This picture was taken in the heart of San Juan, the Croisee
.It shows the movement of persons within an urban city. Mobility within a city
can take many various forms. This picture depicts the form of mobility that I can
most likely relate to. Since I lack a vehicle and public transport is sometimes
difficult, the next best alternative is walking.
According to Hall and Barrett, 2012 mobility can be defined
as the ability to move around cities. With this definition in mind, a quote
from Jarvis et al.2001:2 went on to say “We have moved into an era where we are
not simply concerned with a trip to work and back but with the multiple
journeys that have become not just desirable but necessary in order to sustain
our lifestyles each and every day.” This quote simply means we are always on
the move within the city.
In addition to the health benefits of walking, it is seen
that walking is sometimes the fastest way to get from one place to another within
the city. Furthermore, Hall and Barrett, 2012 explained they are several
negative effects resulting from car based mobility which includes: high gas
prices, and fuel combustion. These negative effects can be offset by walking.
Also, persons who walk need not worry about wreckers, parking problems or even
theft of cars.
An article written by Adam McCulloch in 2012 says “As any
travel worth their Nikes knows, to walk around a city is to experience its true
essence- its soul if you will.” This article depicts the world’s top ten
walking cities. His article went on to say that what makes walking through
cities so different than driving is the less tangible things that make cities
uniquely fascinating. For example the scrumptious smell you get from the side
walk bakery that engulfs your nose. For further reading on the top 10 walking
cities you can visit :
Hall and Barrett,2012. Urban Geography. London and New York, Routledge Publishing. 2012 (pages 282-301 )
McCulloch, Adam, 2012. World's Top Walking Cities.March 2012.http://www.departures.com/articles/worlds-top-walking-cities.Accessed February 8th, 2013.
Hope you enjoyed and remember.......walk!
