If you’ve been singing the lyrics “I walk a lonely road” a lot lately, you’re not… alone (well, in a sense). San Antonio roads are actually even lonelier 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 the San Antonio metro area, and where are the best spots to raise those national trend (and step count) numbers? Let’s take a look.
By the numbers
- -39% | Percent change in walking trips in Texas
- -41% | Percent change in walking trips in San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area
- 37 | San Antonio’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.
- Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military | Take a nature break with your dog and walk along the miles of trails inside the park.
- Valero Trailhead, 5902 NW Loop 1604 | Check out the 82+ miles of developed multi-use and accessible trails on the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System.
- McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd. | Stroll along 8.5 miles of trails perfect for walks with your family.
