American Capital

Starting Point: I am not a foodie. I want my calories.

Better Transportation Choices toutes a new mobile web app. reroute.it is nifty. It computes comparative costs, time, CO2 emissions and calories of various transportation choices: Walk, bike, bus, cab, commute etc.

I really dislike the assumption for walkers. My twice-daily walks to the office do not cost zero dollars.

Compared to when I drove, I need to clean my suits more frequently, polish my shoes, buy more shoes, wash my hair, my shirts (look at the collar when I reach the office!) -- all at significantly more cost than I had before.

And eat more. 162 calories according to the app. Double that, and you have a daily McDouble and small fries at $2.20 including tax. Remember: Gas is cheaper than water.

Walking is not free. I also doubt that it's healthier, as the article proclaims. The CO2 emissions I breathe in on 16th Street are a pain in the throat. A car, cab or bus filters the air and may be healthier in the long run. OK, sometimes, I walk 17th Street where there are no buses and fewer trucks. The difference is impressive.

In sum, walking may be a lot more expensive than the other choices. I do it because I like it. But every pleasure in life offers its sinful angle.