I would be a happy man if I could get by day to day without a car.
Currently, I manage to go sometimes several days without using my car. I walk to my teaching job at the University of Texas (1.6 miles each way), and there are a few errands that I can do by walking. But many things are just too far away.
I discovered an interesting website: www.walkscore.com. Type in your address, then it rates your neighborhood based on walkability on a scale of 0 – 100 (using an undisclosed algorithm). Here’s what the scores mean:
90 – 100 = Walkers’ Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70 – 90 = Very Walkable: It’s possible to get by without owning a car.
50 – 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25 – 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0 – 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!
My address scored a 43, which is not great. I’m willing to walk a bit farther than most people, I suspect, so I’m willing to call my neighborhood “somewhat walkable”. And by walking much more than I have been in the past, I’m also driving less often to the gym.
My walk score is 45… I was rather upset with it. And I was surprised to know that there is another score called <a href="http://drivescore.fizber.com/">drive score</a> to evaluate my house. I found the way to calculate it online at Fizber site (http://drivescore.fizber.com/). I’ve got much better results – 83.
Chris: from my house to the Anderson Mill Tavern is 65!
Will Conley