Pasadena City Hall (Photo – Gareth Peries)
An alternate mode of transportation.
By Susana Porras
The 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake caused more than 200 million dollars in damage, 200 injuries, and three deaths. I remember the quake clearly, not for its destruction, but because at 11 years of age I was bussed to a school more than three miles from home and my mother, who didn’t drive, was unable to pick me up. As an adult, I made it a point to always find work near home.
Friday, April 5, was Walk to Work Day, and with Earth Day around the corner, it may be a good idea to consider alternate modes of transportation, not just for a single day, but to make a concentrated effort to have a positive impact on the environment.
A few weeks ago, I decided to compare how long it would take me to drive and walk to work. I started the clock as soon as I locked the front door, I drove to work, parked the car in the designated garage, and stopped the clock when my hand touched the building door – 15 minutes flat. The next day I packed my bag with a change of clothing, water and snacks and started the clock. It took me 17 minutes to walk to work. The thought of driving to my nine to five to save two minutes seemed completely absurd and I’ve been walking to the office ever since. The walk has given me time to reflect on the commute itself – the dangers of walking alone, distracted drivers, the sun beating on my aging skin, breaking into a sweat, and the benefits of exercise, but foremost on my mind has been the inconvenience of driving.
California’s car culture doesn’t permit us to see driving as an inconvenience; however, over the years I have come to the conclusion that owning a car is anything but convenient. When you add up the cost to purchase a vehicle, registration, insurance, parking, valets, parking tickets, gas, maintenance, washes, little tree air fresheners, etc. not to mention bumper to bumper traffic and limited parking availability, it begs the question – is driving worth it?
Navigating through the concrete jungle and having to listen to the thunderous sounds of the 210-freeway overpass are a small price to pay in exchange for a free early morning workout, some time to plan my day, and the opportunity to meet people along the way who think the same way I do. The key to a healthier ecosystem may not lie in fancy electric vehicles, but perhaps in using our natural born ability to commute, and finding a job slightly closer to home.
I’ve yet to sell my car, but for the moment, I’m making sure to pack my bag well every evening, to throw a little extra sunscreen on my face, and to walk with purpose. Happy Earth Month!
Susana Porras is a resident of Pasadena. She holds Double Degrees in Sociology and French as well as a Master of Arts in Sociology from CSULA.
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