing the network. Communities may need to take further steps to ensure that designated routes are in fact safe and accessible to everyone. According to the walking advocacy group, Feet First, there are six basic walkers’ rights that must be considered when developing a walking plan:
