Male pedestrians are more likely to be killed in collisions with vehicles. A study published last November in the journal Injury Prevention set out to determine why this is. The researchers looked at a number of factors, including distance walked, but found out that this is probably not the cause; men and women walk about … Continue reading Male pedestrians twice as likely to die in collisions with vehicles
Article: Ten steps of walkability
Walkable City, the new book by urban planner Jeff Speck, has been getting a lot of attention. It's been touted as one of the top ten planning books of 2013, and it's a valuable read for anyone interested in the benefits of walkability (for more info, read this interview with the author over at The Atlantic Cities). Kaid Benfield … Continue reading Article: Ten steps of walkability
Article: Less than 25% of Americans walk for more than 10 minutes continuously in a typical week
This article from Science Daily draws attention to the fact that many Americans live a sedentary lifestyle. But what exactly does that mean? How sedentary are we? Well, according to a recent study, less than a quarter of Americans walks for more than ten consecutive minutes in a typical week. The researchers partially attribute this phenomenon … Continue reading Article: Less than 25% of Americans walk for more than 10 minutes continuously in a typical week
Take the 2-mile challenge!
Did you know that about 40% of trips in urban areas are 2 miles or less? That means they would take about 40 minutes to walk, yet 90% of these trips are made by car. It costs a lot to run a car (about $5,170 per year, in fact). Plus, driving is one of the … Continue reading Take the 2-mile challenge!
Article: Study finds that darting into street is a top reason young children are struck by cars
An American Academy of Pediatrics study analyzed the cause of child pedestrian crashes in the cases of children admitted to a particular trauma center in New York. Jaywalking was a common cause of accidents for children ages 7 to 12. In the majority of accidents where the victim was a child of 6 years old … Continue reading Article: Study finds that darting into street is a top reason young children are struck by cars
Safe Routes to School
It's that time of year again--Labor Day is well behind us, a hint of fall weather is in the air, and children in the Delaware Valley are returning to school. If you like the idea of fitting exercise into daily life by walking to school but are concerned about your students' safety, look no further … Continue reading Safe Routes to School
Article: Portland will lower speeds to 20 mph on residential greenway streets
Portland is making neighborhood greenways safer for pedestrians! Portland's neighborhood greenways are a network of roads that have been redesigned with bicycles and pedestrians in mind. Among other things, these streets have improved stormwater management and better pedestrian crossings. The greenways, which already have low car traffic, will now have lower speed limits as well. … Continue reading Article: Portland will lower speeds to 20 mph on residential greenway streets
D.C. blogger defends “schlepping” groceries
Living without access to a car usually means that you have to "schlep" groceries home on foot or by bike or public transit. While some may see this as an inconvenience, schlepping has many health benefits, and it's not just the workout you get from carrying heavy bags across town.In a post entitled "The Hidden … Continue reading D.C. blogger defends “schlepping” groceries
Article: “Somehow We’re Walking More and Walking Less At the Same Time”
A recent CDC report states that a greater percentage of Americans walked for more than ten minutes straight over the course of a week in 2010 than in 2005. However, the length of time people spend walking has dropped from an average 15 minutes per day to just 13 minutes a day. Is this good … Continue reading Article: “Somehow We’re Walking More and Walking Less At the Same Time”
Take advantage of Philly parks!
Philadelphia has been acclaimed for its vast network of parks and open space, which provides citizens with access not only to green space and playgrounds, but to a variety of programs, such as farmers' markets, that enhance the quality of life for city residents. Enhancing and expanding the parks are components of the goals for Greenworks Philadelphia, the city's plan for becoming the most sustainable city in the country.
Feet First Philly 