WalkScore Ranks DC In Top 10 Most Walkable Cities
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2008
Contact: Cheryl Cort
202.244.4408 ext. 112
WalkScore Ranks DC In Top 10 Most Walkable Cities
With Rising Gas Prices, Walkable Neighborhoods Provide Options, Increase Family Time, and Save Energy Costs
WASHINGTON, DC – Today WalkScore.com released its national rankings of the most walkable and unwalkable communities in the United States, highlighting the District of Columbia’s neighborhoods as the 7th most walkable city in the country.
WalkScore’s rankings recognize the high number of complete neighborhoods in the District – communities with stores, restaurants, services, transit options, schools, housing choices and green spaces – that allow residents to drive less. With less time spent on commutes, residents have more time with family and friends, for recreation, and for community involvement. Driving less and walking more saves residents money with record gas prices and carries health benefits for both the individual and environment.
Walkable neighborhoods, like those in the District and in surrounding communities including Alexandria, Silver Spring, Arlington, Reston, and Bethesda, mean less energy consumption and fewer carbon emissions for our region, an area traditionally plagued by heavy traffic congestion, long commutes and poor air quality. WalkScore’s rankings highlight cities and communities across the country that offer options for residents to make healthier choices for themselves, their families, and the environment.
“Walkability translates into quality of life including lower transportation costs and more time with families. Higher gas prices mean that the DC area’s walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods are in higher demand than ever. But, we need to make more of our neighborhoods pedestrian-friendly and to provide more housing opportunities in these walkable places,” said Cheryl Cort, Coalition for Smarter Growth.
For more information on WalkScore’s rankings, please visit www.walkscore.com. WalkScore’s groundbreaking neighborhood measurement tool can be used by anyone looking to find the most convenient and walkable neighborhoods in their region.
The Coalition is a regional leader in ensuring that transportation and development decisions accommodate growth while revitalizing communities, providing more housing and travel choices, and conserving our natural and historic areas. The Coalition’s website is www.smartergrowth.net.
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