Walking

Introduction

Walking is among the most efficient ways to move with an efficiency of 4.55 km/MJ. 

Getting Started

Walking builds coordination, confidence, allows children time to see the world around them, learn the layout of their community, meet new people, see wildlife, and build their muscles. Walking is one of the best types of exercise, and it's cheaper than other modes of transportation because the only equipment most people need are a pair of shoes or boots and socks.

Make sure to bundle kids up warm or with water-proof protection for rainy days.

Walking with Infants & Toddlers

If you have an infant there are multiple options for bringing them along safely: A pram, a push chair, or something that holds the baby to your body such as a baby sling can be an amazing way to connect with your child and get all the benefits of walking for you plus any older children until the infant can walk on their own.

Free/Cheap Baby Gear

If you are interested in borrowing or renting baby carriers, instead of buying new, some Nappy Libraries also offer other gear including slings.

Click the Library of Things button to find out if a library near you offers baby gear such as baby slings or push chairs.

Some of the businesses in our Zero-Waste Shops directory include places that sell second-hand baby gear, or even refurbished items.

If you don't feel that the trip to school is safe enough. Consider that increased traffic of parents taking kids to school statistically increases the number of accidents and air pollution surrounding schools.


Starting or joining and Walk & Bike to School Program can help make the entire community safer for everyone, including students and other residents.

Safety

Air Pollution

Toxic chemicals from busy roadways can still pose a health risk to people who choose to walk, especially children. If an when possible, try to walk along routes with less traffic, and keep a hood down over any strollers or pushchairs to protect young lungs. Wearing a mask can also help protect your lungs from fumes.

Choosing to walk or use other eco-friendly forms of transportation helps to reduce overall air pollution not only for you, but for the entire community.

Traffic Accidents

Faster traffic speeds increase the likelihood of an accident being fatal. Choosing safe routes, staying away from traffic, and following the Stop-Look-Listen protocol when trying to cross a street can all help keep you safe.

Infrastructure

Walkable Infrastructure

Sidewalks/Paths

Footbridges / Pedestrian Bridges

These bridges are perfect for helping people safely pass over railway lines and dangerous roadways. Some wider examples include a bike lane, and some examples circle entire road intersections with multiple access ramps and/or stairways.

Stairs can be a major barrier to people with wheelchairs, pushchairs, prams, roller skates or bikes, so making them with adequate ramps will create a more accessible solution to a wider range of people.

Greenbelts & Greenways

These can be integral to creating bikeable and walkable infrastructure in, around, and between communities. They help connect people with nature, while giving wildlife a safe place to bypass urban areas. During major storms and flooding, these spaces may become dangerous, however this is better for a community than having buildings and infrastructure flood instead. 

Health & Mental Health

Green spaces are in shrinking supply, but have been linked to improved mental and physical health. By creating and expanding walkable infrastructure via greenways, more people can have access to health care options such as green prescriptions.

North America

USA