Nobody Walks in L.A.

This was a piece that was held in drafts since October. When December rolled around and was written about the dangers of walking in Pacific Palisades, I decided this piece was rendered irrelevant. However, I have reconsidered my stance on that. Although I really do think you take your life in your hands being a pedestrian here, I still have my vision.

I believe deep down many of us have the very same vision. After the Carmageddon weekend in June, I can't tell you how many people said what a delightful time they had slowing down and walking. I think many of us want to slow down, but simply don't know how. We either are imprisoned by the pace of our jobs and duties or have created unbearably hectic schedules we feel obligated to keep. The beauty of Carmageddon was we were able to experience the slow-down that happens after an earthquake without the devastation of an earthquake. It may even have had some long-term positive effects on the community. I read an article in The Palisadian Post about neighbors on McKendree who decided to have a get-together that weekend and were so inspired to meet new neighbors that they planned the first ever annual block party in September.

I recognize that these streets must be safe to walk upon before a walking culture can emerge. That means a total shift out of our addiction to cars and a mindfulness in our driving habits. It seems a long shot, but I can dream--can't I?

Here is my piece from October:

Growing up in Pacific Palisades and then returning again, I have a unique perspective on how it's changed. When I was a kid everyone walked all the time. I walked from my house to town. I have the good fortune of not living in the hills or in the more distant areas of the Palisades. It's a fairly easy 20 minute walk. Now that I am back, I continue to do it. Aside from the economic reasons I do it, it also is natural to me. I was raised to do it. It was built into our culture here. The funny thing is when I meet up with folks in town and tell them I walked, they are really surprised that I walked "all that way." They insist on driving me home as if for me to walk might cause undue strain.

There was a time when a 20-30 minute walk was considered normal. Kids really did walk to school. The streets were packed with people walking. The only time my mom drove to town was when she went grocery shopping. Now even folks who lived here during those walking days drive as a matter of course. They have forgotten our walking heritage.

Part of the problem I see is that people are overscheduled, and so they need to get to this place and that in a hurry. Walking takes time. Walking now is valued as a means of exercise rather than transport; therefore, power walking is all the rage. For some walking is a means of pleasure and/or purposeful like dog walking, but when it comes to mobility, we choose our cars.

A culture is what it is. Our community is a car culture fed by activity-packed days and distorted perceptions of distance. I hope that will change in the coming years, because not only is it good for our planet but good for our health and well-being. In a time when life is shaking up around us, feeling the ground beneath our feet is the best thing we can do for ourselves.