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policy & planning home overview benefits of walking : health benefits : transportation benefits : environmental benefits : economic benefits : quality of life benefits : resources funding sources predicting demand types of planning activities public involvement policies exemplary plans resources

Benefits of Walking The positive consequences of bicycling and walking as healthy modes of transportation, or as purely recreational activities, span across many aspects of our lives. They can be expressed in terms of the health of environment (and resulting health of all living things), as well as the health of individuals who are more physically active. A transportation system that is conducive to bicycling and walking can reap many benefits in terms of reduced traffic congestion and improved quality of life. Economic rewards both to the individual and to society are also realized through reduced health care costs and reduced dependency on auto ownership (and the resulting insurance and maintenance costs). There are also other economic benefits of bicycling and walking that are more difficult to measure, such as the increased economic vitality of communities that have emphasized bicycle and pedestrian mobility.   health benefits: Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits. transportation benefits: Avoid rush hour madness... "Bicycling and walking can help to reduce roadway congestion." environmental benefits: Did you know that a short, four-mile round trip by bicycle keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe?    economic benefits: Save a dollar here and a dollar there...walk or bicycle! quality of life: Better conditions for bicycling and walking have intangible benefits to the quality of life in cities and towns. resources: Further sources and publications on the benefits of walking.