World
12:39, 29-May-2018
LA’s ‘people walkers’ help people exercise while combating loneliness
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A burgeoning walking service that doesn’t involve a leash or poop bags but provides human companionship and exercise has been expanding in the American city of Los Angeles. Called “the People Walker,” the city’s first people-walking service was launched to encourage outdoor activity and face-to-face social interaction in the digital age.
The People Walker was founded two years ago by freelance actor Chuck McCarthy, who came up with the idea of walking a person after considering taking a dog walking part-time job and reading personal trainer ads.
"All the dog walkers advertise on telephone poles, and personal trainers advertise the same way, so I started joking, ‘Maybe I’ll just walk people,’” McCarthy told People.com.
The People Walker's founder Chuck McCarthy. /AFP Photo
The People Walker's founder Chuck McCarthy. /AFP Photo
But the more McCarthy thought about the joke, the more he realized there was an actual need for the kind of comradeship he could provide.
He then turned the idea into action and started his own business of people walking. McCarthy would accompany people on a relaxing stroll or a mountain hike as requested, charging 30 dollars for every hour they spent walking and chatting together.
The service turned out to be an immediate success and the demand soured. McCarthy managed to expand the business in the past two years, building a standalone website and hiring over 30 walkers from all walks of life.
Top page of The People Walker's website. /Screenshot from The People Walker
Top page of The People Walker's website. /Screenshot from The People Walker
On the website, clients can read walkers’ bios and watch their self-introductory videos before picking their walking partners and scheduling a walk. The walkers have to pass a personality test, a background check and a "walk" interview before getting employed.
Walker's personal page. /Screenshot from The People Walker
Walker's personal page. /Screenshot from The People Walker
People use The People Walker’s service for different reasons. While some clients just enjoy having company while exercising to feel safe and motivated, others like to use the opportunity to chat and have social interaction.
"It seems like something new but it's very similar to going to confession, to a bar, to a therapist, or going to a hairstylist," McCarthy told AFP.
(With inputs from AFP.)