Mark Fenton was host of the PBS television series "Americaís Walking", a consultant to the University of North Carolina's Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, and an instructor in the walkable community workshop series of the Washington DC-based National Center for Bicycling and Walking. He's a contributing editor to Health magazine and has written numerous books, including "The Complete Guide to Walking for Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness" (Lyons Press, 2008) and "Pedometer Walking" (Lyons Press, 2006). He is an entertaining, persuasive, and knowledgeable walking advocate, and one the nation's foremost experts on its favorite exercise. The former editor-at-large of Walking Magazine is also a champion walker: From 1986 to 1990 Mark was a member of the US national racewalking team five times, he represented the US in several international competitions, and he coached the US team at the 1995 World Championships in Beijing. In addition, while training for the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Trials in the 50-kilometer (31-mile) racewalk he studied biomechanics and exercise physiology at the Olympic Training Center Sports Science Laboratory in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

            Mark's interest in the field began with the study of the biomechanics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After earning BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering, Mark worked as manager of research engineering at Reebok. This led to numerous publications related to exercise science, human performance, and athletic footwear and materials, while also providing plentiful insight into the individual and community health benefits of walking and cycling. Currently Mark uses that knowledge as an author, consultant to communities and work sites, and as a speaker and motivator on public health and fitness issues. His instruction spans the spectrum from introductory fitness-walking clinics to launching worksite activity promotions, and from summaries of surveillance data to technical instruction on physical activity promotion and facilitation of innovative community design planning.

            Mark has become a vocal pedestrian and bicycle advocate and recognized authority on public health issues and the need for community, environmental, and public-policy initiatives to encourage more walking and bicycling. He is an engineering consultant on the creation of more walkable settings, and has served on his community's planning board and on the board of the East Coast Greenway Association. He addresses groups on topics ranging from transportation and planning, to safety, advocacy, and public health. Certain that he must practice what he preaches, Mark still walks as often as he can--usually with his wife and two children--for fun, transportation, and to stay in shape for hiking, cycling, orienteering, kayaking, and cross-country skiing whenever they have a chance.

See more at: http://www.pbs.org/americaswalking

To see an article by Mark in Progressive Planning magazine: Engineering Physical Activity Back into Americansí Lives: 

http://www.plannersnetwork.org/publications/2003_fall/fenton.htm

A preview by Mark (5 mins.) of  what to look for during an Active Community walkabout, and how the three Ps (program, project, and policy change) can help:  http://www.nspapph.org/resources/video.html

An overview (14 mins.) of the Safe Routes to School planning effort in Columbia, MO, including a workshop and planning work by Mark with the local engineering, planning staff, and Pednet pedestrian advocacy group. Describes the Safe Routes to School planning process: https://www.gocolumbiamo.com/TCC/Video/video.php?video=190

For an entertaining article on an effort by a team Mark joined attempting to backpack the entire 220-mile John Muir Trail in just seven days, go to: http://www.backpacker.com/december_2007_destinations_half_the_weight_twice_the_fun_hike_the_john_muir_trail/destinations/11070