by Tim Howard

Created on: June 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Choosing to walk to work was an easy decision to make. I currently live in Chicagoland, home of the highest gas prices in the U.S. Putting over $50 in my subcompact car was my original impetus. However now that I have been doing it for a month, I find walking is beneficial in other ways as well.

I am fortunate that I only live 3 miles from work making walking viable. Many do not have this luxury. I am in the suburbs though where there seems to be a definite bias against walking or biking. Half of my route is on the shoulder of a busy four lane road where there is no sidewalk. It is my hope that as the price of fuel continues to rise, additional paths will be built. On a recent trip to Baltimore I saw bike lanes on the expressway which is a good sign.

This bias extends to people as well. I have gotten some surprising reactions from friends and co-workers. The most common has been the offering of rides. Several times a week I am shouted at from a car asking if I need a ride. I always try to be grateful though because it could come in handy in case of a sudden downpour. I have been asked if my car is in the shop but the funniest question came at work last week. A co worker asked when I had gotten my DUI. At first I thought he was kidding but then realized that he wasn't. Apparently he assumed that no one would give up driving voluntarily.

There are obvious health benefits to leaving the car at home. In a month I have already dropped a couple of pounds. Another welcome side effect has been stress reduction. I have found that there is no better way to relax after a tough day than a leisurely walk. When I arrive home I am relaxed and have put the work day behind me. A little advance planning is necessary. The weather is always a concern. Daily I watch the forecast to plan my commute. Another concern is clothing. On very hot days I usually bring a shirt to change into when I arrive at work. During the winter I should be able to walk on all but the most extreme days. Time is a concern as well. Walking takes about 45 minutes while bicycling takes about 15. I have to build extra time into my commute.

Despite the extra effort, I feel that the benefits far exceed the costs. I now only use my car in cases of extreme weather or if traveling outside of my local area. I have cut my fuel costs in half. Currently I only have to fill up about every four or five weeks. At the projected $5 per gallon cost this summer, my savings will be significant. My employer also gives good health discounts on medical coverage. I should qualify for this based on my lower weight and reduced blood pressure. So as you can see, changing your commute can have financial, mental, and medical benefits as well as improving the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

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