The Metropolis

London is home to some of the fastest walkers in the world. But we need to get faster

Mike Pollitt | Friday 23 March, 2012 10:25

In 1989, researchers found that Londoners walk fast. Morning commuters were clocked at an average speed of 1.68 metres per second.

For context, world record pace for the 10,000m walk is 4.4 metres per second.

A further study in 1999 placed us fourth on the list of fast walking cities, behind only Dublin, Amsterdam and Zurich.

This is something to be proud of. There’s nothing worse than being stuck behind a slovenly ambler when you’re desperately trying to forge ahead with your busy busy urban life.

And it’s something we can all help with, as a matter of civic responsibility. I suggest to all readers that you download a speedometer app and monitor your own pace as you go about your daily lives.

If you’re consistently below 1.68 m/s, I’m afraid you’re letting the side down. You should buck your ideas up, get your head down, and feel those calf muscles burn.

Or expect to be shouted at to get out of the bleedin’ way. The choice is yours.

The Atlantic Cities – Why People in Cities Walk Fast

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