Mayor Harry Rilling and the City of Norwalk were honored at the Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets Summit on September 16 in Washington, D.C.

The Mayor’s Challenge Awards, sponsored by the US Department of Transportation and Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, recognized 14 cities across the country that have shown the most progress in improving bicycle and pedestrian safety over the past year and a half.

The City of Norwalk was recognized as the Small City Winner for “Creating Networks,” highlighting the collaboration between Mayor Rilling, the Mayor’s Bike/Walk Task Force, and the Norwalk Health Department to create the City’s master bicycle plan and to improve the Health Department’s successful NorWALKer program.

“My Bike/Walk Task Force was formed with a mission of improving bicycling and pedestrian experience throughout the community. Safe streets that all can share improve the quality of life in a community and provide safety for all modes of transportation,” said Mayor Rilling. “We are proud to be the leader of this endeavor and hopefully serve as a model for others to emulate.”

The Norwalk Health Department’s Health Education Associate and Mayor’s Challenge coordinator Kaitlin Latham accepted the award on behalf of Norwalk at the Summit.

More information about biking and walking in Norwalk can be found on the Health Department's website. Details about the Mayor’s Challenge award recipients can be found at the US Department of Transportation's website.