Roody makes the very good point that most Americans are in bad physical shape, and that a good number are trapped in situations where they need a car - frankly, all post-1900 infrastructure is planned around the car. There will be a certain amount of pain in quitting the addiction to cars.

I've done it, myself. I also am a member of a bike club where honestly, as a rule, everyone is faster than me, and many are 2x my age. I also cut a fine figure today carrying two big plastic boxes on my back, after making up a hybrid messenger bag/tiedown straps "thing" to carry them. And that was the 2nd of two trips, since I decided to buy the boxes on trip, then carried what I already had home, then went back for them. The average American would consider living this way a huge PITA. Me, I like being out in the air and seeing what's going on around the neighborhood etc.