A personal reflection on walking, urban life, and changing social values
Beyond Movement
Walking is often seen as the most basic form of physical activity—simple, accessible, and almost invisible in its ordinariness. Yet, when I reflect on my daily life, walking turns out to be more than just a way to move from one place to another. It is closely connected to my memories, my health, my family life, and even the way society defines success today.
Although I do not walk regularly as a structured daily exercise, walking has quietly shaped different phases of my life. From school days and university corridors to family walks on holidays, my relationship with walking mirrors broader changes in lifestyle, transportation, and social values.
A Way of Life
At present, walking is not a dominant part of my daily routine. I do not intentionally schedule walking as a standalone exercise. Most of my physical activity comes from going to the gym, where I focus mainly on weightlifting. Occasionally, after completing my strength training session, I spend about 20 to 30 minutes walking on the treadmill. This usually results in around six hundred to seven hundred steps a day—far from what is often recommended for optimal health.
This pattern reflects a modern lifestyle where physical activity is often compartmentalized. Exercise becomes something we “do” in a specific place, at a specific time, rather than something naturally integrated into daily movement. Walking, in this sense, becomes supplementary rather than central.
My relationship with walking was very different in the past. When I was in middle school, walking was not a choice—it was simply how we got to school. My friends and I walked from our homes to the school every morning. The distance was manageable, so there was no need for bicycles or cars. Walking felt natural and effortless, not something we questioned or measured in steps.
This habit became even more prominent during my university years. My campus was large, and walking was unavoidable. We walked from one classroom to another, from one building to the next, often several times a day. Interestingly, I never felt tired of it. Walking became my “cup of tea,” a routine embedded in academic life. It allowed moments of reflection between classes, spontaneous conversations with friends, and a sense of physical engagement with the learning environment.
Looking back, walking during those years was not only about transportation—it was part of an active, socially connected lifestyle.
Urban Spaces That Invite Walking
Living in Malang, I often realize that the city is not entirely friendly for pedestrians. Sidewalks are limited, uneven, or sometimes occupied by parked vehicles and street vendors, making walking in daily urban life less comfortable and less safe. For many residents, walking is not the first choice of transportation, not because of lack of interest, but because the city’s infrastructure does not consistently support it.
However, the local government has made several efforts to facilitate walking culture in specific public spaces. One of the most well-known examples is Alun-Alun Malang, the town square located in the heart of the city. This area provides a designated walking path and a relatively safe, welcoming environment for people of all ages. Here, walking feels intentional rather than incidental.
Another example can be found on weekends at Ijen Boulevard. In the morning, until around 9 a.m., the government closes the street to motorized transportation. This temporary car-free policy transforms the area into a pedestrian-friendly space where people can walk freely, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the historic atmosphere of the neighborhood without the pressure of traffic.
These limited but meaningful spaces highlight the crucial role of urban planning in shaping walking habits. While Malang as a whole still struggles to become a pedestrian-friendly city, the presence of such facilities shows that walking can flourish when supported by thoughtful policy and design. When cities create safe, accessible, and pleasant environments—even if only in certain areas—walking becomes an attractive choice rather than a forced alternative.
Walking as Family Time
Walking becomes even more meaningful during holidays. Compared to weekdays, we walk more because there is no pressure to rush to work or school. Holidays offer space for family time, and walking often becomes part of that shared experience.
Morning walks on holidays are not only beneficial for physical health but also strengthen family relationships. We usually go to car-free day events, where walking blends naturally with social interaction. Sometimes, walking is not even the main goal—we walk to explore food stalls, find breakfast, and enjoy the lively atmosphere together.
In this context, walking functions as a connector: between family members, between health and joy, and between movement and memory-making.
Transportation, Status, and the Decline of Walking
In my opinion, transportation systems significantly influence people’s walking habits. In the past, people commonly walked to nearby places such as markets, schools, or local stores. Walking was normal and socially accepted.
Today, however, vehicles dominate daily life. Even short distances—one or two kilometers—are often covered by motorcycles or cars. Owning a vehicle has gradually become a symbol of success and social status. As a result, walking is sometimes perceived as unnecessary or even undesirable.
I once experienced this firsthand. When I decided to walk to a nearby store only one kilometer away, my neighbor kindly offered me a bicycle. While I appreciated the gesture, I chose to walk instead. For me, walking was a way to enjoy fresh morning air, clear my mind, and care for my health. Yet this simple decision highlighted how unusual walking has become in daily urban life.
Walking, Identity, and Social Perception
This shift reveals a deeper issue: walking is no longer just a physical activity—it carries social meaning. In some communities, walking is unconsciously associated with lack of resources, while motorized transportation represents progress and achievement.
Such perceptions can discourage people from walking, even when it is beneficial. This is unfortunate, considering that walking is one of the most inclusive and sustainable forms of physical activity, requiring no special equipment and minimal cost.
Interestingly, walking has begun to regain popularity, especially among young people. After the COVID-19 pandemic, health awareness increased significantly. People became more concerned about their physical and mental well-being, leading to a rise in outdoor activities such as walking, running, and cycling.
Social media has played a vital role in this transformation. Influencers and online communities promote walking challenges, morning routines, and wellness content that normalize and even celebrate walking. This digital encouragement has helped reframe walking as a healthy, mindful, and even trendy lifestyle choice.
Returning to a Simple Habit
Walking may appear simple, but its impact is profound. It shapes how we move through cities, how we connect with others, and how we care for our bodies and minds. My personal journey with walking—from a daily necessity to an occasional choice—reflects broader social changes in transportation, urban design, and cultural values.
Perhaps the challenge today is not to reinvent walking, but to rediscover it. By choosing to walk when possible, we reclaim not only a healthier habit but also a slower, more connected way of living—one step at a time.
