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Resource Sheet 2: Ten Reasons to Support Walking

Why is it important to accommodate pedestrians and encourage walking in the community?

1. We're all pedestrians—Whether for recreation or practical purposes, most people make several trips a day on foot, even if it's only a block or so from a parked car to the entrance of a building.
2. It will make the road safer—Making streets safer for pedestrians, the most vulnerable road user, usually makes the roads safer for everyone, including bicyclists and drivers.
3. Many cannot or choose not to drive—Non-drivers include people who choose not to drive; children; adolescents; people with physical, visual, and mental disabilities; people with financial constraints; people who are temporarily disabled; and many older adults.
4. It's cheaper to walk—There are many costs associated with driving (e.g., cost of vehicle, gas, insurance, annual inspection and registration, maintenance, parking fees, traffic violation fees, etc.), but virtually none with walking. Additionally, walking can save money by improving health and reducing health care costs.
5. It's good for business—Providing pedestrian access to retailers and commercial centers provides economic benefits and can promote tourism and further economic development.
6. Other modes depend on walking—To get from places to their cars, bicycles, buses, or trains, people need to be able to walk.
7. Walking is good for the environment—Unlike driving, walking does not contribute to air, noise, or water pollution.
8. Walking can reduce the demand for existing and new roadways—Many streets carry more traffic than they were designed to handle, resulting in gridlock, wasted time and energy, and pollution. Providing opportunities to walk can help get more people out of frustrating traffic congestion.
9. Walking can improve people's health—Regular walking can aid in weight loss; lower blood pressure; improve cholesterol, blood sugar, immune system function, and insulin dynamics; prevent bone-loss; reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases; and improve mood and mental performance.
10. Walking improves the quality of our lives—Walking provides intangible personal benefits (such as a sense of independence and freedom of choice), as well as social benefits (such as opportunities to interact with others and build community closeness and trust) that enrich the lives of children, families, and neighbors.

Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, http://www.walkinginfo.org.

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