WALKTOBER

WELCOME TO
WALKTOBER
LET'S GET MOVING!

JOIN US FOR
A WALK.
LET'S GET MOVING!
WHAT IS WALKTOBER?
Walktober is Wichita's month-long celebration of walking and physical activity.
Launched in 2008 by the Sedgwick County Health Department, Walktober encourages everyone to enjoy the crisp fall weather, boost well-being, and build connections through walking. Step into health, step into community.
This October, let's make Wichita a healthier, more connected community - one step at a time.


WHY SHOULD I WALK?

HEALTH & FITNESS
A quick walk each day can meaningfully reduce the risk of premature death and enhance cardiovascular health, bone strength, metabolism, and sleep quality.
STRESS & MOOD
Walking, espically in nature, has been shown to lower anxiety, ease negative thought, increase optimisim, and boost mood. The combination of movement and fresh air makes a real difference in mental well-being.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joining walks with other fosters connection, reduces loneliness, and deepens community bonds. Shared activity in green or urban spaces amplifies social cohesion and overall well-being.
ENVIRONMENTLY SMART
Choosing to walk instead of drive reduces carbon emissions, lowers noise pollution, and supports healthier air and more walkable, liveable communities.

"
Every walk is an adventure waiting to happen.
When we step outside and explore our neighborhoods, trails, and parks, we don’t just discover new places, we develop new connections, new perspectives, and a deeper sense of belonging.
"
HOLLY TERRILL | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BIKE WALK WICHITA

HOW CAN I JOIN IN?
Upcoming Walktober Activities
- Bike Walk Wichita Presents | Walktober WednesdaysWed, Oct 08Naftzger Park
- Spooky Cemetery Stroll | Stories Beneath the StonesWed, Oct 08Calvary Cemetery
- The Phoenix Presents | Gratitude WalksThu, Oct 09The Keeper of the Plains
- Walk at Work | A WebinarThu, Oct 09Webinar
- Sustainable Living Workshop and WalkFri, Oct 10Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library
- Exploration Place parkrunSat, Oct 11Exploration Place
- Bike Walk Wichita Presents | Walktober WednesdaysWed, Oct 15Naftzger Park
- Spooky Cemetery Stroll | Stories Beneath the StonesWed, Oct 15Highland Cemetery
- The Phoenix Presents | Gratitude WalksThu, Oct 16The Keeper of the Plains
01
HAVE A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN
The shop is open to any and all with only one true requirement: You must be willing to learn.
Bicycles at their core are simple machines, learning how to repair them is fun but is not without challenges.
02
NO SIGN UP NEEDED
We do not require any type of pre-registration or formal sign-up.
The goal is to remove as many barriers to volunteering as possible and create a safe space for everyone to make a difference.
03
CALL BEFORE YOUR FIRST TIME
While no sign-up is needed, we do operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
We can only orient as many people as we have Coordinators (technically trained and experienced volunteers)on the floor.
04
COMPLETE A 1-ON-1 ORIENTATION
While there are other volunteer options in the shop, the majority are bicycle repair-related. For first timers with the shop, you need to complete an orientation with one of our Coordinators.
You will go through a checklist covering bicycle repair at your own pace to make sure you are comfortable in repairing bicycles.
The orientation takes about 1.5 hours so please plan for that time.
05
VOLUNTEER AWAY!
After your orientation you are welcome to return at any time with no need for 1-on-1 support and we will answer any questions you have as they come up.
We can't wait to see you in the shop!
06
BECOMING A COORDINATOR
For those interested in progressing their skills and support in the shop, you may be eligible to become a Coordinator.
Coordinators have completed 50 hours of volunteer time, exemplify the heart of the shop, can competently teach the checklist, and have a genuine love of supporting all others
Coodinators care about bikes, but they care about people more.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US
Have questions about Walktober, want to partner on an event, or need help getting started?
Set the PACE this October—participate, activate, collaborate, and educate—and help us keep Wichita moving forward. Reach out to Bike Walk Wichita for details, resources, or ideas on how you can join the movement.
