The U.S has been built around the use of cars, but what if Kearns could change that and build it around walking? Many cities around the world are finding new ways to rely on cars less. This includes; schools, parks, and stores, all being in one general area so people could walk rather than using their cars to get to these places. 141 cities in the U.S have an average walk score of 48/100, while Kearns has a score of 38/100. In many Asian cities, the walk score is above 60, these walk scores are reported and ranked by Walk Score. Walk scores are ranked upon how car-dependent a city is. A score of 25-49 is mostly car-dependent, which means only few amenities are within a walkable distance, while a walk score of 90-100 requires no car for daily errands. So how can we benefit from a walkable city, and what changes would it bring?
A walkable city would include new things people aren’t used to. However, the changes could be very beneficial to us. Data reported by the Washington Post states, “ Higher walkability in neighborhoods is associated with decreased rates of obesity and diabetes.” This shows one of the many benefits of building cities around walking instead of cars. In an interview about making Kearns more walkable with Bridget McQueen, a member of the Kearns community council states, “Having things to do close to your home is very beneficial. Using cars less, creating less pollution. Creating a healthier lifestyle.” This is why having a walkable city would be beneficial for us. In an effort to help the city use public transportation more, the city added new electric scooters around cougar lane, “ Things like having the electric scooter around have been very helpful and useful in Kearns.” states Bridget McQueen. Adding more things like the electric scooter can encourage people to rely on cars less. Walkable cities can also help bring communities closer together, Bridgett states, “ I think it’s about creating spaces for more community to come together”
There are many ways to make Kearns more walkable while also improving how we live. Information about walkable cities could be found online along with hundreds of studies about the benefits it could bring. As the U.S has been built around cars, how can we as a community change that?
