Walking is Canada's most popular physical activity and the most natural form of transportation. It’s easy, doesn’t require fancy equipment or training, is healthy, doesn’t create smog or greenhouse gases, doesn't contribute to traffic congestion -- and it’s free! What other form of transportation covers all that?

In just 20 minutes of walking, you can cover a distance of 2 km. According to one study, 40% of our daily trips taken are less than 2 kms in length. That corresponds to a lot of saved trips and a lot more exercise! And forget traffic, because the same roadway that carries 100 cars can carry 2000 walkers!

Walk for your health.  Strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Prevent heart disease and lower blood pressure. Maintain a healthy weight and improve digestion.

Walk for community health.  Reduce air pollution, smog and GHG emissions. Reduce traffic congestion. Increase the livability and walkability of your community.

Walk for convenience and enjoyment.  Clear your head, relieve stress, and tension. Breathe the air, look at the trees, and experience your community. Meet your neighbours. Avoid traffic, parking, and save money on gas and vehicle maintenance.

• Make short trips – to the store, to a friend’s, to the library – by walking!
• Walk partway or one way to work or school, or combine walking and transit.
• Walk to community events.
• Sign your child up for a walking school bus.
• Choose scenic walks and trails when possible.
• Walk safely. 

Walking Safety

Safety is key to an enjoyable walk. Make sure to always be aware of nearby drivers. Cars are a lot bigger, so be cautious. Drivers may not always stop at crosswalks or stop signs. Before stepping out, always look left, right, and left again (unless you’re in the U.K.!) Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets to make sure they see you. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.

It also makes sense to be aware of your surroundings and your personal safety, especially if you are in unfamiliar territory.

How "walkable" is your community?  The walkability of your community is estimated at www.walkscore.com. 

Reasons to Walk

WALKERS LIVE LONGER

• Walkers have less stress
• Walkers are fit
• Walkers have nice legs and bums
• Walkers have great ideas
• Walkers are in touch with the seasons
• Walkers help others breathe clean air
• Walkers heave time to smell the roses
• Lots of walkers make a strong community
• Walkers save money
• Walkers find time to be alone
• Walkers find time to be social
• Walkers have healthy hearts
• Walkers are spontaneous
• Walkers discover new things
• Walkers are good for the planet
• WALKERS LIVE LONGER

from www.goingactive.com. (BEST, TransLink, Environment Canada, One Day…, City of Vancouver, and ActNowBC).