If you’ve been singing the lyrics “I walk a lonely road” a lot lately, you’re not… alone (well, in a sense). Sacramento roads are actually less lonely than many, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
If national averages indicate anything, it’s that roads overall may have been more lonely during the past few years. According to a recent data report by Streetlight, annual average daily walking trips dropped 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022.
How does that national average shake out in Sacramento, and where are the best spots to raise those national trend (and step count) numbers? Let’s take a look.
By the numbers
- -31% | Percent change in walking trips in California
- -30% | Percent change in walking trips in Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville
- 49 | Sacramento’s score out of 100 on Walk Score’s walkability meter
What does a percent change in walking trips mean? Say a metro area sees a -50% change in walking trips. This means, on average, walking trips declined by 50% in that area. (For the record, none of the top 100 metros in the study saw that much of a decline — the biggest dip was 49% in Akron, OH.)
Where to walk the walk
Wondering where you can get your steps in? Check out these pedestrian-friendly spots around town, from local parks to protected streets.
- American River Parkway | Take in the views of the river on this path, which features more than a dozen access points.
- Old Sacramento Waterfront | Soak up local history, do some shopping, grab some food — and maybe even spot a sea lion — on this scenic walk.
- Effie Yeaw Nature Center | Whether you’re walking with an expert or alone, you’ll be sure to feel reconnected with the wonder of nature after a jaunt at this preserve.
