Let’s face it — cars changed everything. They gave us freedom, speed, and convenience. But they also made us sit. A lot.
Since cars became a daily part of life, especially in the U.S., people have been moving less. And that shift has quietly affected our health in ways we don’t always notice.
🚗 The Hidden Side of Driving Everywhere
Back in the 1950s, walking was still a normal part of everyday life. But as suburbs grew and cities were redesigned around cars, walking became less common. According to research from the University of Illinois, the rise in car usage over the decades closely matches the rise in obesity rates across the country A. While junk food and screen time often get blamed, data analyst Sheldon Jacobson argues that the real issue might be how much we rely on cars to get around.
Urban design plays a big role too. As Quitterie d’Harcourt explains, many neighborhoods today are built for cars, not people. Sidewalks are missing, stores are far apart, and walking often feels inconvenient or unsafe B. That means even short trips — ones we could walk — end up being driven.
A Hypothetical Story: Jason’s Wake-Up Call
Let’s imagine someone named Jason. He’s 29, lives in a quiet suburb, and drives everywhere — to work, to lunch, even to the mailbox. Over time, he gains weight. His knees start to hurt, his energy drops, and his doctor warns him about early signs of health issues.
Then one day, Jason’s car breaks down. He walks half a mile to the store and realizes how out of shape he’s become. That moment sparks a change. He starts walking to nearby places — the park, the coffee shop, even work once a week. After six months, he’s down 30 pounds, feels better, and has more energy.
Jason didn’t give up driving. He just stopped driving everywhere.
What the Research Says
A large study published in PLOS One looked at over 37,000 adults and found that people who spent more time driving were more likely to be overweight, eat poorly, and move less C. Even when other factors were considered, driving time still had a strong link to poor health.
Experts at Strong Towns also point out that walkable communities — places where people can safely walk or bike — tend to be healthier, happier, and more financially stable D. When cities focus on people instead of cars, everything improves.
Small Changes, Big Impact
You don’t have to give up your car to feel better. Just rethink how you use it:
• Walk or bike short distances (under a mile)
• Park farther away and enjoy the stroll
• Take walking breaks during long drives
• Explore your neighborhood on foot — you’ll notice things you’ve never seen
At RideWithChuck, we love cars. We celebrate driving culture and everything it represents. But we also believe in balance. Movement is medicine, and walking is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy.
---
So next time you reach for your keys, ask yourself: could this be a walk instead?
Ride smart. Enjoy the road.
And sometimes… leave the car behind.
