Walker Profiles: Meet Kristina
Photo Courtesy of Kristina Johnson
Walk to Work Day is this Friday, April 12. Leading up to the big day, we talked with San Franciscans who already walk to their workplace or wherever they spend their day.
In our next installment of Walker Profiles, we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Johnson who walks from work in the Inner Sunset to Noe Valley each day.
How did you decide to start walking from work?
I decided that I could get some aerobic exercise and alone time if I ditched the bus for walking. There are some hills, nice scenery and a spectacular view from Market street that makes me feel like it’s a treat, not a chore.
What is your favorite part about walking home from work?
I really enjoy seeing everything at a walking pace (albeit a brisk pace!); the houses, little sidewalk gardens, birds flying overhead. It’s a very soothing way to end my hectic workday. The added benefits have been weight loss, better sleep at night and better concentration.
What challenges have you faced when walking to work? How do you overcome them?
The traffic can be a bear and that one crazy intersection on Market street is dangerous! There is a button to trigger the pedestrian crossing, but sometimes cars ignore it and go speeding down the hill; I have to WATCH constantly! The intersection at Parnassus and Cole is always crowded too, and people don’t seem to know when it’s their turn to go.
I generally keep back from the crosswalk until I see it’s pretty clear and I get across as quickly as I can. Crosswalks are not the best part of my walk, that’s for sure!
Do you have regular stops on your walk? Regular people you interact with?
I walk through completely residential neighborhoods so, I don’t really see anyone. It’s kind of like a “walking meditation” in that regard…no stopping to chat with merchants or anything fun like that, but still a really nice activity.
Thanks Kristina for sharing your story with us! Are you already walking to work? Tell us about your experiences here.
Interested in walking to work on Friday, April 12? Learn about Walk to Work Day contests, drawing prizes and Hubs near you for FREE coffee and pre-loaded Clipper cards at walk2workday.org.