A leisurely walk is one of the most pleasant experiences of everyday life, given a suitable environment. No, I don’t mean walking in an air-conditioned mall; rather, a walk outdoors where there’s enough shade to make it cool, enough space to make it breathable, and enough greenery to make it charming.
In recent times, urban planners have been pushing for cities to embrace more walkable streets. There are a lot more benefits tied to it than we realize. The article 50 Reasons Why Everyone Should Want More Walkable Streets is particularly eye- and heart-opening. After reading it, I wish I lived in such a city.
It would be nice to walk more where I live, but lack of conducive infrastructure makes it impossible to enjoy. I remember those days when streets were meant for transport (not parking spaces) and sidewalks were meant for pedestrians (not illegal vendors). It was easier and safer to get around. What ever happened? How did things get so awry? With the way roads are built and widened, and with sidewalks becoming an afterthought, why have vehicles become more important than people?
Although that’s the state of affairs at present, it doesn’t mean it’ll be that way forever. I’d like to believe this situation is a “just for now” as people’s collective consciousness returns to an appreciation for the simpler things, simpler things like walking.
