America wakes up to walking: 'Think of it as a patriotic duty'

With more Americans experimenting in radical pedestrianism than ever before, the country is asking itself: could 4,000lb metal boxes powered by petroleum not, in fact, be the most prudent way to travel in cities?

A man goes for a walk on a misty evening in a large American city. The sidewalks are empty. All of his neighbours are inside, naturally, watching television.

A block from home, he is stopped by a police car.

'Does it take a $150 pair of shoes or a $90-a-month membership in a health club? It doesn’t. It’s walking!'

'People may just be saying they walk more because it’s perceived as a good thing'

Related: End of the car age: how cities are outgrowing the automobile

Continue reading...