Since everyone walks, it’s easy to take for granted. And that’s exactly what the transportation
planning profession has done — with rather unfortunate results. Consider:
Walking Frequency
- Walking is by far the most popular form of physical activity in the United States.
- Although 41% of all trips made in the United States are one mile or less, fewer than
10% of all trips are made by walking and biking.
- Among students living within 1 mile of school, the percentage of walkers fell from
90% to 31% between 1969 and 2001.
- According to the CDC, only 13% of children walk to school today compared with 66%
in 1970.[3]
- Parents driving children to school comprise 20-30% of morning traffic congestion in
urban areas.
- Children on a walking school bus walk at about 2 miles per hour, which is half the
rate of a typical young adult. The average person takes 2,000 steps per mile.
Walking and Health
- According to the CDC , 33% of U.S. adults are classified as obese (BMI≥30), compared
to 15% in the 1970s.
- Brisk walking (≥3.5 mph) has been shown to reduce body fat, lower blood pressure,
increase high-density lipoprotein, and even reduce risks of bone fracture.
- Brisk walking has also been associated with lower mortality rates from cardiovascular
disease and cancer.
- 21% to 34% of U.S. adults meet public health recommendations (5 times per week for
at least 30 minutes) for physical activity by walking.
- In the last 40 years, childhood obesity has increased 5-fold for kids age 6-11.
- Providing ideal conditions for walking is illegal in most suburban communities.
