The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) surveyed the 100 most populous cities in the USA to determine the best and worst fitness walking cities. Criteria included being on the Walkable Communities list, an index of physical activity and exercise, percentage walking for exercise, and household expenditure on mass transit. Other criteria include parks, crime, climate, ozone rating, points of interest, schools, and athletic shoes purchased. Significantly, none of these five cities has an AVA year-round walk, indicating that local walkers can't find a pleasant, scenic and safe six mile route.
1. Newark, New Jersey
Newark comes in last for walkability of the top 100 populous cities in the USA. First, few people walk there - it was third to last for people reporting that they walk for exercise. It has low scores for parks per square mile, percentage of people who spend money on mass transit, and a high crime rate. On the plus side, Newark Liberty Airport is my preferred airport when traveling to New York City, which usually scores in the top 10 for walkability.2. Laredo, Texas
The border city of Laredo has a low score for people who walk for exercise, and also has the lowest percentage of people spending money for mass transit. But those who do walk can enjoy Lake Casa Blanca State Park in the center of Laredo, with walking and mountain biking trails.3. Miami, Florida
Miami ranks in the bottom 10 for people who walk for exercise. No wonder, since it also has the fifth highest crime rate in the US - Miami Vice, indeed? See our Miami Guide's top 10 things to do in Miami.4. Hialeah, Florida
Miami's neighbor scored second to last in the number of people who walk for health and exercise. It also earns a poor ranking based on the number of schools per square mile.5. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is last in number of people who walk for health - what would you expect in Motor City? It's third to last in the number of people who walk for exercise. And it's in the bottom 10 for crime rate.Where does your city rank among 100 cities? Come tell us about your favorite and least favorite walking cities and why.
Source: APMA press release, March, 2007.
