Yes, But Can I Walk There?

by Molly Trueblood

WalkingMenHaving recently adopted a dog, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of taking lots of long walks around my neighborhood. I’ve never been that into walking, but it’s been a good change for me. I really enjoy getting to know the place around me, and the intimacy I’ve developed with my surroundings has made a big difference in the way I feel and care about the place.

Many places are walkable – cities are often filled with walkers, doing major moves with transit, then walking or biking to their destinations. Walkable environments are shown to be healthier, safer, and economically strong. Walking is our most human form of transportation – in fact, this form of transportation is one reason we evolved to be two-legged, big-brained animals. Walking on two legs helps us get around and see what’s going on (above the prairie grass, over the fence, up the tree over there).

Not that many people are walking these days, though. Walking a dog is one thing, but when was the last time you walked to work? Or to the store? To your parents house for Sunday dinner? Walking is a lost art – walking not just to get someplace, but to enjoy and to observe. Walking gives you opportunity to participate in your environment, to be present in your community. And, it just happens to be exercise (that we all could use a little more of).

If you’re wondering how far it is feasible for you to walk, check your walk score. Things like commuting time and access to resources determine your walk score. Then think about other places you go, and check their walk score – your place of worship, the grocery, the bank, etc. Consider different parts of town, like the Far Eastside, Haughville, Midtown. Think about what it would like to live there, and whether you could get around on foot, or – heaven forbid – without a car.

Now, go take a walk.

Molly Truebood is community organizer with the Center for Urban Ecology working on the the Indianapolis/City as a Living Laboratory (I/CaLL) project.

[Editor’s Note: Molly also loves bikes!]

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