How would your life change if you walked or biked more? Your health might improve, it would be better for the environment, and socially you will be more engaged with your surroundings. Sounds like a worthwhile decision – right? However, the downside is "convenience". Can we find a balance between the convenience of our cars and the benefits of biking and walking?

What if we created a rule of thumb? For example, any car trip that is 5 minutes or less – you walk or ride? A five minute car drive would equal a 10 minute bike ride or a 20 minute walk. I think for most trips this is a fair trade off. If you are going to the grocery store for a few items why not take a knapsack to carry your purchase home, why not ride your bikes to your children’s dance lesson, baseball, softball or lacrosse game? Why not ride or walk to church? How about school – I don’t understand why we continue to drive our kids to schools if they are less than a five minute walk. We are teaching our children the convenient lifestyle of a car-oriented society.

I can hear all the feedback now – I realize that everyone has unique requirements; you have kids going in different directions and work schedules. I understand the challenges; we had the same effects on our life when we decided to become a one car family and use our bikes more, and for me to take public transit.

Based on our experience the challenge of convenience can be overcome. I will admit that it takes more work and pre-planning; however, it is achievable. We leave a little earlier for the softball game or church. We all take knapsacks with us when we go grocery shopping. Overall, we spend more time together as a family and enjoy the commute together. Seems like a good lifestyle change.

I suggest you give it a try, what do you have to lose?