THE BENEFITS OF A WALKING PATH/WALKING
Walking can contribute not only to the health and well-being of individuals but also many aspects of community life.
The Revitalization of Communities
Walking paths fulfills a number of different roles in addition to transport and recreation. With a better environment for walking, residential areas will be safer, better places for everybody. There will be more room for children to play safely and the pavement can become a place to meet as well as a place to walk. Likewise, town centers and shopping areas can become more attractive places which will often assist the local economy by encouraging more visitors and tourism. Refocusing our efforts on meeting the needs of people as well as the requirements of traffic is a necessary step towards renewing and revitalizing urban areas. Increasing numbers of people regularly walking in an area can help to deter crime and vandalism and encourage public confidence. Improving the walking environment can help to foster a sense of community and concern for other people that is important in building a better society.
Improving Health
Walking has been described as the nearest activity to perfect exercise. It requires no special skills, equipment or facilities and shows little variation by age or gender. Walking can help improve health: it can decrease the risk of heart disease, help prevent high blood pressure, assist in weight control, reduce stress and bring real improvements to physical and mental well-being. The US Department of Health recommends that everyone should aim to accumulate 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week and includes walking as one of the recommended activities.
Walking more builds up general stamina, energy and alertness and reduces susceptibility to disease. It also increases independence, self-reliance and awareness of personal safety amongst the young. Regular walking can help elderly people keep flexible and coordinated. It can reduce the risk of falls by maintaining balance and strength in the postural muscles. By increasing mobility, it also helps people to stay independent which is important in maintaining quality of life.
Community Benefits
An improved walking environment can assist in providing access to jobs, to local facilities and to public transport for longer trips. Enhanced safety and security may encourage people to make journeys on foot that they previously had not considered possible. The ability to make independent visits to the shops or to visit friends can contribute to a sense of belonging to the community and to personal esteem. It can reduce feelings of social exclusion and reliance on others thus creating a more inclusive community.
