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BANG FOR THE BITE

If 10,000 Biters walk 5 miles a week instead of driving, in a year we'll eliminate the CO2 created by 240 cars.

COCKTAIL FACT

In the United States, 25% of trips are under a mile, but we make 75% of those trips by car.

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home › tip library › Walking

Does beating the pavement make good horse sense?

The Bite

You bet your money on the bobtail nag, it does. Walking short distances instead of taking the car means big savings on gas, less air pollution, and shedding that spare tire, er, horseshoe.

The Benefits

Getting fit as a horse. Even at a slow pace, you'll burn around 100 calories per mile, and consistent exercise from walking reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Saving change for the races. Walking 1 mile each day instead of driving will save you about 15 cents on gas.
Not horsing around with our air. Walking instead of driving 10 1-mile trips each week averts 500 pounds of CO2 emissions per year.
Connecting with neigh-bors. It's easier to interact with other people when you're not stuck behind the wheel.

Personally Speaking

When Jen moved from Atlanta (land of highways) to NYC and sold her car, she lost 7 pounds in a month from all the short trips she made on foot.

Wanna Try?

Um, well, walk. Just remember to stay hydrated (with the help of your Biter bottle, natch).
Walk Score - ranks 2,508 U.S. neighborhoods for their walkability. See which neighborhoods it rated best for walking.

Sep 08,2008

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All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.

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By Hoof or by Crooked Back

When you live downtown in a city, you get so used to walking everywhere that sometimes you can develop a false sense of proximity and ease. On more than one occasion, I've energetically set out to the grocery store (about a 35 minute walk each way) only to find myself feebly straggling along the final three blocks (uphill on the return) under the weight of an overzealous shopping spree.

So just a few tips from a seasoned hoofer (mind the f): 1. Skip wearing flips or shoes with even a modest heel, and go for truly comfortable, balancing shoes that help you walk, even if they're really weird-looking (do try to avoid wearing these in public, though), 2. Wear a backpack to carry your reusable bags there, and to carry the heavier things (champagne, cantaloupe) on the way back, 3. Go for reusable bags with straps that fit over your shoulders rather than ones you have to carry in hand (unless you like not feeling your fingers), and 4. Shop in moderation - save the bulk almonds and other less-perishable stuff you don't need immediately for a monthly car trip.

-Jenifer Morgan...off to straighten things out in yoga...

Biter Comments...

I am often shocked by how many people choose to drive short distances rather than walk. I work in a city area very close to tons of great restaurants, and yet my office mates almost always choose to drive, even though parking can be difficult. a On the other hand, walking is sometimes not an option. America just isn't set up that way! I drive home through a residential neighborhood just down the street from a major busway. But there are no sidewalks! People who are walking practically hang onto the bushes, often having to wait for cars to pass.

Posted by: Meredith | September 08, 2008 at 07:09 AM