Walk there!

Walking is great for your health and is effective for short trips or when combined with other travel options. Learn about walking events and activities and discover 50 treks in and around Portland and Vancouver.

Good for your wallet, good for you and good for the planet

Did you know that one of the easiest, most effective activities you can do to tighten your wallet and your waistline is right at the tips of your toes? Even a short walk to a transit stop can benefit your health. Best of all, walking is free.

If you drive less, you save more by avoiding the costs of gasoline, parking and wear and tear on your vehicle. It’s an economical way to shop, run errands or visit friends. According to the National Household Travel Survey, 25 percent of trips in the United States are 0.25 mile or less. Try walking the next time you’re heading for your local coffee shop – you may be pleasantly surprised that it’s not as far away as you thought.

Walking is a safe and satisfying way to maintain your health

Increasing your physical activity increases your energy level and can help you lose or maintain weight. Mile for mile, you can burn as many calories walking as you would jogging, but with far less stress on your joints. Walking is also a weight-bearing exercise, which means it strengthens the bones and muscles in your lower body.

Walking is good for your emotional health too. You can get out in nature and neighborhoods and have time to really look at your surroundings. Invite family members or friends to walk with you, and you get to spend more quality time with them and strengthen your relationships.

Plus, walking helps the environment

Reduce your carbon footprint by shifting short trips from your car to your own feet or by using mass transit. Walking a few minutes to a bus stop takes the same amount of time as warming up the car or searching for a parking spot.

So put on a pair of good shoes and head out the door! Whether you’re strolling around your neighborhood or exploring a new area, you’ll have fun, and your wallet, body and world will thank you for it.