Pedestrians Can Save Money By Not Driving

Usually when people think of Southern California they envision clogged freeways and arduous commutes. However, long commutes are a choice, and a person can live closer to work if they do not want to drive long distances. Despite the Southern California emphasis on driving it is possible to be a pedestrian and save money in the south land. If the trip is under three miles, it is completely walkable. Of course I understand that a pedestrian lifestyle is not for everyone, but most people can definitely walk more and drive less. For instance, how many trips do you make per week that are within walking distance of your house? Could you walk to the post office rather than drive your car every single time? These are things to consider for both the environment and your pocket book. For more hardcore pedestrians such as myself, the expansion of Metrolink and other public transportation systems is making the walking/biking lifestyle all the more plausible as time goes by. Another thing you can do to cut down on transportation costs is by living closer to work, and to use public transportation of van-pools to commute. Not everyone is going to do that, but why commute two hours each way if you could find a cute house closer to where you live. The number one thing about pedestrianism is you save money on your commute, and it is a great work out. Even if you do love to drive, what about walking more often rather than spending all that money on expensive gym bills. I would rather walk outside around the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains than walk inside on a treadmill.

I went to the student recreation center in college, which had a gym that we could work out in, but I was never the treadmill kind of girl. I know treadmills are conducive if you live in a cold climate where you cannot get out and walk often, but growing up in the mountains taught me to wear layers when I was walking outside. I can walk most anywhere as long as I dress appropriately, and the thing I love about pedestrianism is it helps me get and stay fit on my own terms. I am a lifelong walker, and I can testify that even when I was slightly larger I was always in good shape. I lost a bit of weight over the last year by bumping up my walking distances and eliminating soda, and I did all this without charging up an expensive gym bill.

Pedestrianism is truly fitness on my own terms because I do it for me and not anyone else. I love the healthful feeling of walking miles, but I am not doing it so I can don a bikini at the beach. I am not exactly what you would call the conservative type, but you would never catch me sporting a bikini at the beach. I do not even obsess about my weight or the size of my clothes because it is all about being fit and eating healthy. Pedestrianism has helped me to save money when it comes to my health and fitness.  Fitness has to be on my own terms, and pedestrianism has made that possible for me.  It can for you too, if it is something you are willing to pursue.

You can save money by taking public transportation if you do not want to drive to certain locations. Here in Southern California Metrolink is expanding to many new cities in the coming years, and already offers reliable services to many major cities. There are also other major public transportation systems that offer bus service within the major cities of Southern California. It is possible to save money by taking public transportation if you would like to avoid driving once in a while, or if driving is just not for you.

Google Maps now provide directions on how to drive, walk, and take public transportation to areas that are well mapped out, which includes most major Southern California cities. Just go to Google Maps and plug in the coordinates of your start and end points, and you will find customized directions to your location.