The Case for Walking

Written by Avery Melhado. Graphic by Avery Melhado.

The air is getting warmer, the sun is shining brighter. Snow days are over and class is back in session. The weather is perfect for walking. I think it’s about time we all appreciated Savannah’s sidewalks a little more. 

Having grown up in a city that is the opposite of walkable, I was excited to move to Savannah. Everything is so close, so accessible. I relished my summer of walking to the farmer’s market and to little cafes for my morning coffee. When fall quarter started, I tried the bus, but quickly realized that a 40 minute walk to class was a much more valuable part of my day than a crowded 20 minute bus ride. 

I now walk everywhere I can. I walk to class, to the library, to coffee shops to study. I always say if it’s less than an hour, I can make time to walk. And I don’t have to, by any means. I have a car that I drive when I need it. But my walk to class is so enjoyable, I wouldn’t give it up. The things I see each day make me feel more alive, a person in the world and the community. I find it important to spend this time outside. To breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on my shoulders. 

Savannah is a walkable city at its core. The sidewalks, the squares, the crosswalks, the parks: it all makes for a wonderful walking experience. It’s easy to get around, and even easier to see beautiful sights on your way. There’s a sense of wonder, walking in the city. You never know what you’ll stumble upon on your way, what experience is waiting for you on the streets. 

In the winter, I saw neighbors covering their plants to protect them from the cold and snow half-melted on the ground. Now that it’s spring, I see flowers blooming and friends having picnics in the park. I see people walking dogs and couples kissing on benches and children riding on scooters. I can stop for a coffee on my way home without the hassle of finding parking, I can make a detour to the bookstore to pick up a new book. The truth is, life just feels more purposeful when you walk. 

I’m not saying that I think walking is by any means the most efficient way to get somewhere. It takes longer than driving or biking or even the bus. The weather is not always kind. You’ll show up to class sweating and sometimes out of breath when you leave the house too late. But I think it’s worth it. I think it’s worth the journey, worth the heat, worth the sweating. I think it’s worth it to be a part of where you live, to take it all in while you can. 

The sidewalks of Savannah are worth appreciation. No, of course they’re not perfect. I’ve almost rolled an ankle too many times to count. The tree roots stick out and the brick paving is treacherous at best. But I think you’ll be surprised by how much the experience will improve your day. How much better you’ll feel afterwards. Not everyone has the opportunity to be able to walk the streets of such a beautiful city. It’s about time we all take advantage of how lucky we are to be here.

So go take a walk. Walk to class or walk to get coffee. Walk to a square for a picnic, walk around Forsyth with some friends. Put on a good playlist and take in the world around you. You’ll be grateful that you did.