Walking in New York by Bryan Formhals
The narrative arc of life is bookmarked by beginnings and endings, and often we’re not sure when these will arrive. The pandemic has forced many people into endings they have not prepared for whether that’s a job loss, a housing move or, tragically, the death of a loved one.
I’ve been fortunate this past year to stay healthy and economically stable. But the pandemic has made me realize that it’s time to leave New York City after 12 years, thus bringing my long term project to an end as well.
Over the last few years, I’ve spent much of my free time walking and exploring how the transportation infrastructure in New York City interconnects and facilitates the great pedestrian walking culture in the city. This great walking culture, along with the global nature of the city, is what drew me here in the first place. I wanted to live in a place that I could explore on foot. I wanted to experience the abundant public spaces that New York City provides its citizens to see what I could learn.
I didn’t necessarily know where I was going with my projects. I knew I would figure it out as I walked: solvitur ambulando - "it is solved by walking."
It worked. Walking New York City has taught me how to pay attention in public, to appreciate and look critically at how we construct the pedestrian experience, and how it intersects with other forms of transportation. In 2013, I walked between La Guardia and JFK in Queens. It was the first time I set out on a planned walk. I figured since I couldn’t catch a flight between the two airports, that walking was the next best way to see the landscape in between.
Ink and paper drawings of walks based on Strava
My walks have taken me from the beginning of the Croton Aqueduct Trail in Westchester County to Montauk on the end of Long Island, thanks to the Metro-North and LIRR commuter trains. I have photographed the majority of the pedestrian bridges in NYC, walked all of the marked trails in the city parks, traversed the perimeter of Manhattan, and started mapping all the desire paths I spotted.
When the pandemic arrived I was disoriented, like most of us. As lockdown settled in, my walks grew shorter but more focused. Suddenly being in public carried an unknown risk, and we had to stay six feet away from each other. The streets were empty at first, but as spring and summer arrived, the city started to green, and more people were out. Walking is one of the few recreational activities we’ve been able to do in public. It has become a popular topic for the media as well, with more people understanding the benefits of walking, and how it can help us slow down, and pay attention to the small details that enrich public life. It’s a development I welcome because I truly believe walking can make us healthier, wiser, and kinder to one another.
Collage of photos made during pandemic walks
Spending these last 12 years walking New York City has taught me to be more present, and attentive. It has made me more generous. Walking makes you realize the abundance of wonder and awe that exists in the world. There’s enough for us all. And guess what? Photography does the same! It allows you to focus, and learn exactly what you’re curious about. There’s room for all of these photographs and perspectives in the world. We’re fortunate to have such wonderful abundance, and talented photographers sharing their perspectives.
For me, after all these years of walking in New York City, I know I’m fascinated by being in public, and viewing public life from the perspective of a pedestrian. Walking and observing how we construct these spaces, build these paths, and enjoy the spaces where we allow nature to thrive has been the education of a lifetime. It’s a privilege, and this last year, I’ve felt blessed to do it while staying healthy.
Bryan Formhals’s work focuses on walking, pedestrian infrastructure and urban green spaces in cities. He’s currently writing a newsletter about walking, photography and mindfulness.
Pedestrian Infrastructure in New York City
Skyway (walking from LGA to JFK)
