Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods within walking distance of schools, parks, and businesses may be more valuable than similar homes built where residents must drive to those amenities, according to a study by CEOs for Cities, a national network of civic, business, academic, and philanthropic leaders working to improve cities. The city of Columbia, Missouri has taken great strides in the walkability and sustainability through the GetAbout Columbia Program providing an exciting opportunity for everyone in our community to think differently about how we get about town, and experience the benefits and enjoyment of walking and biking.
Whether it's a quick stroll to your lunch destination, a short bike ride to the store, a daily commute to the office, or a weekend journey on the trail with friends or family, GetAbout Columbia is for you.
What makes a community walkable?
Dan Burden, founder of Walkable Communities, has developed a 12-step checklist for defining, achieving, or strengthening a walkable community. Among the items on his list: a welcoming public space where people can gather and socialize, speed-controlled key streets, pedestrian-centric design, and a town center with a wide variety of shops and businesses. Examples of other walkable communities include Bethesda, Md.; Jackson, Wyo.; Madison, Wis.; and Savannah, Ga.Safety and walkability
Although you can’t physically move your neighborhood closer to amenities, there are things you can do to raise its walkability factor. Safety is a big concern for those on foot. To address safety concerns in Castle Hills, a walkable community outside Dallas, the developer built wider sidewalks, reduced speed limits, and installed solar-powered speed signs. Columbia, Missouri has gone to great lengths in improving the safety of community walkability. With funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Columbia is improving sidewalks making them safer and more accessible to everyone in the community.Improving walkability
In addition to making safety improvements, you can also try these tips for improving walkability from John Wetmore, producer of Perils For Pedestrians Television:- Trim shrubbery that’s blocking the sidewalk in front of your house.
- Pick up trash and litter to make it a more pleasant place.
- Support initiatives in your town to build new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks.
- Be polite to other drivers and pedestrians when you drive.
- Set an example by walking more by yourself or with your family.
One nice day can throw your senses into a tizzy after spending the last several months couped up in the house or bundled up in layered clothing. Struggling through cabin fever can be especially difficult for those who crave the sun and just don't see enough of it during the winter months.
There are several ways to beat back cabin fever without having to invest in an expensive vacation or start a time-consuming project you are not interested in following through with simply because you are bored (ie: cleaning out the basement or the closets).
Here are 6 great ideas to stave off the winter blues and feel more productive without having to spend hardly a dime:
1. Open the Shades
During the cold winter months, it is a good idea to open the blinds and the curtains during the daylight hours to allow what little sun there is to warm the house naturally. This extra sunshine in the house can help your feel a little brighter as well. At dark, make sure you re-close all of the curtains and shades to keep the cold night air out.
2. Get Walking
Walking is one of the best forms of daily exercise you can get. It get your heart pumping and keeps your mind clear. Taking a small walk in the morning for 15-30 minutes can help give you a boost, give you more energy, and get you in better shape. Walking in different areas each day can also help because a change of scenery might do your mind some good since you have been staring at your four walls for too long. Walking is a great habit to establish and even during the cold months, it will do your body good to get some fresh air daily.
3. Eat Better
Your diet plays a large part in your emotional well-being. You tend to lack D vitamins during the winter months when you are more likely to be out of the sun. These vitamins are essential to your body's ability to produce serotonin, which is your body's natural depression defense. Eating green vegetables and an overall healthy diet can help boost our energy levels and just feel better overall.
4. Help Others
During the winter, it can be easy to get depressed but sometimes, as bad as it seems things are, there are others who are much worse off than we. If you are struggling with cabin fever and boredom, take some of your time and volunteer it to help others. There are likely food pantries that could use an extra hand since so many more people are now in need than before. There are likely many opportunities where you could lend a hand but if you can't find what you are looking for there, contact VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities.
5. Plan Forward
If you are really anticipating the warmer spring weather, start planning now for the different ways you can take advantage of it as soon as it hits. If you are an outdoorsy person, compare different campgrounds where you might want to go when the weather breaks. Research what kind of flowers you are going to plant in the garden this year. Even better, start planting flower seeds now so they will be ready to go when the weather improves. There are a lot of ideas out there that are frugal and fun.
6. Be Grateful
When all else fails, slow down and think about all the wonderful things you have in your life, no matter what season it is. Chances are good it will bring a smile to your face and make you feel better. Remembering all the wonderful things you already have instead of focusing on what you don't have might bring you more peace throughout your entire life. It might not fight off cabin fever totally, but will certainly help you to stay grounded.