Walking the City
After spending a weekend in New York City, I realized how enjoyable it is to walk everywhere or use public transportation to get around. We use so much energy to drive everywhere we do when living in the suburbs. I found myself thinking of the ways I can reduce how much I drive to take care of our daily activities like getting groceries, going out to eat, taking a walk, going for a run, etc.
The fact that many people who live in the suburbs drive to a particular destination to go running is something that would blow a lot of peoples’ minds in New York City – or any big city where the primary mode of transportation is either by foot or by public transport.
Yes – people actually get in their car, drive, get out, run, and drive back home. I’ve done it before.
First of all, you should travel using your own two feet more often because it is good for your health and well-being. It does other things that we don’t directly see or feel – like helping create cleaner air, less traffic noise, etc. And let’s not forget, it’s a hell of a lot safer than driving!
At the end of the day, if you choose to walk instead of drive, you’re efficiently using urban space and energy. It’s not going to cause injury (unless you are extraordinarily clumsy!) and it gives our streets vitality and increases a sense of community. Many of our trips are much shorter than we perceive them to be.
So, WALK if you can every once in a while!
—
Image by scotthudson.
What up!
