Walk to Work Day Walker Profile: Meet Doug

Walk to Work Day is just around the corner on Friday, April 11. Leading up to the big day, we talked with San Franciscans who already walk to their workplace or wherever they spend their day.

In this installment of Walker Profiles, we’d like to introduce you to Inner Richmond resident, Doug DesCombaz, who walks 2-5 miles to work  in SOMA 3-5 days a week.

What inspired you to start walking to work?

When the 38 or 38L arrives at 6th Ave anytime between 6:30-10am, there is a fairly good chance that I will be standing, and at peak, bumped around for 25-30 minutes. Since I can’t really accomplish anything useful in that time, I reasoned it made more sense to add some time to my commute, and listen to news/audiobooks or nothing and just take a relaxing stroll. I try biking occasionally, but I always feel like I am going to get hit by a car, or other bikers.

What is your favorite part about walking?

The city is quiet in the morning.

What challenges have you faced when walking to work? How do you overcome them?

I have to add an hour in the morning to my commute. It’s alright, I don’t have to be particularly awake, or require much attention to begin my stroll. I usually wake-up at some point.

The human urine isn’t always cleaned up by time I arrive strolling into downtown area.

Do you have regular stops on your walk? Regular people you meet/see?

I usually stop at the Peet’s Coffee, or Starbucks at Laurel Heights depending on which one is less busy.

What is your favorite “Walking to Work” story?

At first I thought it was slightly insane, now I just think it makes great sense.

Thanks Doug 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 11?  Learn about Walk to Work Day contests, drawing prizes and Hubs near you for FREE coffee and pre-loaded Clipper cards at walk2workday.org.