New this Walktober: MDOT in Motion Step Challenge
This year, MDOT is excited to introduce the MDOT in Motion Step Challenge, a fun and friendly competition designed to encourage Marylanders to get moving while helping us reach a collective walking goal across the state. Launching with Walktober, the challenge inspires individuals and communities to come together, promote healthier lifestyles, and highlight the importance of safe, accessible walking routes. This year, the challenge will establish a baseline to help us set future goals for walking. Over the course of the year, we’ll see which county takes the most steps and recognize your hard work during our 2026 MDOT in Motion series!
How It Works:
Starting in October, Marylanders can participate by logging their steps using MDOT’s new Step Calculator, which allows users to anonymously record how far Marylanders are walking across the state. The Step Calculator will be used to log all official walks, starting on Walk Maryland Day and continuing through the year. MDOT will share a scoreboard to show which county has walked the furthest at each of the monthly MDOT in Motion events. By October 2026, we will announce a winner for the county which logged the most steps per resident.
The process of entering your walk is simple. Click the Step Calculator box and follow the instructions. Consider entering your walks on a weekly or monthly basis. In the future, we will expand this program and announce the rewards and challenges.
Why It Matters:
The Step Calculator provides real data about walking activity, giving MDOT and its partners a clearer picture of how people move through Maryland’s communities and transportation network. This data will help identify where accessible sidewalks and trails exist and establish a baseline for future walking goals.
By participating, walkers not only contribute to this important effort but also join a statewide movement celebrating walking as Maryland’s official state exercise. Ultimately, the Step Challenge emphasizes motivation, recognition, and community. Our goal is to design a challenge that recognizes participation and builds momentum for safer, more active communities during Walktober and beyond. This calculator will be available 365 days so that you can log your walks long after Walktober is over. Track your progress and help us keep MDOT and Marylanders in motion!
Stay In Touch
After Walk Maryland Day, let's all keep walking! There will be walk-related events and educational opportunities across Maryland throughout October. As Maryland celebrates Walktober, it reminds us we are all pedestrians during our day and strengthens awareness of key resources, needs, and opportunities to support and encourage safe walking. Be sure to check the Walktober website early and often, as registered walks, events, and programs will be added. You can also subscribe to for ongoing updates from the Office of Active Transportation and Micromobility by adding your email here.
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