10,000 Steps: Walking as a Gateway to Better Mobility

Challenge addressed: Need to promote active mobility habits

Walking is the most basic part of every multimodal trip, yet it is often overlooked in transport policy and daily routines. In Czech towns and cities, many people move too little, rely heavily on cars, and pay limited attention to the quality of walking routes, public space, and first/last-mile access. The 10,000 Steps challenge was created to bring walking back into everyday life in an inclusive, motivating way and to help municipalities reconnect health, public space, and sustainable mobility.

Solution implemented: Simple gamification and public challenge

10,000 Steps is a free nationwide challenge run twice a year, in April and October. Participants set a realistic personal daily target instead of chasing the symbolic 10,000 steps. They can join individually or in teams, log activity through a mobile app or manually, and contribute results to their municipality. Cities receive communication support, access to the platform, and a direct way to motivate residents. The format combines gamification, community motivation, and local visibility.
 

Results achieved: 24,856 participants, 78 cities, 100 schools involved 

The practice has already engaged 24,856 participants, involving 78 cities and 100 schools. Its value lies not only in participation numbers but in its ability to turn walking into a visible, shared, and locally supported habit. The challenge is easy to join, adaptable to different target groups, and based on realistic personal goals, which makes it inclusive and motivating. For municipalities, it creates a practical way to engage residents, schools, and local communities in active mobility. For A2PT, the good practice is relevant because walking is a fundamental part of first- and last-mile access to public transport. By encouraging more everyday walking and raising awareness of walking conditions, the challenge helps build public support for better access routes, safer public spaces, and more multimodal mobility behaviour.

Lessons learned: Build habits before hard measures

This practice shows that regions do not always need to start with expensive infrastructure. A simple, well-designed walking challenge can first build awareness, habits, and local ownership. Keep the entry barrier low, allow personalised goals, support local organisers with ready-made communication, and connect the campaign with wider discussion about public space and access to public transport. Soft measures can prepare the ground for long-term mobility improvements.
 

Cross Links

Contact: 10.000 steps challenge: https://www.desettisickroku.cz/kontakt is organised by Partnership for Urban Mobility: https://en.dobramesta.cz/contact