Dec 4, 2005

Movement: NeoStep(tm)

As the mother of all physical activities, walking is the most natural and, lately, the most taken for granted. In the digital/virtual/instant age, walking has become an unpreferred way of “getting there”. Mostly for reasons like low-speed and no-style, we've unconciously opted out of walking.

Everyone, except the Amish, wants the flashy and fast life. And, in the end, even the Amish teen on that reality tv show couldn't resist a change of mind. Our pda’s are jammed with commitments--evidence of our rushing from one place to the next. We want to be stylish so we choose cars that we believe speak volumes about our accomplishments and pimp them with accessories that reflect our taste. One more drag on the cool factor for walking? Those bothersome political dimensions of the concept including like access, ability and safety.

The neo-step movement answers points like these through focus on what’s to be GAINED and ENJOYED from foot travel, walk-based games, a slower gait, visual pleasures only pedestrians enjoy, and involvement in walk-related social issues.

The movement calls all of us to awareness.

Our idea-sharing and creativity can help untether walk concepts from the traditional idea of walking as purely sport, only exercise or simply a niche market hobby. Neo-steppers say they want walking to encompass these traditional ideas and grow even further to become (1) more aware of linkages and community, (2) more globally directed, and (3) restored to its former greatness as a respected form of ACTIVE.

Just as Carlos Petrini's Slow Food Movement raises awareness of cooking, eating and savoring fresh meals in a relaxed environment, the neo-step movement has arrived to explore the amazing expanse that is the walk universe.

Got thoughts on neo-step? Connect at walktopia [at] mac [dot] com.

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