Under Wendy's leadership, California Walks has emerged as the statewide voice for safe, healthy, and walkable communities for everyone. "We have grown from a handful of local walking advocacy efforts to a strong alliance of organizations working to lift up the critical role walking plays in our transportation system. Our work to establish the state Active Transportation Program as a trailblazing program to advance walking and biking in a fair and equitable manner is just one example of how our influence has grown and has already resulted in millions of transportation dollars invested in communities too often left behind," explained Wendy Alfsen.

Wendy walking alongside Greenfield Walking Group youth and residents to raise pedestrian safety awareness in Bakersfield, Summer 2013

"I am proud of my legacy and grateful to have been able to begin bridging communities' local priorities with state level advocacy. Even more, I am grateful that Tony, our staff, and Board are continuing to grow our movement to reach its full potential. Walking is a deceptively simple solution for so many of our challenges-from community health to climate change to building vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods-and yet the simple act of walking and crossing the street remains a dangerous endeavor. So as California Walks and all our partners continue to elevate walking as the most-instead of the least-valuable form of transportation, we can save lives and create a California where every resident can lead a healthy, joyful, and prosperous life," concluded Wendy Alfsen.