Originally Posted by
Polaris OBark
The global population was at least a factor of 2 smaller back then. Huge FUVs and pickups did not dominate our roads. Cell phones and text messages didn't exist. People had some sense of community spirit, which made splattering a cyclist at the side of the road to pick up a sack of deep-fried mars bars less acceptable.
You didn't see the huge family sedans and station wagons that we rode around in during the 50's and 60's did you?
But I will agree that population plays a part in the issue. Though it might not be quite the issue of the OP.
I can remember back in the 70's if I went up hwy 49 from Hattiesburg to Jackson MS, that if you could look ahead and see more than two or three cars within a quarter mile of you that it was considered a lot of traffic. Now you are lucky to have more than 3 car lengths between you and the next car for any amount of time.