Baltidome : Walk To Work

	Save gas - Reduce emissions - Save money - Improve your health - Stay local The Story of an Accidental Foot Commuter I wasn't paying attention one day and the light rail I was on ended up at Penn Station. I had meant to be going north. As we approached the station, the lightrail operator announced “All Passengers Must Exit Now!” I stepped outside and, as I was trying to figure out how to get back on track, I realized what a beautiful day it was. I figured I was already 1/3 of the way home and I could use the exercise, so I started walking. I headed up Charles Street and I was excited by a slew of new businesses at North Avenue. I was surprised that I hadn't noticed them while driving past before. A little further up my trek a my cell phone rang and I was invited to meet friends for a drink in Hampden. I picked up my pace and headed for the bar. When I arrived I felt a rush. It was probably the endorphins screaming from my out of shape self to my brain, but whatever, it felt good and my drink never seemed so deserved. And so my practice as a foot commuter began.


	In 1815, a century before the automobile was the popular mode of transportation, Baltimore was the second largesy city in America. Baltimore was created for a society of foot commuters. 10 Reasons You Should Be A Foot Commuter :
		1. The longest living people on earth walk (or bike) almost everywhere they go. Okinawans have the highest life expectancy in the world and heart disease, breast cancer and prostate cancer is rare. The Okinawa Program, by Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, & Makoto Suzuki,Three Rivers Press; 2002 (This book is widely available at local bookstores) 2. Walking improves mental health. Walking 45 minutes a day three days a week at 16 minutes per mile improves cogintive functions. http://preventdisease.com/yourhealth/mentalhealth/articles/walking_improves_mental_health.htm 3. Walkers are thinner than drivers. Neighborhoods with fewer sidewalks and poor access to public transportation are more like to have residents that are overweight/obese. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200345.htm 4. Walking makes a measurable reduction in emissions AND saves you money. Calculate your possible emission reduction, savings and calories burned: HERE! 5. Walking can improve your sex life. (For Men) A brisk 2 mile walk each day can reduce the risk of impotence. http://walking.about.com/od/malehealth/a/edwalkgood.htm 6. Walking will help you sleep better. Walking has positive long term and short term effects on your sleep. http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/a2004-06-04-walking-sheep.html 7. Walking reduces stress. A brisk 30 minute walk can have the same calming effect of a mild tranquilizer. http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Walking---The-Perfect-Stress-Reducer&id=57564 8. Walking boosts your immune system. Studies shows that those who walk are less likely to catch a cold than those who do not walk regularly. http://walking.about.com/od/healthbenefits/a/preventcold.htm 9. Walking makes you happy. Walking for 30 minutes at least three times a week can reduce symptoms of depression by 47%. http://www.medicinenet.com/walking/article.htm 10. Walking improves the community. Walking increases resident interaction and foot traffic for local businesses. http://www.walkscore.com/walking-matters.shtml

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