Living in a neighbourhood adorned with walkways, safe public spaces, and amenities available close by is one way to save humanity since it motivates residents to take short walks rather than driving everywhere. The culture of cycling is almost non-existent in Pakistan, and here’s where communities such as Bahria Town and DHA can lead by example by encouraging their residents to cycle more since these communities already boast safer streets, which is something desperately wanted but largely unavailable in the megacities of Pakistan.
While you might have heard some benefits of avoiding automobiles, there are many still left unaddressed. That’s one reason why we decided to compile a comprehensive list and share it with you so you, too, can use your feet to ensure a better tomorrow.
So, let’s get walking!
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Walking and Cycling in Pakistan
Ever wondered why the demand for communities with walkways is rising among homebuyers and the overall real estate industry of Pakistan? Well, over the past few years, taking a walk and cycling are being preferred over riding or driving in megalopolises like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad since they offer quick access to many necessities of life such as getting to financial institutions, retail stores, parks and much more without having to stay in traffic queues for hours while inhaling dangerous gases. However, it doesn’t just stop there. Here are some more economical and environmental benefits of walking and cycling in Pakistan:
- Healthier, safer, and happier communities
- Ecologically beneficial
- Boosts economic and financial developments
- Safer Public Spaces
- Positive Effects on Property Market
Healthier, Safer, and Happier Communities
According to a recent research study, chronic disorders and illnesses such as diabetes, depression, and cancer affect almost half of Pakistani adults, with only a meagre section of the population considered to be in a state of optimal health. Owing to such a high number of health risks, incorporating physical exercises through cycling and walking promotes good health and communal associations, while simultaneously eradicating mental and physical health problems in more than one way.
Considering an average person who submits to a 9-5 routine; they spend their entire day sitting in either vehicles or seats. Essentially, their lives are limited to desks during the day, and car seats during rush hours. In such scenarios, walking or cycling to run errands helps in incorporating more physical activity into their lives. A lot can be done by just taking a stroll or cycling to nearby places.
Ecologically Beneficial
Technically, when people are taking a walk around the block to get something done, they are producing zero percent carbon dioxide. So, walking is not only good for their health, but it also leaves a positive impact on the overall environment by decreasing the amount of CO2 produced every year.
The ecological benefits of walking and cycling also include a significant drop in noise pollution and a hike in road safety. Plus, a reduction in cars and bikes also translates into the streets being owned by people and not automobiles.
Boosts Economic and Financial Developments
Walking and cycling more decreases the costs associated with owning a vehicle. Residents can save a sizable fraction of their income, which they are most likely to spend on the maintenance, gas, or fuel for their cars. The increased savings may drive residents to invest in local ventures, which will benefit the economy in both short and long runs.
Moreover, seeing people walk everywhere also speaks volumes about how good the law and order situation is in a particular locality or neighbourhood, which especially appeals to entrepreneurs and tourists, encouraging them to invest in or visit such places. In a nutshell, success breeds success, or in this case, walking breeds success.
Safer Public Spaces
With streets dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists rather than automobiles, public spaces like local eateries, restaurants, parks, markets, and local shopping centres become safer for citizens. So, when residents opt for cycling, they ultimately create lesser chances of road accidents for the people who are visiting nearby shops and peddling to get basic groceries and other stuff of such kind.
On the flip side, while it makes the lifestyle a little more convenient, urban areas of Pakistan like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad have a great opportunity to reshape their local businesses and produce different income streams for people belonging to different economic groups.
Overall, such safe communities lead to higher economic activities regardless of where the housing units are located; if they’re within the community, it will benefit both residents and shop owners.
Positive Effects on Property Market
Demand for neighbourhoods safe for walking and cycling is always recorded high everywhere in the world. As a nation known for its kindness, social ties, and compassion, we Pakistanis, especially like to live close to our family and in areas that are vibrant, bustling, and safe for pedestrians, senior citizens, and children alike.
Similarly, when neighbourhoods become pedestrian-friendly, and accessibility and road safety increases, the value of the property rises. Streets safe for walking and peddling have the potential to make property worth go up by a significant margin. So, when you consider selling the property, you will get an excellent return on investment (ROI). It is equally good for homeowners and landlords since rental units in areas considered safe and calm fetch better and higher rents than the rest of the city.
Many housing projects across the country, including the gated communities of Bahria Town and DHA, as well as residential societies such as Park View City Lahore and others feature open spaces to enhance their visual appeal and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Societies, communities, and neighbourhoods with people who prefer taking a walk are often touted as being easier to get familiar with since it fosters a relationship between neighbours, business owners, and the people working in that neighbourhood. For more information about real estate trends in Pakistan, stay tuned to Zameen Blog. Subscribe to our newsletters by entering your email address in the box on the right side. Got any suggestions or feedback? Get in touch with us at blog@zameen.com or follow our Facebook page to remain updated.
