Any day’s great for a walk

Wednesday was a great day for a walk around the community. Actually, any day should be prime for that activity. We might add that with gasoline prices higher than we’ve seen in quite some time and forecast to soar this summer, getting around more on foot could become more common.

But Wednesday was a bit of a celebratory day in this regard. For NS Walk Day, Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library got in on the action, as they have in the past couple of years.

A number of branches in the county were the starting point for walks designed for the family, with staff taking part and members of the community invited to join. It was partly about the joy of walking, gathering together, with the added feature of getting to know some of the pedestrian-friendly features of each community. In some cases, that included stories to add some history and colour to those nooks and crannies.

To top it off, healthy snacks were provided by the Pictou West, and Pictou Central and East Community Health Boards.

This was just one of those events local organizations hold to encourage healthier activities such as walking and cycling to get around towns and communities. But getting out for a stroll – preferably on a daily or habitual basis – health experts will recommend not only for the exercise benefits but as a way to keep in contact with other people in the community and get in some social time.

Let’s face it, getting around primarily in a motor vehicle is often a solitary activity. And then there’s that thing about gas prices. As we head into summer, and demand for fuel typically increases, predictions are that we could easily see the cost at a buck and a half a litre. That’s no stretch, especially considering motorists in British Columbia are already seeing such prices.

Interestingly, those observing trends of motorists when prices rise report that the higher costs don’t greatly discourage a lot of people from driving – in favour of walking, carpooling or using some other alternative. They just bellyache about the prices and carry on.

It will be interesting to see whether there is a price point, something as yet unseen, like $1.75 a litre, or $2 that will have greater numbers questioning their habits a little harder.

Thankfully there are alternatives, and the more people become familiar with their surroundings, the trails, the routes with less vehicular traffic, the easier they’ll feel about getting around by foot. Events such as NS Walk Day are welcome in this regard, highlighting the fun, celebratory experience. They raise the potential of people, neighbours getting together on a regular basis for outings and a little fresh air.

Municipalities play a part in this as well. To encourage more activity they need to pay close attention to availability of sidewalks, to promote walking trails and to ensure routes are traversable and safe so that people are comfortable about getting out and about.