As a new mother, Jennifer Donovan loves walking everywhere she can with her baby, Lucy.

“We walk at least three times a week to Laurelhurst Park,” says Donovan.

But she and her daughter don’t just walk to the park; they also walk to all of their errands.

“We make small trips to the grocery store a few times a week, walk to the post office and visit local businesses to pick up gifts and household necessities,” Donovan says.

Living in Southeast Portland, close to Hawthorne, has made walking more convenient than driving.

“My child would rather be in the fresh air seeing new sites instead of in a car seat,” Donovan says. “And I like the exercise.”

“It’s really a lifestyle choice. Walking is more pleasant than being in a car. And I don’t have to look for parking or pay for it!” remarks Donovan. “There’s no reason not to walk when you are in the city. It may take a bit more time, but why is everyone in such a hurry? People shouldn’t make time a factor.”

Mike Dennis avoids using cars at all costs. In fact, Dennis doesn’t even own a car.

“It’s not that I can’t afford a car? I just don’t want one. I really like to walk around the city, see the seasons change, meet new people and observe interesting things,” he says.

Dennis lives and works in downtown Portland, which compliments his walking lifestyle and passion.

“The health benefits from walking are great,” he says. “And Portland was recently voted the best walking city in the country.”

Dennis tries to make Portland the best city to walk in through his involvement in Willamette Pedestrian Coalition.

“I really like to support Portland and its walkable neighborhoods,” says Dennis.

He adds, “Owning a car is such a hassle. They take up too much space and parking lots interrupt nice neighborhoods.

Dennis is also active in the Safe Routes to School Program whose mission is to establish safe routes for children to use when they walk to school.

If Dennis does need a car he simply rents one or uses Flexcar.

For Dennis, walking is more than a convenient way to get around. “Being in the outdoors here in the beautiful Northwest is just an added benefit.”