The ACSM American Fitness Index™ program is always on the lookout for great programs and initiatives designed to help makes it easier for communities to be physically active.

Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) is a new program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration that helps communities answer this question, “How walkable is your community?”

Walking is a great way for many people of all ages to stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. But over the last few decades, our ability to walk from place to place-or the “walkability” of our communities-has declined.

The program offers a comprehensive tool that helps communities assess conditions of the walking environment and provides feedback and ideas for improvement. WFC also recognizes communities that are already working to improve walkability.

To find out more about the program, and access the assessment tool and other useful resources, visit www.walkfriendly.org.