The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) surveyed the 100 most populous cities in the USA and used 15 criteria to determine which were the top walking cities. Criteria were developed with Prevention magazine and included percentage walking for exercise, health, or walking to work. Other criteria include parks, trails, points of interest, crime, dog ownership, climate, and participation in exercise, sports and golf. Source: APMA press release, March 7, 2006.
1. Portland, Oregon
With new criteria each year, Portland is the only city returning from the 2005 list, and scored well on all 12 walkability criteria. This walking city is home to many volkssport walking clubs and free walking events throughout the year. Portland hosts one of the top marathons for walkers, the Portland Marathon, in October. The climate is walkable year-round.2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs scored high for physical fitness and adult participation in sports. The walk through the Garden of the Gods is a longtime favorite for visitors. Colorado Springs Visitors Guide3. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison residents can enjoy walking paths and trails - they ranked fourth in the number of trails per square mile. They also ranked number one for bicycle commuters.4. Boise, Idaho
Boise has a high percentage of adults who participate in sports and was fourth highest in the number who walked for exercise.5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas residents get more exercise than just pulling the slot handles, with a high percentage of households who are physically active and active in sports. Las Vegas is one of my favorite walking getaways - I love the dry desert air and the excitement of walking down the Strip past the giant casinos. Las Vegas for Visitors6. Austin, Texas
Austin scored high for its many parks and high number of bicyclists - hmmm, could Lance Armstrong be a factor here? I've enjoyed a walking convention in Austin and found the route around Town Lake to be highly enjoyable.7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
A haven for beach-goers and golfers, but also sporting many parks and a low crime rate. This is one of the two on the list I have yet to visit. They have a yearly walker-friendly marathon and half-marathon, the Shamrock Marathon.8. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage earned its spot on the list with vast parks and trails and more dog owners than any other city. Fifty percent of the residents walk for exercise. The setting is stunning, well worth a visit, and it is quite walkable during the non-frozen season.9. Fremont, California
Fremont is a Bay Area city that has the highest number of residents who walk for health and a high percentage who take public transportation to work.10. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh scored high for parks. They have 46 miles of greenway trails.What's Your Favorite Walking City?
Where does your city rank among 100 cities? Come tell us about your favorite walking city and why.
