If you live within a few miles of your office or favorite stores, you can save money and improve your health by using your feet. Even if you don’t live close, you can combine a walking trip with riding the bus. Walking daily is one of the best things that you can do for your health.
Walking for your trips will cost you nothing and will bring you benefits in reduced stress and better health. It doesn’t require much. You could decide to purchase a pair of special walking shoes, but as long as you wear comfortable clothing and shoes, you should be set. Carrying an umbrella or having a rain coat on hand is also something to consider, especially in our area!
Remember to consider the time it will take you to walk to your destination. If you decide to walk to work, try to determine your walk time. The average person can walk about a ¼ of a mile in 5 minutes. This means it should take about 20 minutes to walk one mile.
As a walker, you may have many different route options. Do you choose the route that may be the most direct, but will take you along busy roads? Or do you choose a route that may be less direct, but will allow you to walk along quieter streets with less traffic? The choices are yours and they primarily depend on where you are traveling to and how much time you have. A walk to the store may be more pleasant if you stay on quieter neighborhood streets.
Features 10 walks in Clark County with a large pull out map highlighting 15 additional walks. Guide provides tips and information on walking. A hard copy can be obtained by calling or get electronic versions on their website.
(360) 696-8290
Maps of all the trails in Clark County, as well as information on local and regional parks.
Maps are available for North, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest Portland.
A brief description of the trails and greenways in the Portland regional system with links to more information.
When you are out walking consider these safety tips:
- Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street: Always look both ways before crossing and make sure that motorists are going to stop for you.
- Walk facing traffic: If you are in an area with no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so both you and the driver are more visible.
- Try to cross at an intersection or at a mid-block crosswalk.
- Wear light colors or reflective clothing to increase your chances of being seen by drivers, especially at night.
- Be on the defense: Even though drivers are required to stop for you when crossing at crosswalks, stay alert because a lot of the times they won’t stop.
Portland - Metro walking advocacy organization.
(503) 223-1597
National walking advocacy organization.
(617) 367-1170
Excellent source for information on walking and how to make our communities more walkable.
(360) 487-7700
(360) 397-6118
Southwest Region
(360) 905-2216
Transportation Options
(503) 823-7265
