As this article from The Atlantic Cities explains, a recent study in Denmark found that children who walk or bike to school performed better on tasks requiring concentration than children who were driven to school. In the study, this exercise appeared to have an even greater impact on performance than eating breakfast. Cognitive improvement is … Continue reading Article: Children who walk to school have better concentration
Winter Walking Tips
With temperatures in the mid to upper 20's this week in the Philadelphia area, there is no question that winter has arrived. However, you don't have to let the cold weather deter you from walking. Bundle up and get back out there! Here are some winter walking tips to make your winter walks as comfortable … Continue reading Winter Walking Tips
Every Body Walk! campaign encourages walking for your health
Every Body Walk! is an online educational campaign aimed at getting Americans up and moving. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, and it's advocated by doctors everywhere (including the Surgeon General) as a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. The educational materials and videos available at … Continue reading Every Body Walk! campaign encourages walking for your health
Article: America is a Walking Disaster
This article from The Atlantic Cities explains how car-oriented design and policies have made suburban areas inhospitable for pedestrians. For example, as one contributor to the Greater Greater Washington blog found out, it can take as much as 8 1/2 minutes to legally cross a suburban street! How can we shift policy and design to … Continue reading Article: America is a Walking Disaster
Male pedestrians twice as likely to die in collisions with vehicles
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
Photo contest winners announced!
Feet First Philly's "Where's my effin' sidewalk?" photo contest has come to an end, and the winners have been chosen! Below are the photos that won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The photos were judged based on the strength of the statement they made about sidewalk encroachments--things that get in the way of pedestrians' regular … Continue reading Photo contest winners announced!
Discover Philadelphia’s historic alley streets; Walk Score hosts local holiday shopping giveaway
Discover Philadelphia's historic alley streets Philadelphia has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, which is quite a long time long before cars ruled the road. Many of the city's earlier streets were designed not only for horses and carriages, but for people as well. To this day, more than a few … Continue reading Discover Philadelphia’s historic alley streets; Walk Score hosts local holiday shopping giveaway
UPDATE: Article: Recent study shows that the shift to walkable urban places is good for the economy
The growing preference for walkable communities isn't just a fad; there's proof that it's economically viable. A recent study by Christopher Leinberger, a professor at George Washington University, shows that rents for office space are 75% higher in walkable urban places in the D.C. metro area than in car-oriented suburbs. Walkable places fit more properties … Continue reading UPDATE: Article: Recent study shows that the shift to walkable urban places is good for the economy
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