It was more feasible to live without a car in the US because we didn't have that option. We weren't out of shape. We were used to long and unpredictable delays.

It was more feasible to live without a car in the US because we didn't have that option. We weren't out of shape. We were used to long and unpredictable delays. If we needed to walk a hundred miles, we did it. Going longer distances, we might hope to get a ride on a sailing ship, but some people still walked. This is still possible. Obstacles like large interstate highways are no worse than obstacles like large unbridged rivers. Not many people will tolerate it.