How to Get Started

Consider your general health and the route to work when deciding if this commute alternative is right for you. You may want to begin slowly, one or two days a week, gradually building up to walking full-time. Typically, most walkers commute about two miles one-way to work. Other considerations:

• Select a good pair of walking shoes, and appropriate clothing.
  
• Try a practice run on a weekend to see how long it takes.
  
• Find a co-worker or friend who walks and commute with them.

Walking Safety

• Walkers generally need sidewalks, crosswalks, and signaled intersections in areas with heavy traffic.
  
• A weekend test commute may uncover routing problems and will indicate how much time to allow.
  
• Most likely you will be walking during rush hour; however, consider general lighting and the neighborhoods you travel through in off-peak hours.
  
• If walking at dawn or dusk, consider reflective wrist or leg bands.

Dealing with Business Clothes

Typically there are two categories of walking: "leisure walking" and "power walking." Leisure walking is slower paced and allows the walker to dress in his/her work attire and carry parcels. You may want to consider leaving a dress pair of shoes at the office.

Power walking is fast paced (almost a slow jog) and is best done in gym clothes. One of the biggest obstacles to power walking to work is the need for professional attire at the office. Some health clubs offer "runner’s" memberships, where, for a reduced rate, you can use the showers and locker rooms.

What if I Need to Get home for an Emergency?

The Commuter Connections Guaranteed Ride Home Program provides you with a ride home in the event of an emergency. The GRH program is free and easy to sign up for, just use our GRH Application or call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).