I love walking.  You can go places, see people, and get exercise — all without getting a car out of the garage.  It’s cheap and easy, and it feels like real freedom.  

Compared to driving, walking has some clear advantages.

If you get into a collision while walking you don’t have to hang around and talk to the police.  A simple apology to the person you bumped into is all it takes.

 You can walk almost anywhere.  You can climb steep inclines, slog through muck, ford rivers, and negotiate rough terrain.  You can walk through deep snow and shuffle across ice.  You can walk on wide roads or barely visible pathways.  You can walk indoors and outdoors, climb stairs and ride elevators.  The versatility of this mode of travel is incredible.

You can walk slowly, moseying down the street, pausing to examine flowers and trees, pet dogs, and chat with neighbours.  If you need to go somewhere, you can walk at a more normal pace, but still have the opportunity to notice new things around you.  If you’re looking for exercise, you can walk briskly, working up a sweat and getting a great workout with scenery that’s much more alive than anything you would see on the TV in the gym.

Walking is the easiest exercise you can do, and it’s also rewarding since it gets you out of the house and into the world.  Give it a try.  I think you’ll really like it.