Taking a walk is an underrated activity for resetting your body and mind with the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors that, for some, is now being met with an understandable hesitance under stay-at-home orders.

With that in mind, Walk Long Beach, a local nonprofit aiming to simplify walking safely as well as promote its myriad health benefits, instituted its “Walking Wednesdays,” an e-blast offering a suggestion of where to walk that day or any day, for that matter.

“Safer at home does not mean you can’t get out and walk,” WLB states. “Getting out of the house and away from the news for a bit will make you feel better, honest!”

The weekly email includes a route-for-the-day and pulls from WLB’s pile of more than 35 walking loop cards, created in collaboration with urban design studio, City Fabrick. Each card contains an easy-to-follow map and description of the featured route. There are so many routes to choose from, it’s likely you’ll find one in your neck of the woods.

Walks vary in distance and neighborhood, including a 3.5-mile walk through Wrigley’s historic landmark district, a route full of elderly, twisting trees and vintage homes to admire.

You can find the cards at walklongbeach.org, on Instagram @walklongbeach, and can request that a handful be mailed straight to your door, or left at a safe and convenient location to pick up. Just email WLB Executive Director Steve Gerhardt ([email protected]), a man who has long advocated for making the city a more walkable place.

“Walking is good for you, from improving circulation to managing diabetes to elevating mood,” Gerhardt said.

Whether it’s showing up to Planning Commission meetings to present concerns on pedestrian-friendly design, or drawing the public’s attention to walking routes, WLB continues to adapt as a resource under COVID-19 conditions.

Included in the promotion of the routes are bullet points on how to walk safely during the pandemic and any time.

Before heading out, make sure to read the tips below:

• When outside, wear a mask or face covering of some sort to protect yourself and others.
• Practice good physical distancing, at least six feet.
• Stay away from crowded locations whether they are designated for walking or not.
• If you stop to chat, stay back six feet from others.
• If you are somewhere where others are walking, walk a little faster or slower or step aside to maintain safe separation.
• Walk only in small groups with people and pets you live with, or go out on your own.
• Don’t push traffic signal buttons with your fingers, wear a glove or use an elbow. We heard one science reporter from the New York Times recommend wearing one glove, and leaving the other hand in your pocket, and available to work your phone.
• Wash your hands very well when you get home.
• Leave your walking shoes by the door.
• Avoid touching your face when you are out.
• Be extra aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware that there is less traffic and drivers are taking advantage and speeding.
• If you are driving, please be more careful, and look out for the increased number of pedestrians and cyclists.

And, as WLB continues to track pedestrian safety issues, you can also share your own routes by taking a few photos during your walk—whether it’s of a building, public art, plants, an unsafe sidewalk—and post them with the hashtags #sidewalkingsociety and #walklongbeach, to assist WLB in creating new walks to share.

Find out more about the nonprofit through its website at walklongbeach.org.