Traveling on Foot in the Village of Clemmons

Traveling On Foot in the Village of

BY VONDA HENDERSON Walking is good for us, no arguments there. What’s even better is when the community you live in makes the activity convenient. The Village of Clemmons does just that. With sidewalks in a number of areas and more planned for the future, there are plenty of walking options.

Speaking of sidewalks, what else do they provide? Quite a lot as research indicates. For instance:

• Sidewalks help foster a sense of community. Research studies found that people living in areas with sidewalks are more likely to take advantage of them for just walking or visiting local stores with sidewalk access. In addition, neighbors are more likely to casually meet and get acquainted. And, let’s face it, in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s not always easy to meet neighbors.

But, if you run into them while taking a walk through the neighborhood, you already have a few things in common – you enjoy walking and you live near each other. Take it from there to nd other things you might share.

• An important side bene t of getting acquainted with neighbors is that you’re more inclined to look out for one another. It’s proven that pedestrians pay more attention to what’s going on around the area than those who just look out their windows once in a while.

• It’s much safer walking on sidewalks and designated walking trails than along the side of the road. For one thing, the atmosphere is more pleasant without the smell of gas emissions, the noise and having to keep so vigilant regarding traf c.

• Businesses bene t from sidewalks, as well. Customer traf c can improve just from the convenience factor of being able to walk to a store versus getting in the car to drive there. • Speaking of cars, with the accessibility of sidewalks, there can also be reduced automobile traf c, less wear and tear on a car and lower emissions to the environment.

• Homeowners get a boost from having sidewalks around their homes as well. It’s a proven statistic that buyers are willing to pay more for homes with sidewalks or walking areas nearby. Also, property values rise faster in areas with sidewalks. For some families, sidewalks or accessible walking places are high on their wish lists for homeownership.

The Village Point Greenway, a walking trail of three-quarters of a mile, is another option. Enjoying the changing seasons along the pathways gives a welcome break after a long workday, a good place for a stroller walk to get you and your baby some fresh air, a brisk walk to get the heart pumping or a leisurely stroll just because you feel like it. All are good reasons to take advantage of the Greenway. Every season provides the potential for a different view as you enjoy the Greenway. Plans are in place to add secondary

Clemmons

connections to the Greenway as development opportunities occur. Ultimately, the Greenway will circle back to the hospital and Jerry Long YMCA. Keep an eye out for expanded trails.

Enjoy walking about in Clemmons, and look for new areas open for walking. For more information on walking trails and sidewalks (current and planned), contact Megan Ledbetter, Village Planner for the Village of Clemmons, by phone at 336.766.7511, via e-mail at Mledbetter@clemmons.org and online at www.clemmons.org.