BENEFITS OF WALKING
Why Walking Matters?
Walking is known to improve personal health and prevent chronic illnesses. But that’s not all! When people walk more often and communities becoming more walkable, our society become more socially just, economically vibrant, and environmentally friendly. That is why Feet First seeks to make places in Washington more walkable.
Benefits of Walking

Promote Social Justice and Equity

Improve Public Health and Safety

Create Economic Vibrancy

Protect the Environment

Lower Government Spending and Social Cost
America’s roads are crowded and frequently in poor conditions. In 2010, road congestion resulted in total congestion costs of $115 billion in 439 U.S. urban areas [9]. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates there is a $4.5 trillion of deferred U.S. infrastructure maintenance, and the cost of filling the maintenance gap for surface transportation makes up almost 45% of the total. Transportation is costly not only to individual households but to the nation as well. Investing in walking infrastructure and developing walkable communities can save on government spending in the long run and lower the external cost to society.
[2] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd Edition. 2018. Available at https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
[3] America Walks. Health Benefits of Walking. Available at: https://americawalks.org/learning-center/benefits-of-walking-2/health/
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths – A Global Problem. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/global-road-safety/index.html
[6] America Walks. Economic Benefits of Walking. Available at https://americawalks.org/learning-center/benefits-of-walking-2/economy/
[7] America Walks. Environmental Benefits of Walking. Available at https://americawalks.org/learning-center/benefits-of-walking-2/environment/
[8] Pedestrian Council of Australia. Information Sheet on Environmental Benefits of Walking. Available at https://www.walk.com.au/wtw/page.asp?pageid=1264
[9] America Walks. Transportation Benefits of Walking. Available at https://americawalks.org/learning-center/benefits-of-walking-2/transportation/
[10] American Society of Civil Engineers. 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. Available at https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-Infrastructure-Report-Card.pdf