Earlier this week, The Washington Post ran an article entitled "Stung at the Pumps, More Hop on the Bus" about how rising gas prices are paralleling an increase in transit ridership. Take a look at the article, and you'll see that reporters Lena H. Sun and Jonathan Mummolo have done their homework and present the numbers and testimonials to rest their case.
While transit agencies, employers, and commuters begin to adapt to these trends, we need to look beyond the work week to steps that can be undertaken during our non-work hours. With gas prices just as high on weekends as during the week, recreational transportation habits are ripe for change as well.
So, instead of driving to your recreational destination of choice this weekend, why not take transit, bike or walk? In fact, why not eliminate the middleman and make walking your recreational outing?
It's easier than ever this Sunday, when WALKArlington hosts its spring Walkabout, or guided walking
The Dominion Hills Walkabout will kick off at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. Led by Arlington County Board Chairman and Dominion Hills resident J. Walter Tejada, the approximately two-mile, two-hour Walkabout will begin and end at Mace Park, at the foot of North Liberty Street between 10th Road North and the Four Mile Run Trail. Speakers will share anecdotes about the neighborhood's unique history, recreational opportunities, and natural features at nine stops along the way, returning to Mace Park for a tree-planting by 5:00 p.m. Click here for a look at a map of the Walkabout route.
On the final stop of the route, walkers will hear about all of the transportation options that have traversed this west Arlington neighborhood over the last 200 years. Most have come and gone, replaced by Metro's Orange line, I-66, and a network of walking and biking trails.
If gas prices continue to rise, perhaps the day when I-66 has come and gone is not so far off.
In the meantime, lace up your shoes and make tracks to Dominion Hills for Sunday's Walkabout. It takes place rain or shine, is free of charge, and requires neither registration nor gasoline.
Lauren Hassel
WALKArlington
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