Continuing with my stubbornness of encouraging and convincing people that they should walk, I will now use the concept of human conditioning to take effect in a more convincing way. I will do so, using this resource in a more analytical and programmatic way, because I have already referred to this topic implicitly in other Posts when I have analyzed habits.
To do this, I will delve into Pavlov’s Reflex and some other theories about Human Conditioning.
The relationship between human conditioning and Pavlov’s conditioned reflex lies in the ability of humans to learn and associate stimuli in a similar way to how other animals do, such as Pavlov’s dogs. Both concepts highlight the importance of associations and learning connections between stimuli and responses in human and animal behavior.
Human conditioning and Pavlov’s conditioned reflex are related concepts that focus on how stimuli can influence human behavior.
Pavlov’s conditioned reflex, also known as classical conditioning or Pavlovian conditioning, was discovered by the Russian physiologist Ivan P. Pavlov. Pavlov observed that dogs could associate a neutral stimulus, such as the ringing of a bell, with food. After repeating this association several times, the dogs began to salivate just upon hearing the sound of the bell, even without the presence of food. This phenomenon demonstrated how a previously neutral stimulus (the bell) could elicit a conditioned response (salivating) after being repeatedly associated with an unconditioned stimulus (food).
Human conditioning follows a similar principle. It refers to the process by which people learn to associate stimuli and responses, whether consciously or unconsciously. Humans can also develop conditioned responses through repetition and association of stimuli. For example, if someone associates happy music with happy times, they are likely to experience positive emotions when listening to that music in the future.
If we consider walking as the bell and salivating as a stimulus to the digestive system or other systems, organs and glands of the human body, we could establish an analogy to illustrate how human conditioning and the Pavlov reflex could be applied to everyday activities.
In this case, let’s imagine that every time a person walks, they perform an activity that produces a response in their digestive system. For example, we might associate the act of walking with the anticipation of a meal. As this association repeats, the person may begin to experience physiological responses in their digestive system, such as the release of gastric juices, simply by starting to walk.
This association between walking and the response of the digestive system would be an example of human conditioning. Walking becomes a conditioned stimulus that, after repeated associations with the activity of eating, triggers responses in the body related to digestion. In this context, walking acts as the “bell” in Pavlov’s experiment, and the response of the digestive system would be comparable to the “salivating” of dogs.
This example illustrates how our actions and environments can condition responses in our biological systems. Human conditioning is a phenomenon that occurs throughout our lives, as we learn to associate stimuli and responses in various situations. This process can influence a wide range of physiological and behavioral responses in the human body.
There are various theories and approaches that have been developed to expand and complement the understanding of human conditioning, and some of them have evolved beyond Pavlov’s original conditioned reflex framework. Below are some important theories and approaches in this area:
1.-Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner).
B.F. Skinner proposed Operant Conditioning, which focuses on how the consequences of actions affect the probability of those actions being repeated in the future. This approach highlights the importance of positive and negative reinforcement in learning and habit formation.
2.-Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura).
Albert Bandura introduced Social Learning Theory, which highlights the importance of observation and imitation in learning. The theory holds that people can learn new behaviors by observing others and the consequences of those behaviors.
3.-Cognitive Conditioning Theory (Edward C. Tolman).
Tolman proposed the Cognitive Conditioning Theory, which incorporates cognitive elements in the learning process. Highlights the importance of cognitive maps and mental understanding in the formation of conditioned behaviors.
4.-Second Order Conditioning Theory (N. R. F. Maier).
This theory extends the concept of conditioning across multiple levels. Instead of directly associating a stimulus with a response, it involves the association of a conditioned stimulus with another conditioned stimulus to produce the response.
5.-Information Processing Theory (Richard Rescorla and Allan Wagner).
This theory suggests that conditioning is based on prediction and information processing. Rescorla and Wagner proposed a mathematical model that describes how organisms form expectations about future events through conditioning.
These theories and approaches have enriched the understanding of human conditioning by providing additional perspectives on how we learn, remember, and apply conditioned behaviors in various contexts. Each of these theories has influenced psychology and contributed to the evolution of the field beyond the original principles of Pavlov’s conditioned reflex.
The theory of operant conditioning, proposed by B.F. Skinner, could be better associated with the human being’s willingness or reluctance to walk with the specific objective of conditioning him to walk, including the Pavlov reflex.
In operant conditioning, behavior is modified by the consequences that follow. In this case, we could consider the act of walking as the behavior we want to condition. If we associate walking with positive consequences or rewards, it is likely to increase the likelihood that the person will continue walking.
For example, we might reward a person every time they walk a certain distance, whether with a feeling of well-being, release of endorphins, or other perceived benefits. Over time, the association between walking and reward could lead to a more positive disposition toward the activity of walking, thus conditioning behavior.
This approach can also incorporate elements of Pavlov’s conditioned reflex. The walk, in this context, would act as the conditioned stimulus (Pavlov’s bell), while the reward would serve as the conditioned response (Pavlov’s salivate). Repetition of this association would strengthen the connection between walking and the positive experience, thus conditioning the willingness to walk.
In summary, operant conditioning theory offers a solid conceptual framework for understanding and modifying behaviors, such as the act of walking, by associating it with consequences that reinforce the desired behavior.
GENERAL CONDITIONING SCHEME FOR WALKING
In the simile of walking, the strict sequence to achieve conditioning could be as follows:
1. Unconditioned Stimulus (US): The activity of walking.
2. Neutral Stimulus (NS): The environment, visual signal or any other neutral stimulus associated with the walking activity.
3. Association: Repeat the association between the act of walking (EI) and the neutral stimulus (NS).
As this association is repeated, the neutral stimulus (NS), which originally did not elicit any specific response, becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that, on its own, can begin to evoke responses similar to those associated with the act. of walking.
4. Conditioned Response (CR): The willingness to walk, the activation of the muscular system and other physiological changes associated with walking.
In short, the sequence follows the same basic principle of Pavlov’s classical conditioning, but adapted to the act of walking. The activity of walking is repeatedly associated with a neutral stimulus (NS), which eventually becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) capable of evoking the conditioned response (CR), which in this case would be the willingness to walk and the associated physiological responses.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONING SCHEME FOR WALKING WITH THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
To create a conditioned association between the act of walking and a response in the digestive system, we can consider additional elements that reinforce the connection. Below I propose some factors that could contribute to the formation of this conditioned reflex:
1. Context of the Walk: Associate the walk with a specific context, such as a place or a daily routine. For example, walking after meals or before certain events.
2. Specific Clothing or Accessories: Wearing special shoes and clothing could be elements associated with the activity of walking. You can also consider some accessories or even music to accompany us during walks.
3. Regular Schedule: Establishing a regular walking schedule can contribute to the partnership. If we always walk at the same time, the body could begin to anticipate the activity and activate associated physiological responses, such as preparing the digestive system.
4. Preparations before Walking: Performing specific actions before walking, such as stretching or mental preparations, could be associated with the activity of walking and, over time, trigger responses in the digestive system.
5. Association with Food: Combining walking with eating food could strengthen the connection. For example, walking before a meal regularly could associate the activity of walking with preparing the digestive system for food intake.
Let us keep in mind that the key is in the consistency and repetition of these associations. The more times the relationship between the walking activity and the associated elements are repeated, the greater the likelihood that the conditioned reflex will develop in the digestive system.
WALKING CONDITIONING SCHEME WITH A SPECIFIC ELEMENT
The sequence to achieve an association between a specific item (such as special walking shoes) and the reflex in the digestive system could be as follows:
1. Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Special walking shoes.
2. Neutral Stimulus (NS): The anticipation or awareness that you are going to take a walk while wearing those special shoes.
3. Association: Repeat the association between the use of special shoes (EI) and the anticipation of the walk (NS).
Over time, the anticipation of walking (NS) could become a conditioned stimulus (CS) capable of evoking associated physiological responses.
4. Conditioned Response (CR): The conditioned response could manifest itself at different levels:
• At a motor level: The willingness to walk, the muscle activation associated with walking.
• At a cognitive level: The conscious anticipation of the walk.
• At a physiological level: Changes in the digestive system in preparation for physical activity.
5. Side Effects on Other Organs and Glands: Since the digestive system is interconnected with other systems in the body, the initial activation of the digestive system could also have side effects on other organs and glands, such as the release of stress-related hormones or activation of the cardiovascular system.
It is essential to highlight that repetition and consistency are key to establishing and strengthening these associations. The more times the connection between the stimulus (special shoes), the anticipation of the walk and the physiological responses is repeated, the more ingrained the conditioned association will be in the organism.
Mainly, to develop this topic, we have selected the digestive system to stimulate it and obtain a conditioned response from it, however, we could also create these conditionings for creative thinking or for the neurocognitive system. For example, we are certain that walking stimulates and increases creativity, so we could focus and experiment specifically on this function, to achieve conditioning.
For example, develop the following scheme:
CONDITIONING SCHEME FOR WALKING WITH CREATIVITY
Let’s use special shoes to associate it with walking and look for the conditioned reflection of the increase in creativity.
1. Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Special walking shoes.
2. Neutral Stimulus (NS): The anticipation or awareness that you are going to take a walk while wearing those special shoes.
3. Association: Repeat the association between the use of special shoes (EI) and the anticipation of the walk (NS).
Over time, the anticipation of walking (NS) could become a conditioned stimulus (CS) capable of evoking responses from the cognitive system.
4. Conditioned Response (CR): The conditioned response could manifest itself:
• At a cognitive level: The conscious anticipation of the walk.
• Stimulation of creativity
Meanwhile, let’s get ready to walk and observe our dog every morning when we grab his collar. He immediately starts jumping with pleasure.
This Post has the purpose of presenting outstanding data on 2 relevant aspects. The first (Unit A) is to show the results of the research that I have carried out on the official organizations and departments of countries worldwide that are in charge of making effective the laws, regulations and provisions in relation to the construction of urban infrastructure, which guarantee and facilitate movement. comfortable and easy for people through walking, belonging to the social sector who have reduced mobility; and second (Unit B), observe the progress that has been made in the activity of traveling by bicycle, as an element that will serve as a pattern (template) to achieve some goals regarding what we should do in the future, with respect to walking.
Regarding the first aspect, the rules and provisions that those countries have issued that currently govern the design and construction of urban infrastructure, buildings, facilities and public spaces, recreational sites and areas, are presented, in general terms, urban facilities, squares and commercial buildings, multi-family housing and public transportation, to facilitate the mobility of this social sphere in a safe way, moving on foot
The social group of people we are referring to is those who have reduced mobility when walking, either due to age (older adults (1)) or who have some physical impediment to walking in an easy and comfortable way.
The second scenario emerges as a relevant element to analyze and confront because progress has been made in some countries, especially in Holland (Amsterdam and Ultrech), in the use of the bicycle as a fundamental means of individual transportation, and its study will allow us knowing its structural mechanisms and will also serve as a pattern to imitate in some general and specific proposals of the new paradigm of walking.
This post is the continuation of Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY, and also a core part of the series of 9 posts, titled “NEW WALKING PARADIGM”, a set of Posts that will lead us precisely to constitute the New Paradigm that we will build throughout this Blog.
Its development, regarding the first aspect, consists of 3 clearly defined and differentiated scenarios:
1. The group of people with limited mobility who cannot walk due to having both lower limbs in poor condition.
2. The group of people who can walk but one of their lower limbs is not in good physical condition and needs a crutch or cane for support.
3. The group of people who have their 2 lower extremities in good condition, can walk, but have some limitation in their mobility that makes it difficult for them to do so or prevents them from doing it normally, such as loss of vision in one or the other both eyes, problems with the hips, the spine, etc.
In general we could refer to these 3 scenarios as the group of people who have limited or reduced mobility for the practice of walking.
Although we could well include the elderly, we have decided not to do so in order to analyze it separately, although it contains very similar aspects.
To address these 3 scenarios, we have resorted to the available information and regulations and their specific analysis, in order to achieve their resolution in the “here and now”, defining those interdisciplinary actions (2) that are aimed at structuring the New paradigm that allows us to attend -permanently- to the needs of this social sector.
To address the problem with the resources and legal provisions that we currently have, we said in Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY: “…it will be addressed with the technical and regulatory mechanisms that we have at the present moment. I will allow myself to comment on all of them to the best of my ability. Legal provisions vary from one country to another, from one city to another, from one town to another; so each person must investigate this information in their place of residence (technical and legal), as well as about the services, supports and technical, engineering and architectural assistance that can be obtained for this social category, in order to better carry out this fundamental practice. It will depend on each person according to their physical-social position and where they are.”
We also expressed in the same Post: “We will achieve the second scenario – in a plural way – through an invitation that I have already made through several posts that belong to a series of them that will lead us to define a NEW PARADIGM IN WALKING [ …]. The incorporation of this social group in the integration of this new paradigm has a relevance of the first order, and therefore its great problems must be incorporated in the legal provisions, as well as in urban planning and architectural engineering projects, forever and in a manner continued.”
Likewise we said: “Regarding the efforts that have been made, I have been able to detect very significant results (substantial, transcendent), both in propositional documents and in practical programs, which I will present.”
There is the United Nations Organization WHO, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, which has the central function of seeking to care for the world population within certain frameworks of acceptable health. And one of those scenarios is to transmit the importance of exercising, that human beings must exercise permanently. However, I believe that in the immediate future it will be necessary to seek to address this sector with greater acquiescence, conveying that all member countries of the United Nations must focus on legislating within their legislative frameworks the timely attention of this social class.
As we can imagine, the technical, functional and legal regulatory information is dispersed in different orders in the different countries that have advanced in this area. I have dedicated myself – according to my possibilities – to obtaining this information in the countries that have it, synthesizing it, which I present in an accessible and brief manner in the following sections (blocks, modules, groupings).
Regardless of this effort, the inclusion within WHO of the incorporation of universal precepts containing a legislative framework should be considered, so that they can serve as a reference for all countries worldwide.
The practice of walking should be incorporated as one of the human rights that the UN has deployed worldwide.
Furthermore, it could be incorporated into an administrative and executive department in the same WHO organization, so that this social sector is better served at a global level.
This organization must extend its regulatory provisions in all areas and to all countries in the world. It may sound like a chimera, but it is worth trying, since there are several instances from a technological point of view that can help almost 100% of the people who make up this social group, at a universal level.
It is necessary to implement specific education in this sense (Future Post ENGINEERING, PEDAGOGY OR PSYCHOLOGY OF WALKING) that leads humanity to strengthen this fundamental activity of the human being, transmitting an education, through scientific instruction and financial support. That is to say, it must focus on this social sector, and propose the guidelines and principles for its operation, which is oriented to people in these 3 scenarios, and must also include the category of elderly people who have problems very similar to these, and that they must also be supported with specific legislation, at the international level and in each country of origin.
At a global level, there are various international treaties and conventions that establish rights and standards in the social sector of disabled people. Some of the most important are:
• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol: This United Nations treaty establishes the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities and focuses on ensuring their full and effective inclusion and participation in society.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights: This document establishes the fundamental and universal rights of all people, including people with disabilities.
• Council of Europe Recommendation R (99) 5: This recommendation sets out basic standards for the protection of the rights of people with disabilities in Europe and advocates a rights-based approach to the inclusion of people with disabilities in society.
These international instruments establish a legal framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities and guarantee their accessibility to society, including the construction of accessible infrastructure for their mobility.
EUROPE
At the level of the European Continent, there are several provisions and regulations that establish specific standards for the social sphere of disabled people:
• EU Directive on equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities: This directive establishes minimum standards to guarantee equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities in the European Union space.
• Oviedo Convention: This Council of Europe convention establishes the rights of people with disabilities and focuses on the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• Accessibility and non-discrimination law for people with disabilities in Spain: This law establishes the rules to guarantee the accessibility and non-discrimination of people with disabilities in Spain, including the construction of accessible infrastructure for their mobility.
• Law on equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities in Germany: This law establishes the rules to guarantee equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities in Germany, including the construction of accessible infrastructure for their mobility.
These European regulations and laws establish a legal framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities, guaranteeing and facilitating their accessibility to society.
Furthermore, in Europe, there are several provisions and regulations that establish standards in the social sector for the disabled in relation to urban constructions to facilitate the walking of people with disabilities, here I mention some examples:
• EU Directive on equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities: This directive establishes minimum standards to guarantee equal opportunities and accessibility in the European Union, including the accessibility of urban buildings.
• Accessibility and non-discrimination law for people with disabilities in Spain: This law establishes standards to guarantee the accessibility and non-discrimination of people with disabilities in Spain, including the construction of accessible buildings for their mobility.
• Law on equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities in Germany: This law establishes standards to ensure equal opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities in Germany, including the construction of buildings accessible for their mobility.
• Accessibility regulation in Switzerland: This regulation establishes standards to ensure the accessibility of public buildings and constructions in Switzerland for people with disabilities.
These European regulations and laws establish a legal framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities and guarantee their accessibility to society, including the construction of buildings and urban constructions accessible for their mobility.
Also in Europe, in some countries, there are regulations and provisions on urban infrastructure that establish standards for the social group of disabled people in terms of urban infrastructure constructions such as streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps, signage, etc. , regarding making it easier for people in this sector to walk.
Likewise, in the European Union there is the European Directive on accessibility for people with disabilities and older people to buildings and other public spaces, which establishes specific standards to guarantee accessibility in the construction of urban infrastructure. In addition, there are specific regulations in each European country that regulate accessibility in buildings and other public spaces. Some European countries, such as Spain, have national laws that implement this Directive and establish specific requirements for the construction of public roads, ramps, signs, etc. for people with disabilities.
In Germany, the legal framework for accessibility for people with disabilities is found in the Federal Act for the Equality of People with Disabilities and Disabilities (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz). This law establishes standards to guarantee the accessibility of public infrastructure, including streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps and signs. Furthermore, the Technical Building Code (Building Code – DIN 18040) specifically establishes the requirements for accessibility in the construction of buildings and public spaces. These regulations apply to new construction and significant renovations, and establish requirements in terms of road width, ramp slope, switch height, and other features to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
In Norway, there are several regulations that establish standards for the construction of urban infrastructure accessible to people with disabilities. Some of these regulations include:
• The Accessibility and Universal Design Law, which establishes the obligation of local authorities and public companies to ensure accessibility and support for people with disabilities.
• The Technical Standards for Accessibility and Universal Design, which establish accessibility requirements in the construction of buildings, including ramps,
In Norway, the regulation that regulates accessibility in urban infrastructure for people with disabilities is the “Building Regulation”. This regulation establishes specific requirements for the construction of streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps and signage, to guarantee accessibility and safety for people with disabilities. In addition, there are specific regulations and standards for the construction of buildings and public spaces, including accessibility in elevators and escalators. The implementation of these regulations is overseen by the local building authority.
In England and the United Kingdom, the regulations that regulate accessibility in urban infrastructure for people with disabilities are the “Building Regulations” and the “Equality Act”. The “Building Regulations” establish requirements for the construction of streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps and signage, to guarantee accessibility and safety for people with disabilities. The Equality Act is a broader law that addresses discrimination in the workplace and in access to goods and services, including accessibility in urban infrastructure. The implementation of these regulations is overseen by the local building authority and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Finally, in France, the regulation that regulates accessibility in urban infrastructure for people with disabilities is the “Loi Handicap” or Disability Law. This law establishes specific requirements for the construction of streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps and signs, to guarantee accessibility and safety for people with disabilities. In addition, there are specific regulations and standards for the construction of buildings and public spaces, including accessibility in elevators and escalators. The implementation of these regulations is overseen by the local building authority.
NORTH AMERICA
In the United States of America there are Regulations and Provisions that establish standards in the social sector for the disabled in terms of urban constructions regarding facilitating walking for people in this sector.
The main regulation in the United States that establishes standards for the social status of people with disabilities is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law requires that public and commercial buildings be accessible to people with disabilities and that certain accessibility standards be met in building construction, including ramps, elevators, adapted bathrooms, and signage. Similar standards also apply to the construction of multifamily housing under the Fair Housing Act.
Likewise, there are regulations and provisions in the United States of America that establish standards in the social class of disabled people regarding the construction of urban infrastructure such as streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps, signs, etc., with respect to facilitating the walk the people of this sector.
In the United States, the law that establishes standards for the disabled category regarding the construction of urban infrastructure is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law establishes requirements for the construction of streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps, signs, etc., with the aim of facilitating walking for people with disabilities. Additionally, the ADA also sets standards for accessibility in buildings and other public spaces. All new public and private buildings, as well as public transportation facilities, must meet ADA accessibility standards.
In Canada, the primary law that establishes regulations for building accessibility for people with disabilities is the Accessibility for People with Disabilities Act of Ontario (AODA). This law establishes that organizations must make their buildings, products and services accessible to people with disabilities. This includes the construction of ramps, elevators, adapted bathrooms, signage and other elements that facilitate access for people with disabilities. Additionally, the AODA states that organizations must provide training to their employees on how to provide an accessible service to people with disabilities. The AODA is administered by the Ontario Accessibility Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the law and providing technical assistance to organizations.
Likewise, in Canada, the law that establishes standards in the disability social sector regarding the construction of urban infrastructure is the Ontario Disability Support Program Act (ODSPA). The ODSPA establishes requirements for the construction of streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps, signs, etc., with the aim of facilitating walking for people with disabilities. In addition, the ODSPA also sets standards for accessibility in buildings and other public spaces, and applies to all provinces and territories in Canada. All new public and private buildings, as well as public transportation facilities, must meet accessibility standards established by the ODSPA.
SOUTH AMERICA AND CENTRAL AMERICA
There are regulations and provisions in some countries in South America and Central America that establish norms in the social sphere of disabled people in terms of urban constructions with respect to facilitating walking for people of this class, they are noted below:
Those countries in South and Central America that have standards similar to the ADA are the following:
• Argentina: The Law on the Integration of People with Disabilities establishes universal accessibility as a right and requires that public and private constructions meet certain accessibility standards.
• Brazil: The Inclusão da Pessoa com Deficiência Law establishes universal accessibility as a right and requires that public and private constructions meet certain accessibility standards.
• Mexico: The General Law of Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly requires that public and private buildings meet certain accessibility standards and that accessibility be provided to persons with disabilities.
• Colombia: Law 361 of 1997 establishes universal accessibility as a right and requires that public and private constructions meet certain accessibility standards.
These countries also have government agencies charged with enforcing these laws and regulations, and offering technical assistance to homeowners and builders to ensure accessibility in buildings.
RUSSIA
In Russia, the law that establishes standards in the social sphere of disabled people regarding the construction of urban infrastructure is the Federal Law of the Russian Federation on the social inclusion of people with disabilities and improving their quality of life. This law establishes requirements for the construction of streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps, signs, etc., with the aim of facilitating walking for people with disabilities. In addition, the law also establishes standards for accessibility in buildings and other public spaces. All new public and private buildings, as well as public transport facilities, must meet accessibility standards established by law.
JAPAN
In Japan, legislation for accessibility for people with disabilities is found in the Act on the Promotion of Measures to Remove Barriers Facing Persons with Disabilities. This law establishes standards for the construction of accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities, including streets, roads, sidewalks, accesses, ramps and signs. In addition, Japan’s Ministry of Construction and Transportation has established technical standards for the construction of accessible infrastructure, including requirements for ramp slope, road width, and signage. These standards apply to new construction and significant renovations. These regulations are designed to ensure that people with disabilities can move safely and accessible in urban infrastructure.
CHINA
In China, there are various regulations that establish standards for the construction of urban infrastructure accessible to people with disabilities. Some of these regulations include:
• The Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities of the People’s Republic of China, which establishes the obligation of local authorities and public enterprises to ensure accessibility and support for people with disabilities.
• The Regulations for the construction of buildings for people with disabilities, which establish accessibility requirements in the construction of buildings, including ramps, elevators, signage, etc.
• The Traffic Sign Regulation for People with Disabilities, which sets out the requirements for traffic signs accessible to people with disabilities.
These regulations seek to ensure that urban infrastructure is accessible and safe for all people, including those with disabilities.
Most of these provisions and regulations that we have mentioned established in different countries refer in general to disability, but do not specifically refer to the activity of walking.
Of course, they do implicitly include it, however, I believe that they should be more explicit about this activity -not only for the disabled or those with reduced mobility-, but for older adults and other citizens, in such a way that we find the future – which is just around the corner – with regulations that give greater comfort and safety to walkers in all these spaces (2).
Our work will continue to develop these tasks until we have an adequate model to implement at a universal level.
Likewise, the human rights embodied in the United Nations only talk about the Law of people with disabilities and the Law of older adults, which is the topic that concerns us in this Post, however, our final objective is WALKING. The Right to freedom of movement gives us the freedom to move but there is no SECURITY (3) when moving WALKING.
The format that WALK21 has used seems very appropriate to me. Its 8 strategic principles that it points out in its International Walking Charter seem to me to place us on an appropriate path to achieve a universal culture of walking, as it points out in its 8th principle.
In the near future we will have to join forces to legislate on this fundamental human activity at a global level.
(1) In future Post SUBSTITUTE EXERCISES IN PART OF THE PRACTICE OF WALKING we present a series of exercises that can help people who cannot practice walking because they have restricted physical mobility; likewise, in the future Post RECOMMENDED EXERCISES IN CASE YOU DON’T GO FOR A WALK ONE DAY, it could be used since it also consists of exercises for people who can walk perfectly, but one day they didn’t want to do it, and for them those are recommended exercises.
(2) Loya Lopátegui, Carlos, Walking: Redefining the Future of Humanity, EMULISA, Mexico, 2024. Available on Amazon, Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0DNGLS67N. The general objectives achieved in this book are the following: a) Propose a comprehensive forecast on the role of walking in the next five decades and design architectural, urban and technological solutions that revitalize this activity: This essay analyzes walking in its deepest dimensions, proposing a forecast that not only considers the challenges, but also the opportunities that the future offers for those who travel on foot. From an architectural and urban framework, and with the help of constantly evolving technologies, we propose solutions that allow walking to be revitalized as a daily practice in human living environments. Innovative ideas are explored to redesign cities and rural spaces, integrating systems and structures that promote walking as a fundamental activity for people’s physical, mental and social health. This essay aspires to propose a model of pedestrian space that includes safety, accessibility, beauty and comfort, and that is adapted to the needs of a diverse and constantly changing population. b) Analyze the concept of pedestrian safety from a holistic perspective: Pedestrian safety, understood here in its broadest sense, represents much more than accident prevention. It involves a comprehensive approach to protection and well-being at every step, addressing essential factors such as road design, interaction with other urban elements, the presence of adequate rest areas, well-distributed accesses, and the inclusion of signage and technologies that facilitate an experience of safe and reliable walking. Thus, safety does not only refer to physical infrastructure, but to a system of conditions and measures that allow all people—regardless of age, gender, physical ability or context—to feel supported and safe when traveling on foot.
(3) Loya Lopátegui, Carlos, Walking: Redefining the Future of Humanity, EMULISA, Mexico, 2024, pp. 40-56
Once upon a time, there was a young elk named Bruno in the vast northern forests. His parents were a couple of loving moose, who had found him one snowy winter, abandoned and alone. They decided to raise him as their own son but Bruno knew nothing about this event. Since he was little, he always showed a special passion for walking. While the other young elk played and jumped, he preferred to explore the forest trails, sniff the scents of the pines and listen to the rustling of the leaves under his hooves.
As he grew older, Bruno ventured farther and farther, discovering crystal-clear streams, meadows full of wildflowers, and secret corners of the forest that seemed straight out of a fairy tale.
His proud and protective parents immediately noticed his curiosity about the world around him. Bruno, sometimes I felt like there was something different about him. His legs were lighter, and sometimes, he saw himself soaring through the skies in his dreams.
Throughout his youth, Alcim faced many challenges. During the harsh winters, when snow covered the ground and finding food was difficult, Alcim never stopped. His long walks allowed him to find the best bushes to feed on and the safest areas to rest. Thanks to his perseverance and determination, he always managed to stay strong and healthy.
However, not everything was easy in forest life. One day, while walking near a clearing, Alcim heard a strange noise. They were poachers, men who hunted animals illegally. With his heart beating rapidly, Alcim remembered all the ways and paths he had learned on his adventures. He used his knowledge to sneak away silently and find a safe place. That night, as he watched the stars shining above him, Alcim realized that his long walks had saved his life. Likewise, while his gaze was fixed on the starry sky, he saw an owl on the branch of a tree that was looking at him with curiosity.
“Hello, young Bruno,” said the owl. “You have a mark on your forehead that I recognize very well.”
Bruno, surprised, looked up further and asked: “Who are you and how do you know my name?”
I am an owl, and my name is Oscar. And I am very wise that is why I know your name. Everyone calls me “Oscar, the wise owl of the forest.” And I also know more than you imagine. That mark on your forehead is a sign. You are Alcyone, son of reindeer whom I have known for a long time.”
Bruno frowned in disbelief. “That can’t be. I’m a moose. My parents are moose.”
Oscar let out a soft, gentle laugh. “Come with me, I’ll show you something” Bruno accompanied him, reaching a small pond nearby. “Look at yourself in the reflection,” Oscar told him.
Bruno looked out into the water and, to his astonishment, saw that he didn’t look like his parents. Its antlers were different, thinner and more elegant, and its body had a lightness that I had never noticed before. “But…what does this mean?” he asked confused.
Oscar nodded. “Your biological parents called you Alcim, a diminutive of Alcyone, which means Luminous. They have been looking for you since they lost you in a storm. They are reindeer, and like you, they can fly.”
“Fly?” Bruno couldn’t believe it. “That’s impossible.”
“Try it,” Oscar said with a smile. “Close your eyes and feel the lightness in your paws.”
Bruno did it. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suddenly felt a powerful urge. He opened his eyes and found himself flying through the skies with Óscar. The tops of the trees passed quickly beneath him as the wind blew gently through his fur.
When he finally landed, Bruno felt a mix of excitement and confusion. “So, I’m a reindeer… and I can fly.”
“That’s right,” Oscar confirmed. “And now that you know, you can look for your real parents. They will be very happy to know that you are alive.”
A few months passed and Bruno became a strong and healthy adult Reindeer. He met a beautiful elk named Alena, and together they enjoyed walking through the forest, discovering new places and sharing adventures.
The winters kept coming, and each one seemed harsher than the last. But Bruno and Alena were always prepared to face those harsh winters. Thanks to daily walks, they knew the best shelters and the safest routes. Even in the strongest storms, he always found his way home.
One day, as the sun was setting and the sky was turning orange, Bruno commented to Alena in a clearing: “Walking has taken us to wonderful places,” he said with a smile. “It has made us strong and kept us united. We must never forget the importance of every step we take and have taken.”
And so, Bruno and Alena continued walking, exploring and enjoying the beauty of the forest and inspiring many other moose to follow in their footsteps.
Final message:
Dear boys and girls, just as Bruno the Pilgrim Reindeer discovered his true self and the magic he carried within and in that way found strength, wisdom and adventures by walking, you too can discover a wonderful world with every step you take.
Walking is not only a way to move, it is a way to explore, learn and grow. So put on your most comfortable shoes and go for a walk! The world is full of paths waiting to be discovered, and who knows, maybe they will also discover the magic within them.
This first part is just the beginning of Alcyone’s adventures. Don’t miss his next adventure where he will search for his biological parents.
The act of walking is an ancient practice that connects human beings with their environment and with themselves. Since time immemorial, cultures around the world have valued walking not only as a means of transportation, but as a form of meditation, introspection, and spiritual connection. In this post, we will explore the relationship between the practice of walking and the Tao, the ancient Chinese philosophy that seeks harmony and balance in life, including the concept of Yin and Yang.
The Tao (or Dao) is a central concept in Chinese philosophy that is commonly translated as “the Way” or “the Path.” It represents the fundamental principle underlying the universe, the natural flow of life and the force that guides all things towards their purpose and balance. Taoism, founded by Lao-Tsé in the 6th century BC, is the philosophical and spiritual tradition that focuses on living in harmony with the Tao.
Relationship between Walking and Tao:
1. Flow with the Tao:
Walking in nature allows people to experience the flow of Tao, moving to the rhythm of natural life and synchronizing with the environment. Each step becomes a manifestation of the harmony and balance that the Tao represents with the being itself.
2. Meditation in Movement:
Walking can be a form of active meditation. In Taoism, Wu Wei (non-action or effortless action) is valued, which involves acting in alignment with the natural flow of things. Walking without a fixed goal, simply enjoying the act of walking, is an expression of Wu Wei.
3. Connection with Nature:
Taoism emphasizes the importance of being in contact with nature to understand the Tao. Walking in natural environments, such as forests, mountains and trails, allows people to absorb the surrounding vital energy (Qi) and feel part of the universe.
4. Simplicity and Tranquility:
Walking, especially in its simplest form, without technology or distractions, encourages simplicity and tranquility, essential principles of Taoism. This practice helps clear the mind and find inner peace, aligning with the Taoist quest for a simple and natural life.
5. The Path as a Metaphor of Life:
In Taoism, life is seen as a path that one must travel with wisdom and acceptance. Walking becomes a powerful metaphor for this journey, reminding us that every step counts and that the journey is as important as the destination (Post WALKING, AN EXISTENTIAL METAPHOR. PART 1 OF 4).
Yin and Yang in the Act of Walking:
The concept of Yin and Yang is fundamental in Taoism and represents the opposite but complementary forces that exist in all things. Integrating this idea into walking practice can provide a more balanced and holistic perspective (Future Post THE YIN AND YANG AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM).
1. Dynamic Balance:
Walking reflects the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang. Each step involves a balance between movement (Yang) and stability (Yin). As we progress, our body continually adapts, finding harmony in movement.
2. Breathing and Rhythm:
Conscious breathing while walking can align with Yin and Yang. Inhalation represents the active and expansive energy of Yang, while exhalation reflects the passive and receptive energy of Yin. Maintaining a balanced breathing rhythm can help harmonize these internal forces.
3. Natural Landscapes:
By walking in different natural landscapes, we can observe the manifestations of Yin and Yang in nature. Mountains and hills represent Yang with its ascending energy, while valleys and rivers embody Yin with its descending energy. Recognizing these forces in our environment helps us connect more deeply with the Tao.
4. Time and Space:
Walking at different times of the day and in various weather conditions can reflect the balance of Yin and Yang. The morning, with its fresh and active energy, represents Yang, while the afternoon and evening, with its tranquility and calm, symbolize Yin. Adapting to these changes helps us live in harmony with the natural cycle of Tao.
Taoist Practices Related to Walking:
1. Walking Qigong:
Qigong is a Taoist practice that combines controlled breathing, meditation and movement. Walking Qigong is a specific form that integrates walking with breathing and visualization techniques to harmonize the body and mind.
2. Walking Meditation:
Inspired by Taoist and Buddhist teachings, walking meditation focuses on walking slowly and mindfully, paying attention to each step and the immediate surroundings.
3. Nature Walks (Shinrin-Yoku):
Although Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) is a Japanese practice, its essence of finding calm and healing in nature aligns closely with Taoist principles. Spending time in nature walking consciously allows people to reconnect with the Tao (Post WALKING WITH THE TREES).
Specific recommendations:
Walking is not just a physical exercise, but a spiritual and philosophical practice that can deepen our understanding of the Tao and our connection to the natural world. By incorporating the wisdom of the Tao and the balance of Yin and Yang into our walks, we can find a path to inner harmony and balance in our lives.
An interactive phase:
• Personal Story: Share a personal experience or anecdote about how walking has influenced your life and your understanding of the Tao.
• Practical Tips: Offers tips on how to practice walking meditation or Walking Qigong.
• Additional Resources: Recommend books, articles or videos on Taoism, Yin and Yang, and the practice of walking.
By exploring these connections, we can engage with a rich and profound perspective on how the simple act of walking can be transformed into an experience of wisdom and self-knowledge, guided by the principles of the Tao and the balance of Yin and Yang.
It was a day when the wind seemed to whisper secrets in the ear of whoever knew how to listen to them. In a secluded corner of a leafy park, among paths that meandered like lost thoughts, Synesfrido appeared, an enigmatic being who radiated a strange calm, walking on a hidden path unseen among the trees, where the echoes of the wind intertwined with the murmurs of the leaves. His gait was not common; his steps seemed to merge as they combined with the heartbeats of nature, creating inexplicable sensations around him.
He was not the typical walker, as he did so at the rhythm of the emotions of his surroundings. He was a being that inhabited the intersection of the senses, a traveler between colors, sounds and aromas.
For Sinesfrido, every corner of the world was a melody of senses, a choreography in which everything was connected through an invisible symphony. He walked alone, although it did not seem like it, because the paths responded to his steps, and he, a traveler in the universe of synesthesias, perceived everything with an overwhelming intensity.
It was in the middle of this path that Synesfrido saw an individual sitting under a large oak tree, bewildered and somewhat dazed.
Synesfrido, always curious and connected to the energies of the senses, approached gently and spoke with a voice that mixed tones of dawn and dusk.
SYNESFRIDO
-Who are you? asked Synesfrido, stopping before him.
The individual looked at him, unable to respond immediately. I had felt his presence before I saw him.
“I’m GOVOT,” he finally answered, with a voice that seemed to vibrate with each of the senses. I perceive the world in ways that sometimes I don’t understand. Everything comes to me at once: the colors taste like fruit, the sounds caress me like the wind, and the smells… the smells paint landscapes in my mind. But I don’t know how to handle the reason part. I’m overwhelmed.
For GOVOT, the world was a sensory satisfaction; every detail flooded him with such magnitude that he could barely process it.
GOVOT, was an individual who embodied the essence of the five human senses – taste, smell, sight, hearing and touch – but in that place he found himself confused, as if the world around him were an ungovernable chaos (without direction, without government , without dominion, without direction, without regulation) or a reasonable order without control.
GOVOT
In the middle of this path, Synesfrido saw an individual sitting under a large oak tree, bewildered and somewhat dazed.
Synesfrido, always curious and connected to the energies of the senses, approached gently and spoke with a voice that mixed tones of dawn and dusk.
-Who are you? asked Synesfrido, stopping before him.
The individual looked at him, unable to respond immediately. He had felt his presence before he saw him.
“I’m GOVOT,” he finally answered, with a voice that seemed to vibrate with each of the senses. I perceive the world in ways that sometimes I don’t understand. Everything comes to me at once: the colors taste like fruit, the sounds caress me like the wind, and the smells… the smells paint landscapes in my mind. But I don’t know how to handle the reason part. I’m overwhelmed.
For GOVOT, the world was a sensory satisfaction; every detail flooded him with such magnitude that he could barely process it.
GOVOT, was an individual who embodied the essence of the five human senses – taste, smell, sight, hearing and touch – but in that place he found himself confused, as if the world around him were an ungovernable chaos (without direction, without government , without dominion, without direction, without regulation) or a reasonable order without control.
Synesfrido, understanding his new companion’s dilemma, smiled calmly. He knew exactly what he had to do.
—My name is Synesfrido. And get used to walking through this and other forests. What you need, GOVOT, is to walk.
-Walk? GOVOT asked, confused. How could walking help me order all this chaos dominated by reason?
—You know, GOVOT? —Synesfrido told him, knowingly. The senses you carry with you are waiting to be awakened. But for that, you need to walk. Only the movement of the body awakens the movement of perception. Why don’t you start walking? The senses respond to the step, and each way of walking brings them a different gift.
GOVOT, a little bewildered, looked up and asked without much conviction:
-Walk? And what will that change in me, Synesfrido?
“Because walking is not just moving your feet, my friend,” Synesfrido responded with a deep look. It is the most natural way in which human beings connect sensorially with the world. When you walk, you give a rhythm to your senses. You synchronize them, you distribute them. And if you walk in certain ways, you can experience your senses in ways you never imagined.
GOVOT frowned, intrigued but still doubtful.
Synesfrido smiled, his eyes shining with a gleam that held more than words could say.
“I propose a challenge to you,” said Synesfrido, extending his hand. Let’s walk together. But not in any way. I will show you how walking can awaken true sensory harmony in you.
—Walk slowly, as if time were lengthening before you. Close your eyes, GOVOT. If you dare to take a few steps in the darkness of your own senses, touch will awaken first. You will feel the texture of the ground under your feet, as if each step were a secret conversation between you and the earth. You may notice a breeze caressing your face, and without needing to see, the wind will tell you the direction of its travel.
GOVOT stood up, accepting Synesfrido’s hand.
Intrigued, GOVOT let Synesfrido guide him.
The two began to walk, and Synesfrido guided him towards a series of unique experiences.
First, they walked slowly, almost in slow motion. GOVOT’s steps were slow and cautious at first. Immediately, he noticed how the air played with his skin, and his body, which until then had been a mere structure, began to feel.
GOVOT began to notice how the touch of each blade of grass under his feet felt different, like a delicate caress. The wind caressed her skin as if it were wrapping her thoughts in velvet. “Touch,” GOVOT murmured, marveling.
Then, Synesfrido told him to walk with his eyes closed. At first, he hesitated, but soon, his hearing sharpened, perceiving the rustling of leaves, the distant song of a bird, the sound of the river in the background. It was as if the world spoke to him through sounds, a harmonious melody that he had not heard with such clarity and harmony.
Later, Synesfrido suggested that he walk backward. GOVOT, bewildered, agreed, and immediately felt the smells that had gone unnoticed begin to come to life. The earthy aroma of wet leaves, the sweet perfume of nearby flowers, and the freshness of the humidity-laden air enveloped him in a whirlwind of olfactory sensations.
Finally, Synesfrido proposed something even more daring.
“Take this notebook,” he said, handing him a small pad and a pencil. While you walk, write. Write what you feel, what you perceive, without stopping.
GOVOT obeyed, and as he moved forward, the pencil moved on its own, guided by something deeper. As he walked and wrote, flavors revealed themselves to him: he could “taste” the sweet bitterness of the air, the metallic taste of the sun on his skin, and the cool touch of morning dew.
When they finally stopped, GOVOT was exhausted, but filled with a new range of sensory (synaesthetic) experiences.
—Do you see it? said Synesfrido, smiling. Walking has allowed you to synchronize and harmonize your senses, it has given you a rhythm. Now you can live in harmony with what you perceive. Walk, GOVOT, because it is the only path to true synesthesia, to true connection.
GOVOT gratefully agreed. He didn’t feel too dazed anymore. Now he understood that walking would help him strengthen his path towards sensory balance.
The day had turned into a serene evening, with the sky painted in shades of purple and orange, and as the two friends walked away down the path, Synesfrido knew that he had planted the seed of something greater: the wisdom of walking, of reading the world through the senses, writing about it, and drawing it with each step taken.
This meeting between Sinesfrido and GOVOT reminds us that walking not only takes us to a physical destination, but also awakens and harmonizes the senses.
Dear reader, whatever your pace, whether slow or fast, with your eyes closed or drawing in a notebook, let your feet take you to experience the world in new and extraordinary ways!
Let your steps take you further than your thoughts and imagination can take you.
