{finding good locations for} Walking hard for many exercisers (AP/CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Nearly one in four people in the Atlanta area are exercise enthusiasts stuck in neighborhoods without sidewalks or other walking amenities, according to a study that illustrates a problem for many Americans.

Researchers said the findings point to the need for more exercise-friendly places to live.

"The bottom line is the built environment really does matter to health," said Lawrence Frank, a University of British Columbia researcher who led the study.

Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods have sidewalks leading to nearby shops, restaurants or other destinations. They are built in a way that makes it easier to walk and get to buses and trains. Many are older neighborhoods, located in more urban areas.

Frank is among a group of scientists who have shown that people who live in walkable neighborhoods tend to weigh less than people who live in more isolated and car-dependent areas.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/09/07/walkable.neighborhoods.ap/index.html

[Aviation Pro]

1. I am so glad, and fortunate, that I live near a beach....

...and use my running shoes, my swim gear and an old rucksack to stay in reasonable shape.

[Journeyman]

2. For me, it's not the lack of sidewalks that's the problem. . .

I walk most of the time in the street -- the roads are smoother and better on my knees. My problem's dogs. Or, rather, irresponsible dog owners. In just the last few weeks, I've been attacked three times, had my sweatpants chomped in one incident, and prepared in another to kill the beast if it got half a foot closer. I carry a shillelagh for protection.

But just three days ago, a mailcarrier was knocked down and had his face viciously mauled by a beast easily half the carrier's weight and handily far stronger. It's made me seriously question the wisdom of walking in the neighborhood. But my only option is to join a health club, at considerable cost. The mail carrier is expected to recover, and the dog will be destroyed, but what of the cost to the rest of us, both in cash if we must join a club and in the loss of confidence in the safety of our neighborhood?

I'm tempted to file a civil suit against the homeowner who allowed their beast to run freely, try to collect a little "blood money" from them, not for myself but for the public fund, to provide for a better means to strip irresponsible owners of their right to raise and let loose dangerous animals.

[semillama]

3. Obviously you're one of those "Anti-dog fanatics"

I got lumped in with them for agreeing with the results of a study that showed dog walking affected bird diversity and density along paths in England, which has an effect on breeding success rate...

[Journeyman]

4. LOL. I saw that post early on, thought it might generate a lot of negative feedback. . .

especially at anyone who agreed with it and seemingly aligned themselves against dogs.

Somewhat like the old bumper sticker, "I love Humanity, it's People I can't stand," I find myself in love with dogs but disdainful of bad dog owners. I have two dogs of my own, and they are not allowed to bark unrestrained at anything or one who passes by. They can give a bark of welcome, or warn me with a sharp call there's someone approaching the door, but I think it only good neighborliness to keep your animals under control, and this includes barking and whining (to say nothing of physically intimidating someone, let alone actually attacking them).

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. After living in Portland for 6 years, I HATE living in the Suburbs for just this reason

lots of beautiful bike paths for exercise, but walking to the store sucks.

[roguevalley]

6. our u-haul is in the middle of town and its inside, heated and lit.

I walk inside in circles for an hour during winter. keeps me fit and they don't care. :)