When I first moved to the Twin Cities I was drawn to the “walkability” of the area. I spent a lot of time exploring the sites on foot and marveled at how much time I could spend just trekking along the Mississippi River. The community has grown a lot and with more and more vehicles and people it is important to keep the sense of freedom you get by easily walking somewhere. I was happy to see the funder today thinking the way I do about the importance of getting there on your own two feet.

This week’s pick: The Highway Safety Research Center will grant funds to up to ten pilot communities/neighborhoods. The money will be used to “test the use of "A Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities", a newly developed guidebook that details ways to improve pedestrian safety and the walkability of local neighborhoods.“

Those eligible to apply: government agencies, not for profits and neighborhood groups.

Applications that are selected will receive $2,000 and technical assistance from pedestrian safety experts. Deadline to apply is March 29, 2009. Go to the website for more details. NOTE: A pre-submission conference call will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. eastern.