West Reading has been awarded $30,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center to develop an active transportation plan.
The borough was one of 11 communities to receive a grant through the WalkWorks program, which will work over the next year with transportation and community planners to collect data and incorporate public input to craft their plans.
“The WalkWorks program addresses multiple needs at the same time — expanding access to both our community and to nature,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Enabling more people to walk, bike or wheel to more places while enjoying the benefits of outdoor physical activity boosts physical and mental health. This initiative is a win-win-win as physical activity, like walking, is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and improve health.”
The WalkWorks program leverages partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Grant recipients were selected with assistance from a review team that included representatives from various state agencies.
“Developing strategic plans for better walking and biking infrastructure addresses key challenges facing our communities,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “From reducing traffic and noise to improving air quality and public health, we know there are benefits to prioritizing more sustainable transit.”
Originally Published: October 14, 2025 at 3:15 PM EDT