By SLCgreen Intern Emma Johnson
Walking is undoubtedly the most straightforward way to move around; humans have been doing it forever! Studies show that people are happiest and healthiest when they live in walkable communities. Walking is also beneficial to the environment and the economy. Despite these findings, in 2021 the average American commute reached an all-time high of 27.6 driving minutes each way. In the United States, only about 3-4% of commuters walk to work, which is sadly unsurprising based on the car-centric construction of many U.S. cities.
During the month of July, Salt Lake City is encouraging people to drive less in favor of walking, biking, and public transit as part of the Clear the Air Challenge. In 2022, this challenge was responsible for a reduction in over 53,000 trips and prevention of over 392 tons of CO2. This year, Salt Lake City employees and other residents will join teams and log their trips to compete and work towards a collective goal of saving 100,000 trips this year.
Peter Nelson, the Sustainable Business Program Manager for SLCgreen, has been walking to work for roughly 10 years now. He walks most days of the week, not just for the annual July challenge. Nelson “enjoys the ritual of walking,” sharing that it puts him in “a good state of mind.” This concept is supported by many years of research, as physical activity like walking boosts endorphins and heightens mood.
Driving a car may get you from point A to point B, but walking can help you feel more present and observant of the world around you. Though Salt Lake is not very walkable in all areas, the connectivity of downtown neighborhoods makes it a little easier. When choosing a new apartment several years ago, Nelson made sure it was located where he could walk to work.
“Regions of downtown, block by block, have distinct feels based on the types of businesses and housing units,” Nelson said, and he is often entertained by the people and happenings he sees while walking the city streets.
While Nelson’s friends and family generally think it’s cool that he is able to walk so much, people are often surprised that his favorite season to do it is the winter. He explained that the sweltering summer heat is uncomfortable and requires him to adjust his routes to find the most fleeting shade, but walking in the winter is very pleasant. He also appreciates that it’s much easier to just walk on a snowy sidewalk than to go through the hassle of brushing off a car, warming up the engine, navigating slippery streets, and watching out for other drivers who might not know how to handle the snowy conditions.
It can often seem like driving is the “easier” option, but situations like this prove that’s not always true. Factors such as traffic, parking, and car maintenance costs are additional reasons why walking is sometimes a smarter option. Not to mention the huge benefits to our air quality!
Some people, like Nelson, are lucky enough to have prioritized access to walkable areas. While that’s not attainable for everyone in the city, we can all add more walking into our lives! Try to find out what places you can walk to, like the grocery store or a friend’s house. If that’s not possible, just taking a 30-minute walk a few times a week can boost your physical and mental health and help you feel more connected to your surroundings.
During July, Salt Lake City is especially focused on reducing driving to help our summer air quality. But other modes of transit, like walking, have numerous additional benefits, and trying one during the Clean Air Challenge could help you discover a new activity you love!