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Walking is very boring. You should drive with car, bus and the best is the train.
{{About|the mode of transportation}}
[[File:CGI Human Walk.jpg|thumb|Computer simulation of a human walk cycle. In this model the head keeps the same level at all times, whereas the hip follows a sine curve.]]
'''Walking''' (also known as '''ambulation''') is one of the main [[gait]]s of [[animal locomotion|locomotion]] among legged animals, and is typically slower than [[running]] and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step. This applies regardless of the number of limbs - even arthropods with six, eight or more limbs.


I hate walking. You hate walking.
The word ''walk'' is descended from the [[Old English language|Old English]] ''wealcan'' "to roll". In [[human]]s and other [[biped]]s, walking is generally distinguished from [[running]] in that only one foot at a time leaves contact with the ground and there is a period of double-support. In contrast, running begins when both feet are off the ground with each step. This distinction has the status of a formal requirement in [[race walking|competitive walking]] events. For [[quadruped]]al species, there are numerous [[gait]]s which may be termed walking or running, and distinctions based upon the presence or absence of a suspended phase or the number of feet in contact any time do not yield mechanically correct classification.<ref name="Bie">{{cite book |last=Biewener |first=A. A. |date=2003 |title=Animal Locomotion |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=USA |ISBN= 978-0-19-850022-3 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yMaN9pk8QJAC&dq=biomechanics+biewener&source=gbs_navlinks_s |accessdate=}}</ref> The most effective method to distinguish walking from running is to measure the height of a person's [[center of mass]] using [[motion capture]] or a [[force plate]] at midstance. During walking, the center of mass reaches a maximum height at midstance while during running, it is at a minimum. Definitions based on the percent of the stride during which a foot is in contact with the ground (averaged across all feet) of greater than 50% contact corresponds well with identification of 'inverted pendulum' mechanics and are indicative of walking for animals with any number of limbs, although this definition is incomplete.<ref name="Bie"/> Running humans and animals may have contact periods greater than 50% of a gait cycle when rounding corners, running uphill or carrying loads.

Although walking speeds can vary greatly depending on factors such as height, weight, age, terrain, surface, load, culture, effort, and fitness, the average human [[Preferred Walking Speed|walking speed]] is about 5.0 kilometres per hour (km/h), or about 3.1 miles per hour (mph). Specific studies have found pedestrian walking speeds ranging from {{convert|4.51|km/h|mph}} to {{convert|4.75|km/h|mph}} for older individuals and from {{convert|5.32|km/h|mph}} to {{convert|5.43|km/h|mph}} for younger individuals;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usroads.com/journals/p/rej/9710/re971001.htm|title=Study Compares Older and Younger Pedestrian Walking Speeds|publisher=TranSafety, Inc|date=1997-10-01|accessdate=2009-08-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westernite.org/datacollectionfund/2005/psu_ped_summary.pdf|title=Establishing Pedestrian Walking Speeds|first=Karen|last=Aspelin|date=2005-05-25|publisher=[[Portland State University]]|accessdate=2009-08-24}}</ref> a brisk walking speed can be around {{convert|6.5|km/h|mph}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://walking.about.com/od/measure/f/howfastwalking.htm|accessdate=2012-08-17|title=about.com page on walking speeds}}</ref> Champion [[racewalking|racewalkers]] can average more than {{convert|14|km/h|mph}} over a distance of {{convert|20|km|mi}}. An average human child achieves independent walking ability around 11 months old.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Samra HA, Specker B |title=Walking Age Does Not Explain Term vs. Preterm Differences in Bone Geometry |journal=J Pediatr. |volume=151 |issue=1 |pages=61–6, 66.e1–2 |year=2007 |month=July |pmid=17586192 |pmc=2031218 |doi=10.1016/j.jpeds.2007.02.033 }}</ref>

A [[pedestrian]] is a person traveling on foot.

==Health benefits of walking==
{{main|Physical_exercise#Benefits|l1=Physical exercise}}

Sustained walking sessions for a minimum period of thirty to sixty minutes a day, five days a week, with the correct walking posture,<ref>[[Mayo Clinic]] - [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM02436 Proper walking technique]</ref><ref>Community Development Department, [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|City of Cambridge]], [[Massachusetts]] - [http://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/et/ped/ped_hlth.html The Health Benefits of Walking]</ref> reduce health risks and have various overall health benefits,<ref>[[About.com]] - [http://walking.about.com/od/healthbenefits/Benefits_of_Walking_How_Walking_Reduces_Health_Risks.htm Benefits of Walking - How Walking Reduces Health Risks]</ref> such as reducing the chances of [[cancer]], [[Diabetes mellitus type 2|type 2 diabetes]], [[heart disease]], [[anxiety]] and [[Mood disorder|depression]].<ref>[[AARP]] - [http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/a2004-06-17-walking-numerousbenefits.html The Numerous Benefits of Walking]</ref> [[Life expectancy]] is also increased even for individuals suffering from [[obesity]] or [[Hypertension|high blood pressure]]. Walking also increases [[bone]] [[health]], especially strengthening the [[hip bone]], and lowering the more harmful [[low-density lipoprotein]] (LDL) cholesterol, and raises the more useful good [[high-density lipoprotein]] (HDL) cholesterol.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://health.howstuffworks.com/benefits-of-walking.htm
| title = Benefits of Walking
| publisher = [[HowStuffWorks]]
| first = Tommy | last = Boone
| accessdate = September 2009
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| publisher = [[Mayo Clinic]]
| url = http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612
| title = Walking for fitness: How to trim your waistline, improve your health
| accessdate = September 2009
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32177.asp
| publisher = BellaOnline | first = Deborah | last = Crawford
| title = Why Walking is the Most-recommended Exercise
| accessdate = September 2009
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = http://books.google.com/?id=7Aaqef3g6J0C&pg=PA134
| title = How to live well without owning a car
| first = Chris | last = Balish
| publisher = Ten Speed Press | year = 2006
| isbn = 1-58008-757-4 | page = 134
}} ([[Google Book Search|Google books]])</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = http://books.google.com/?id=gqhknevjpikC&pg=PA82
| title = When your body gets the blues: the clinically proven program for women who feel tired and stressed and eat too much
| first1 = Marie Annette | last1 = Brown | first2 = Jo | last2 = Robinson
| publisher = Rodale | year = 2002 | page = 82
| isbn = 1-57954-486-X
}} (Google books)</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = http://books.google.com/?id=Qai4MRKlKmgC&pg=PA104
| title = The Prevention Get Thin Get Young Plan
| first1 = Selene | last1 = Yeager | first2 = Bridget | last2 = Doherty
| publisher = Rodale | year = 2000
| isbn = 1-57954-217-4
}} (Google Books)</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = http://books.google.com/?id=0MUi2yslAS0C&pg=PA156
| title = Health and wellness | page = 156
| first1 = Gordon | last1 = Edlin | first2 = Eric | last2 = Golanty
| publisher = Jones & Bartlett Publishers | year = 2007
| isbn = 0-7637-4145-0
}} (Google Books)</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = http://books.google.com/?id=738aG1QxoBUC&pg=PA72
| title = Sustainable transport: planning for walking and cycling in urban environments
| first = Rodney | last = Tolley
| publisher = Woodhead Publishing | year = 2003
| isbn = 1-85573-614-4 | page = 72
}} (Google Books)</ref>

Studies have found that walking may also help prevent [[dementia]] and [[Alzheimer's]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Study finds path to avoiding dementia measures 14.5km |url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/study-finds-path-to-avoiding-dementia-measures-145km-20101014-16lrg.html |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=15 October 2010 |accessdate=19 October 2010}}</ref>

The CDC's fact sheet on the Relationship of Walking to Mortality Among U.S. Adults with Diabetes states that those with diabetes who walked for 2 or more hours a week lowered their mortality rate from all causes by 39%. "Walking lengthened the life of people with diabetes regardless of age, sex, race, body mass index, length of time since diagnosis, and presence of complications or functional limitations." <ref>[http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/factsheets/walking.htm CDC - Relationship of Walking to Mortality among U.S. Adults - Factsheets - Publications - Diabetes DDT<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

==Paleoanthropology and ambulation==
Judging from footprints discovered on a former shore in Kenya, it is thought possible that ancestors of modern humans were walking in ways very similar to the present activity as many as 1.5 million years ago.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE51P82420090226
| title = Footprints show human ancestor with modern stride
| first = Will | last = Dunham | publisher = Reuters
| date = February 26, 2009 | accessdate = August 2009
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=15-million-footprints-uncover
| title = Researchers Uncover 1.5 Million-Year-Old Footprints
| first = Katherine | last = Harmon | publisher = Scientific American
| date = February 26, 2009 | accessdate = August 2009
}}</ref>

==Evolutionary origin of walking==
[[File:Gait-of-healthy-Hamster.ogv|thumb|A walking hamster.]]
It is theorized that "walking" among [[tetrapods]] originated underwater with air-breathing fish that could "walk" underwater, giving rise to the plethora of land-dwelling life that walk on four or two limbs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Choi |first=Charles |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45645209/ns/technology_and_science-science/ |title=Hopping fish suggests walking originated underwater; Discovery might redraw the evolutionary route scientists think life took from water to land |publisher=Msnbc.msn.com |date=2011-12-12 |accessdate=2012-08-22}}</ref> While terrestrial [[tetrapods]] are theorized to have a single origin, [[arthropods]] and their relatives are thought to have independently evolved walking several times, specifically in [[insects]], [[myriapods]], [[chelicerates]], [[tardigrades]], [[onychophorans]], and [[crustaceans]].<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=Ql6Jl6wKb88C&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109&dq=arthropod+invasion+of+the+land&source=bl&ots=q9zDD4DvHx&sig=dzXHPuA8A4P34k2ToCnc7Kru_Ws&hl=en&sa=X&ei=yEtyUIeVHenw0gHJpICgBw&ved=0CHQQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=arthropod%20invasion%20of%20the%20land&f=false Evolution of the Insects - David Grimaldi, Michael S. Engel - Google Books<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

==Variants of walking==
[[File:Nordic Walkers near Ilkley 020.JPG|thumb|[[Nordic walking|Nordic walkers]]]]

While not strictly bipedal, several ''primarily'' bipedal human gaits (where the long bones of the arms support at most a small fraction of the body's weight) are generally regarded as variants of walking. These include:
* [[Hand walking]]; an unusual form of [[gait (human)|locomotion]], in which the walker moves primarily using their [[hand]]s.
* Walking on [[crutches]] (with a variety of possible gaits);
* Walking with one or two [[walking stick]](s) or [[trekking poles]] (reducing the load on one or both legs, or supplementing the body's normal [[Sense of balance|balancing]] mechanisms by also pushing against the ground through at least one arm that holds a long object);
* Walking while holding on to a [[Walker (tool)|walker]], a framework to aid with [[Equilibrioception|balance]]; and
* [[Scrambling]], using the arms (and hands or some other extension to the arms) not just as a backup to normal balance, but, as when walking on [[Scree|talus]], to achieve states of balance that would be impossible or unstable when supported solely by the legs.
* [[Nordic walking]], walking with ski poles in both hands.

== Biomechanics ==
[[File:Blender3D NormalWalkCycle.gif|thumb|120px|Simple walk-cycle]]
Human walking is accomplished with a strategy called the [[double pendulum]]. During forward motion, the leg that leaves the ground swings forward from the hip. This sweep is the first pendulum. Then the leg strikes the ground with the heel and rolls through to the toe in a motion described as an inverted pendulum. The motion of the two legs is coordinated so that one foot or the other is always in contact with the ground. The process of walking recovers approximately sixty per cent of the energy used due to pendulum dynamics and ground reaction force.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/health/HealthRepublish_232296.htm
| title = Walk without waste | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC Online Index]]
| date = January 2001 | accessdate = August 2009
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://web.deu.edu.tr/mechatronics/TR/webpagedesignbipedal/humangait.pdf
| title = Investigation of Bipedal Human Gait Dynamics and Knee Motion Control
| first1 = Erol | last1 = Uyar | first2 = Özgün | last2 = Baser | first3 = Recep | last3 = Baci | first4 = Engin | last4 = Özçivici
| publisher = Dokuz Eylül University - Faculty of Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering | location = Izmir, Turkey
| date = before 2003 | accessdate = August 2009
}}</ref>

Walking differs from a [[running]] [[gait]] in a number of ways. The most obvious is that during walking one leg always stays on the ground while the other is swinging. In running there is typically a [[Ballistics|ballistic]] phase where the runner is airborne with both feet in the air (for bipedals).

Another difference concerns the movement of the [[center of mass]] of the body. In walking the body "vaults" over the leg on the ground, raising the center of mass to its highest point as the leg passes the vertical, and dropping it to the lowest as the legs are spread apart. Essentially [[kinetic energy]] of forward motion is constantly being traded for a rise in [[potential energy]]. This is reversed in running where the center of mass is at its lowest as the leg is vertical. This is because the impact of landing from the ballistic phase is absorbed by bending the leg and consequently storing energy in [[muscles]] and [[tendons]]. In running there is a conversion between kinetic, potential, and [[elastic energy]].

There is an absolute limit on an individual's speed of walking (without special techniques such as those employed in [[speed walking]]) due to the upwards acceleration of the center of mass during a stride - if it's greater than the acceleration due to gravity the person will become airborne as they vault over the leg on the ground. Typically however, animals switch to a run at a lower speed than this due to energy efficiencies.

== As a leisure activity ==
[[File:Walking.jpg|thumb|Walking in [[Shilda]]]]
Many people walk as a [[hobby]], and in the post-industrial age it is often enjoyed as one of the best forms of [[exercise]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Ramblers |url=http://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/advice-for-walkers/walking-and-your-health.aspx |title=Walking benefits |publisher=Ramblers.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-08-22}}</ref>

Fitness walkers and others may use a [[pedometer]] to count their steps. The types of walking include [[bushwalking]], [[racewalking]], weight-walking, [[hillwalking]], [[volksmarching]], [[Nordic walking]] and [[hiking]] on [[long-distance path]]s. Sometimes people prefer to walk indoors using a [[treadmill]]. In some countries walking as a hobby is known as [[hiking]] (the typical North American term), rambling (a somewhat dated British expression, but remaining in use because it is enshrined in the title of the important [[Ramblers' Association|Ramblers)]], or tramping. Hiking is a subtype of walking, generally used to mean walking in [[nature]] areas on specially designated routes or trails, as opposed to in [[urban area|urban]] environments; however, hiking can also refer to any long-distance walk. More obscure terms for walking include "to go by Marrow-bone stage", "to take one's daily constitutional", "to ride Shanks' pony", "to ride Shanks' mare", or "to go by Walker's bus". Among [[search and rescue]] responders, those responders who walk (rather than ride, drive, fly, climb, or sit in a communications trailer) often are known as "ground pounders".<ref>[http://www.nasar.org/nasar/support_nasar.php Ground pounders]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dog-pound.net/sar-dogs.htm |title=Ground pounders - unpaid volunteers |publisher=Dog-pound.net |date= |accessdate=2012-08-22}}</ref>

The Walking the Way to Health Initiative is the largest volunteer led walking scheme in the [[United Kingdom]]. Volunteers are trained to lead free Health Walks from community venues such as libraries and GP surgeries. The scheme has trained over 35,000 volunteers and have over 500 schemes operating across the UK, with thousands of people walking every week.

Professionals working to increase the number of people walking more usually come from six sectors: health, transport, environment, schools, sport and recreation, and urban design. A new organization called Walk England launched a web site on 18 June 2008 to provide these professionals with evidence, advice and examples of success stories of how to encourage communities to walk more. The site has a social networking aspect to allow professionals and the public to ask questions, discuss, post news and events and communicate with others in their area about walking, as well as a "walk now" option to find out what walks are available in each region.

The world's largest-registration walking event is the [[International Four Days Marches Nijmegen]]. The annual Labor Day walk on [[Mackinac Bridge]] draws over sixty thousand participants. The [[Chesapeake Bay Bridge]] walk annually draws over fifty thousand participants. Walks are often organized as [[Charitable organization|charity]] events with walkers seeking sponsors to raise money for a specific cause. Charity walks range in length from two mile (3&nbsp;km) or five km walks to as far as fifty miles (eighty km). The [[MS Challenge Walk]] is an example of a fifty mile walk which raises money to fight [[multiple sclerosis]]. The Oxfam Trailwalker is a one hundred km event.
[[Image:Sheep walking down road.jpg|thumb|[[Sheep]] walking along a road]]

In Britain, the [[Ramblers]] is the biggest organization that looks after the interests of walkers. A registered [[charitable organization|charity]], it has 139,000 members. The Ramblers’ run Get Walking Keep Walking project provides free routes, led walks and information specifically designed for people new to walking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.getwalking.org |title=Get Walking Keep Walking website |publisher=Getwalking.org |date= |accessdate=2012-08-22}}</ref>

Regular, brisk cycling or walking can improve confidence, [[Endurance|stamina]], energy, [[weight control]], [[life expectancy]] and reduce [[Chronic stress|stress]]. It can also reduce the risk of [[coronary heart disease]], [[stroke]]s, [[diabetes]], [[high blood pressure]], [[bowel cancer]] and [[osteoporosis]]. Modern scientific studies have shown that walking, besides its physical benefits, is also beneficial for the mind — improving [[memory]] skills, [[learning]] ability, [[concentration]] and abstract reasoning, as well as reducing stress and uplifting one's spirits.

As a form of tourism there are many options for walking. The most famous one would be "walking tours" normally offered in different cities by paid guide tours. However, there are some volunteers that can conduct walking tours for tourists and do not charge for it, but just ask for a small tip at the end of the walk.

== As transportation ==
Walking is the most basic and common [[mode of transportation]] and is recommended for a healthy lifestyle, and has numerous environmental benefits. However people are walking less in the UK; a Department of Transport report<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/personal/factsheets/walkingfactsheet.pdf |title=Statistics - Department for Transport |publisher=Dft.gov.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-08-22}}</ref> found that between 1995/97 and 2005 the average number of walk trips per person fell by 16%, from 292 to 245 per year. Many professionals in local authorities and the NHS are employed to halt this decline by ensuring that the built environment allows people to walk and that there are walking opportunities available to them.

When distances are too great to be convenient, walking can be combined with other modes of transportation, such as [[utility cycling|cycling]], [[public transport]], [[car sharing]], [[carpool]]ing, [[hitchhiking]], or driving a car.

===Walkability===
There has been a recent focus among [[urban planning|urban planners]] in some communities to create [[pedestrian-friendly]] areas and roads, allowing [[commuting]], shopping and recreation to be done on foot. The concept of [[walkability]] has arisen as a measure of the degree to which an area is friendly to walking. Some communities are at least partially [[Auto-free zone|car-free]], making them particularly supportive of walking and other modes of transportation. In the United States, the [[active living]] network is an example of a concerted effort to develop communities more friendly to walking and other physical activities.

Walking is also considered to be a clear example of a [[sustainable]] mode of [[transport]], especially suited for urban use and/or relatively shorter distances. Non-motorised transport modes such as walking, but also [[cycling]], small-wheeled transport (skates, skateboards, push scooters and hand carts) or wheelchair travel are often key elements of successfully encouraging clean urban transport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eu-portal.net/material/material2.phtml?sprache=en&kt=kt11 |title=Non Motorised Transport, Teaching and Learning Material |publisher=Eu-portal.net |date= |accessdate=2012-08-22}}</ref> A large variety of case studies and good practices (from European cities and some worldwide examples) that promote and stimulate walking as a means of transportation in cities can be found at [[Eltis]], Europe's portal for local transport.<ref>[http://www.eltis.org European Local Transport Information Service] ([[ELTIS]]) provides case studies concerning walking as a local transport concept</ref>

The development of specific rights of way with appropriate infrastructure can promote increased participation and enjoyment of walking. Examples of types of investment include [[pedestrian mall]]s, and [[foreshoreway]]s such as [[oceanway]]s and [[riverwalk]]s.

== In robotics ==
{{Main|Robot locomotion}}
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2009}}
The first successful attempts at walking [[robot]]s tended to have six legs. The number of legs was reduced as microprocessor technology advanced, and there are now a number of robots that can walk on two legs. One for example, is [[ASIMO]]. Although robots have taken great strides in advancement, they still don't walk nearly as well as human beings as they often need to keep their [[knee]]s bent permanently in order to improve stability.

In 2009, Japanese roboticist [[Tomotaka Takahashi]] developed a robot that can jump three inches off the ground. The robot, named [[Ropid]], is capable of getting up, walking, running, and jumping.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10387001-1.html|title= Ropid the robot can walk, run, and hop|publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=2012-06-19}}</ref>

==See also==
{{multiCol}}

* [[Barefoot]]
* [[Carrying on the head]]
* [[Flâneur]]
* [[Footpath]]
* [[Gait training]]
* [[Hiking]]
* [[International charter for walking]]
* [[List of U.S. cities with most pedestrian commuters]]
* [[Military step]]
* [[Naismith's rule]]
* [[Nordic Walking]]
* [[Outdoor education]]
* [[Outdoor literature]]

{{colBreak}}

* [[Pedestrian-friendly]]
* [[Power Walking]]
* [[Preferred walking speed]]
* [[Relay for Life]]
* [[Sustainable transport]]
* [[Terrestrial locomotion in animals]]
* [[The Ministry of Silly Walks]]
* [[Tobler's hiking function]]
* [[Trail]]
* [[Walking distance measure]]
* [[Walking fish]]
* [[Walking stick]]
* [[Walking tour]]
* [[Walking (film)]]

{{colBreak}}

{{Commons category|Walking}}

{{endMultiCol}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Bibliography==
Nicholson, Geoff, ''The Lost Art of Walking'', Harbour Books, 2010. ISBN 978-1-905128-15-0

==External links==
{{Wiktionary|walk}}
{{Commonscat|Walking}}
* [http://www.eltis.org European Local Transport Information Service] ([[Eltis|ELTIS]]) provides case studies concerning walking as a local transport concept.
*{{dmoz|Sports/Walking}}


{{Locomotion}}
{{Activities of daily living}}
{{Physical exercise}}
{{Human-powered vehicles}}

[[Category:Walking| ]]

{{Link GA|ru}}
[[ceb:Paglakaw]]
[[yi:גיין]]

Revision as of 17:09, 15 May 2013

Walking is very boring. You should drive with car, bus and the best is the train.

I hate walking. You hate walking.

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