Walking Workouts for a Greener Planet

3 Ways to Stay Safe When You Walk

The biggest threat facing walkers is traffic. To protect yourself, always walk on sidewalks. If they're not available, walk facing traffic and cross at marked crosswalks.

The wind-resistant NightLife Vest from Brooks is bright safety-yellow and features a reflective zipper and panels.

Or try ultra-luminescent L.E.D. lights, which can be seen from almost all angles up to one mile away.

The all-purpose SpotLit L.E.D. clip-on from Nite Ize attaches to almost any zipper pull (or dog collar, if you're walking with your pooch).

When possible, walk with a friend and carry a cell phone. And always keep ID on you. "Stick a note in your pocket with your contact information when you leave home," says Therese Iknoian, editor of GearTrends.com and author of Fitness Walking. Or plug an emergency contact number into your phone under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency).