Walking speeds vary depending on age, and health of walkers. However, an average comfortable walking speed is about 5 km per hour and 9km per hour can be achieved by many people. This means that in 30 minutes it should be possible to easily walk 2.5km and in 2 hours it should be possible to walk 10km.  In cities, these are the distances that people nearly always drive or use buses, buses and taxis. Often, the argument is that there is not enough time to walk.

However, a quick calculation, that includes time looking for parking, or time waiting for buses or taxis, may reveal that there is not much difference in journey time. There are also many advantages of walking. Walking enables people to know their cities; they can talk to different people, visit parks, shops, markets and experience a diversity of neighbourhoods. Walking keeps people fit and healthy and reduces pollution and noise.

Walking distances have been mapped for Seattle for 1, 2 and 3 hours in the diagram above. This shows that most of the city can be accessed in 2-hour walk.