The Walking Problem

[Jolly]

We don't do it.

https://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2023/05/26/america_has_a_big_walking_problem_901848.html

[89th]

As one of the comments noted, European cities were built around walkable towns, whereas most US cities were built based on cars or other forms of transportation. That being said, our family does a daily walk each evening and my apple watch says I log about 12k-15k steps per day, and that's on non-workout days.

[Jolly]

Do a deep dive on how GM killed public transportation in Los Angeles.

You know, we were talking about downtowns this week. Here's our opportunity to try one city as a residential/business model, with everything within a few blocks walk.

[Copper]

“In contrast, roadway design standards in European countries have considered walking and pedestrian safety for many decades,” he and Pucher wrote. “Compared with the USA, that has resulted in narrower roadways; overall lower speed limits; slower turn speeds as well as turn restrictions; and lower traffic volumes.”

And that's a good thing?

Nuts.

I walk miles, every day. I have for decades.

I don't need narrow, crowded, restricted streets to do it.

[Axtremus]

Not sure if it's "conscientious choice" rather than "historical influence."
European cities are older, many were built before automobiles were popular.
American cities are newer, many were built after automobiles have become commonplace.

[Doctor Phibes]

When I visited the UK a few weeks back, one thing I really took advantage of with my brother was the public footpath system. Basically, you can go for walks in the countryside almost anywhere - you drive about 10 miles away from the city, and you're out in the most beautiful countryside, and you have a right to walk in it, because of the system of public footpaths. If you've never experienced it, you just have no idea what you're missing.

Walking in the city is OK, but doing it in the countryside is an absolute joy.