America Walks: HOME

Why Join Now

America Walks helps individuals and organizations chart new paths in health, design, and community. North America can reverse the danger and alienation reflected by the pedestrian crash statistics:  6,000 killed and 110,000 injured each year.  This staggering casualty rate is accompanied by declines in walking for practical purposes and increases in the epidemic of inactivity that shows sharp rises in obesity and diabetes among even young children.

When walking conditions are challenging, it creates hostile conditions for even those who are not on foot. It can be easy and emboldening for communities to improve the pedestrian environment, and it benefits businesses and residents alike. Improving crosswalks, repairing sidewalks, and taming traffic resonate with large sections of the population.  But making improvements requires citizens who will meet with their leaders and help influence the priorities of their agencies.

In practice, poor conditions lead to fewer pedestrian trips, the use of cars even for short distances, and exacerbate the problem.

.

On the positive side, there is growing support for walking in response to the well-documented chronic health problems brought about by the sedentary lifestyles common today. Schools are beginning to understand the importance of encouraging students to walk to school in safe environments. Popular diet books are imploring people to walk daily. Magazines such as the AARP Bulletin, Prevention Magazine, and scores of others feature articles about walking as a way of life. Redevelopment efforts in many communities across the nation recognize walkable environments as an economic opportunity. This is a trend that should be capitalized on by communities that aspire to become safer, more comfortable places to walk, and by organizations that wish to support such changes.