Let’s see which - or maybe both - papers will run this letter.

Dear Editor:

I walk in Beverly Hills every day for exercise and instead of driving for meetings or errands, and I’d say for each hour-long walk I take, I’ve encountered at least three or four close calls. Inattentive, distracted or rushed drivers zip through crosswalks or run red lights (notably at Rexford and Wilshire near where we live) with complete disregard to the law and pedestrians.  I am a careful walker  – no cell phone when I get to an intersection. I not only look both ways before I cross the street, I look both ways again. Yep, I’m the one waving at you when you pull into the driveway of a parking structure and practically crush my toes.

Tips for walkers — of all ages: 1. Make sure you get the attention of the driver before you step off the curb. Make eye contact. Don’t assume they will stop for you. 2. Yes, put the phone down.  3. Don’t jaywalk. 4. Tell City Hall we can use more crosswalks that are clearly marked with flashing lights.  5. Ask for pedestrian crossing signs. If you think an intersection needs better marking, let the city know. Rules for drivers: 1. Do not turn in front of a pedestrian when he or she is crossing street. 2. Do not honk at the car in front of you; he or she may actually be waiting until someone has crossed the street. 3. Let the pedestrians know you see them. 4.Don’t rush. 5. And make your car a “cell phone free zone.”

 What can we do to help Beverly Hills become a more walker-friendly city? Walk more – even if you think it’s too far. Walking from Rexford and Wilshire to the Writer’s Bloc event in Century City took me about 35 minutes. Walk to your favorite restaurant: The meal is your reward, and the walk home feels so good! Let the businesses know you walked instead of drove. We have great films at the Laemmle Music Hall. Get your body moving before you sit down for the movie. Business owners: let us know how you will reward people who walk to your local business. Or employers: reward your employees who walk or take the bus to work in Beverly Hills.

Summer is around the corner. Walk around your block and meet your neighbors. My slogan is Make Walking a Style for Life!™

Go to http://www.walkscore.com/ Type in your address and you can see all of the businesses within walking distance of your home. It’s a great website!

 As a walker, you are a better driver, and more attentive to those on foot.

 Parents and kids: Walk to school. walktoschool.org  Do you work in Beverly Hills? Just visiting? Join the locals and other business people with NetWalkers & Co. Troop 90210. We walk and talk every Wednesday morning at 7:30 am, meeting at the Fountain at Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards. Twitter.com/NetWalkers90210

And then there is bicycle riding: Beverly Hills could benefit from bike paths and more bike racks. That’s another subject for another letter to the editor.