By Ryan Hatcher
Several Ward 4 members participated in Beat the Bay State Challenge during the month of November. The Challenge helps raise money and awareness for WalkMassachusetts. The “Holyoke Street + Team” organized by Ward 4 member Nina Garfinkle finished in 3rd place after walking 5,007.09 miles in the month. Ward 4 member Gary Bailey finished 3rd overall (out of 650+ participants) by walking 404 miles! That’s the equivalent of walking from Boston to Baltimore!!
Congrats to Gary and all the Ward 4 walkers!
WalkMassachusetts, founded over 30 years ago, is the first pedestrian organization in the US. According to its website, “As an innovator in the walkability field, WalkMassachusetts has helped pass legislation and write pedestrian design manuals; created walks, maps and wayfinding systems; led the nation’s first Safe Routes to School program; promoted healthy living campaigns; and publicized the economic value of good walking environments for business success. We’ve used tactical urbanism and social media to tell people’s stories to help make changes to street design, policies, and to drive public sentiment for projects.”
