Quote Originally Posted by SouthernBelle View Post
I think part of the problem we have in North America is that we are so spread out in some areas. I'm looking for a bike suitable for commuting, but my commute is less than 2 miles. I'm less than a mile from a grocery. I live in town. But I know people who are many miles from either. Often those in more densely populated areas don't get that.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. In a lot of areas, things just aren't set up in a way to be conducive to walking or biking to get to work or get errands done. My parents and two sisters, for example, live in western NJ and it's a fifteen-minute drive (and not because of stop and go) just to get to the grocery store, Walmart etc., and a lot of those trips are along a busy, high-speed route. Not the best setup for utility cycling, and plus it's VERY hilly (puts the Worcester area to shame in that department!!) to boot.