It’s summer now. That’s not news.

Since it is summer, a lot more people are outside, walking around, riding bikes and the alike.

Lately I’ve noticed that walking around Charleston can be difficult. Minus the small town idea that people should not be randomly walking around town because cars exist for the purpose of transportation.

That’s the knowledge I’ve gained from growing up in a small town myself. If seen walking around town, it’s not uncommon for a person to pull over and offer the walker a ride to the given destination.

I am a person who likes being outside. I enjoy being active, whether through sports, lounging outside reading or walking. I especially enjoy walking around at night. Something about the sky and atmosphere brings me peace.

The problem with walking around Charleston lies within the sidewalks. I’ve enjoyed walking down Fourth Street, Sixth Street and University Avenue for the most part.

The sidewalks just happen to make my journey less pleasant.

I’ve seen many people trip – or at least get tripped up in – the unevenness of the sidewalks. I have experienced it as well.

I’m shocked I haven’t fallen on my face trying to navigate the sidewalks. This is especially true of walking around at night. I’ve sprained my ankle several times. I am not that clumsy. That is one trait I didn’t inherit from my mother (among a few others.)

This is a college town. The population of students that live off campus is growing, seemingly becoming more every year. The benefits of walking from where one lives to campus are high. Just to name a few: it’s exercise and does not require gas, so better for the atmosphere and on the wallet.

With so many students walking around, sidewalks should be a priority. One just has to drive down Lincoln Avenue when classes are in session to see the number of students attempting to cross the main highway in town.

I hear this complaint from people other than students. People in the community are not happy with the current state of the sidewalks. It makes evening walks after a long day at work – or in the morning before work – unpleasant.

For many community members, walking is a primary mode of exercise. I’ve seen my parents, other relatives and friends lose weight through walking and changing their diets. As a whole, the United States is in an era when health and weight are becoming top-tier issues. Exercise and eating healthy are seemingly more important than ever. Walking would fit into fit just into this arena.

Forget trying to walk on the sidewalks at night. That requires the highest skills of navigation, so as to not harm one’s foot or leg. Walking at night still occurs. Since Charleston is a college town, it is only smart for students of age to walk to their favorite bar. I can only imagine the number of girls who mess up their ankles or feet when their heels get stuck in the sidewalks.