These Boots Are Made For Walking

I was asked by a French national what was one thing I missed about France.  My response was walking and riding my bike around town.

A little background information to help explain my response.  Europeans often commute and/or take care of errands by walking and/or riding their bicycles.  Vehicles are expensive to purchase, maintain and park so not everyone has access to one.  Enjoying the outdoors and getting exercise is important to daily life.  Sidewalks and walking/bike paths are everywhere.  If you live in a town or city you likely have grocery stores, bakeries, etc. within a 15 minute walk.  Older cities (think 500 years and older) were originally designed to accommodate horses and foot traffic so streets may not be suited for modern vehicular traffic.  In summary, walking and/or riding a bike is easy, practical and important part of life.

Let's compare and contrast North America.  The predominant attitude is "I have a right to own a vehicle.  I am going to exercise that right by getting the biggest vehicle I can and drive it as often as I can."  Towns and cities in North America are often in wide open spaces so things are spread apart.  Being a relatively young country city streets were designed to handle vehicles.  Sidewalks may be an afterthought in some residential areas.  The attitude toward cyclists and bike lanes is not always ideal.  Lastly, there are parts of North America that have more extreme weather than Europe making going outside potentially dangerous (i.e. summers in Houston at 95^o+ F (36^o C) with 90% humidity, or winters in Winnipeg at -25^o F (-30^o C)).  In summary, driving a vehicle is easy, practical and a “right” of life.

The North Americans attitude toward being outside, exercise, walking, bike lanes, etc. is improving.  Here in Houston over the past 8 years the city has installed around 100 miles of bike/walking paths, revitalized areas of town creating parks and green spaces, and added bike lanes to many streets.  Walking, running and bike riding are becoming the in thing to do., 

I miss being able to walk and ride my bike primarily because of logistics.  I walk or ride my bike as much as I am able but if businesses are far away, there are limited sidewalks or it is extremely hot out it is difficult.  I am grateful that our neighborhood has some sidewalks and there is a beautiful walking/bike path 10 minutes away.  I do what I can and appreciate what is available.