April is for walkers

Happy first day of April, Streeters! If you’ve been feeling cooped up the past few months, several Philly groups have events to help you get outside and harness the city’s collective pedestrian (and cyclist) power as spring enters full bloom. We’ve put together a quick round up of events that pedestrian and bike advocates may be interested in.

Bike Coalition of Greater Philadelphia volunteer meeting, April 3rd

The Bike Coalition is calling all current and potential volunteers to its monthly volunteer meeting this week. The spring and summer months are the Bike Coalition’s bussiest so they are encouraging anyone who has been wanting to get involved to do so now. 

Walk to Work Day, April 12th

Feet First Philly, a pedestrian advocacy group sponsored by the Clean Air Council, is hosting Philly’s first Walk to Work Day on Friday, April 12. Anyone who signs up online and pledges to walk at least 15 minutes of their commute will be eligible for discounts at participating retailers and 25% off of 5K Run for Clean Air registration. 

Feet First Philly is encouraing everyone who participates in Walk to Work Day to share their experience on social media using the #WalktoWork hashtag.

Feet First Philly meeting, April 17th

After Walk to Work Day, Feet First Philly will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 17. The group will discuss the event, the City’s new Complete Streets Handbook, sidewalk cafes and other upcoming pedestrian events. Can’t make it? Feet First Philly hosts regular meetings the third Wednesday of each month at the Clean Air Council office, 135 South 19th Street, Suite 300. 

3K Walk for Clean Air, April 20th 

In celebration of Earth Day, the Clean Air Council is hosting the 32nd Annual 5K Run for Clean Air, with a 3K walk option. The event will include a Kids Fun Run (1/2 mile run for ages six to 12 and a 250 yard dash for runners 5-years-old and younger), free registration for runners and walkers 60-years-old or older and free registration for participants who switch to 100% PA Wind and Solar through Community Energy. The run also includes cash prizes for the top 5K runners in the male, female and masters divisions.

Philadelphia Bicycle and Pedestrian Summit, April 30th 

All of these pedestrian events will culminate in the Greater Philadelphia Bicycle and Pedestrian Summit hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities (MOTU) in conjuction with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The all day event will include sessions on the regional trail network, policies for protecting pedestrians, strategies for expanding the bicycle network, best practices and standards and community investments in active transportation. More information is available here, and registration is open here.