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Walk there!

Sustainable living  ›  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.

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.

Walking is good for your wallet

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 one of the safest activities you can do 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

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.

Walk there! 50 treks in and around Portland and Vancouver

Explore regional neighborhoods, discovering things that you never expected. The walking guide leads you through you safe paths, regional history and fresh-air exercise at a pace that lets you stop and smell the roses... More

Walking resources

Find maps, clubs and non-profit groups to help you and your family Walk there!... More

Need assistance?

Gehron Burkholder
503-813-7574
gehron.burkholder@oregonmetro.gov

Related Links

Expanding transportation choices

The Regional Travel Options program works to increase use of travel options and reduce pollution.

Related Internet links

• Walk Score: How walkable is your neighborhood?

  (http://walkscore.com/)

• Walk your kids to school

  (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/kidswalk/index.htm)

• Active Living by Design

  (http://www.activelivingbydesign.org/)

• Map My Run

  (http://www.mapmyrun.com/)