One of my unspoken mottos is “never ride when you can walk.” I’m convinced that this pledge has helped me maintain my girlish figure even during the most adamant of anti exercise phases. I feel fortunate that my hometown (NYC) is perfectly designed for walkers. It is equipped with an endless stream of long blocks, perfectly designed for strolling and non-stop stimuli to engage the easily bored pedestrian.

But it didn’t make the cut.

According to Prevention magazine, Boise City, Idaho and Austin, Texas are decidedly more walkable than my city. In a formal study, the magazine calculated the best walking cities based on population (to qualify candidates had to be among the country’s 100 most populous), percentage of residents who walk as a means of transportation and as a fitness regimen, and a number of “walker-friendly attributes.” The best cities to walk in should have low crime rates, temperate weather, and cultural attractions (for NYC that would be check, almost check, and check).

Before I announce the winners, I must emphasize that wherever you live, walking is one of the best ways to get from point A to point B. Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that every 30 minutes spent in a car increases your risk of obesity by three percent and each 0.6 mile walked daily decreases that risk by five percent.

Without further ado, I present the top 10 walker-friendly cities in America (NYC comes in at 25 on Prevention’s 100 Best Walking Cities)

1) Portland, Oregon

2) Colorado Springs, Colorado

3) Madison, Wisconsin

4) Boise City, Idaho

5) Las Vegas, Nevada

6) Austin, Texas

7) Virginia Beach, Virginia

8) Anchorage, Alaska

9) Fremont, California

10) Raleigh, North Carolina

Image: shapemag.co.za