Name: Alisa
Occupation: Government Relations
Employer: City of Tacoma
Gets around by: Walking
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in the Midtown Lofts and work for the City of Tacoma downtown.
How do you get there?
I walk 5 days a week.
How does it all add up? How much money and time do you save?
Prior to moving downtown, I lived in University Place – easily a 20 minute drive each way plus 15 minutes every day finding parking and walking between my parked car and my office. Now, I only have the walk – less than 8 minutes between my work and home. My commute time has been reduced from a total of an hour a day to not much more than an hour a week! Plus, over the course of a year I’ve probably saved at least $350 in gas.
What’s in it for you?
The convenience of working close to home is immeasurable. I love the option of walking home for lunch. I never feel rushed in the morning to get to work; there’s never any concern of congestion on my commute! I’ve never found an easier way to ensure I get at least 15 minutes of walking exercise a day – and saving an hour of commute time has given me back an hour in my day that I can dedicate to a regular exercise program. Saving $350 in gas bought me a good pair of walking shoes plus a fancy, impractical pair just ’cause I could.
Do you have any tips for people who might be trying this mode for the first time?
Buy a good pair of walking shoes, dig out your umbrella or coat with a hood, and have a comfortable bag or backpack. Walking is very doable and comfortable. There’s no bad weather in the Puget Sound, just bad clothing choices. (and by the way, for work, skirts and heels are my standard daily dress).