Texans take fewer steps per day than Californians or New Yorkers ! (Houston: 2015, apartment)

[Gunion Powder]

Originally Posted by explorer2014

Well that's fairly obvious but at this point I thought we were talking about walkability in city areas.

Yes, and my post applies to urban areas as well as rural ones.

[Midessan]

Originally Posted by explorer2014

Well that's fairly obvious but at this point I thought we were talking about walkability in city areas.

Are you talking about Walkability then? Meaning that there are trendy hipster places to walk.

[explorer2014]

I think there are multiple dimensions to this. First, if you want to talk about commuting from point A to point B, most Texas cities are built for driving. There are not any safe or convenient biking or walking options. Second, if you want to talk about leisure options, Texas cities don't tend to cater to those either. This is why the Riverwalk area of San Antonio is so popular because it is relatively uncommon.

[Gunion Powder]

Originally Posted by explorer2014

I think there are multiple dimensions to this. First, if you want to talk about commuting from point A to point B, most Texas cities are built for driving. There are not any safe or convenient biking or walking options. Second, if you want to talk about leisure options, Texas cities don't tend to cater to those either. This is why the Riverwalk area of San Antonio is so popular because it is relatively uncommon.

Well that brings me back to my original point. There's a difference between being walk-friendly and walkable. Just because it may not be convenient doesn't mean it's impossible.

You have to put forth the effort. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

[UTHORNS96]

Originally Posted by explorer2014

I can tell you that people in Central Texas (outside Austin) are on average less focused on fitness and the outdoors. There are lots of exceptions but I'm talking on average. It's a deep cultural problem. As has been mentioned, the heat does have a major impact and contributes to an indoors sedentary culture.

Really? Because I know a ton of people in this state who are always outdoors, hunting, fishing, or doig work on their land.

[explorer2014]

Originally Posted by UTHORNS96

Really? Because I know a ton of people in this state who are always outdoors, hunting, fishing, or doig work on their land.

And I know a ton who live sedentary lives and eat too much. As I stated, it's relative to other states.

[explorer2014]

Originally Posted by mega man

Well that brings me back to my original point. There's a difference between being walk-friendly and walkable. Just because it may not be convenient doesn't mean it's impossible.

You have to put forth the effort. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Well I guess you could technically walk along I-35. The probability of dying increases significantly and it would be extremely unpleasant but I guess I have to concede it is a technical possibility.

[Gunion Powder]

Originally Posted by explorer2014

Well I guess you could technically walk along I-35. The probability of dying increases significantly and it would be extremely unpleasant but I guess I have to concede it is a technical possibility.

Or you could just exercise some common sense. Walking along a major freeway is obviously going to be more dangerous than walking along a typical roadway.

[explorer2014]

Sure, if we limit our analysis to only walkable roads then all roads are walkable.

I think we are in fact in agreement. Most Texas cities are not well set up for walking.

[Gunion Powder]

Originally Posted by explorer2014

Sure, if we limit our analysis to only walkable roads then all roads are walkable.

I think we are in fact in agreement. Most Texas cities are not well set up for walking.

And I want to be clear that I'm not saying extra precaution doesn't need to be taken. If you're walking in an area where there aren't any sidewalks, it's best to be familiar with the area (ie what would be the best route to take, the speed drivers are usually going) and of course you should always face oncoming traffic. Sometimes it's safe enough to walk on the edge of the pavement, while in other situations it's best to stay on the grass.

The more you do it the more instinctive it will be. For example, when you visit New York you notice pedestrians in Manhattan crossing intersections with seemingly little regard for traffic, because their minds are so used to it.

Regardless of the environment we live in, humans were meant to travel on foot and be more in tune with the outdoors. We spoil our bodies by being locked inside of buildings and cars all day.