Definitely a New Yorker thing. Them sidewalks be too damn busy and crowded. You get tired of bumping into people walking the opposite direction all the time if you’re not used to it
Everywhere ain't Times Square
Crowded streets are mainly in heavy shopping areas.
I can walk around my neighborhood to chill. If it's 11 pm and I want a beer or I got the munchies I can walk a few blocks to the store. The supermarket is around the corner from them there. My gym is an easy 15 minute walk. The farmers market is a block and a half away. The park and river are across the street.
I visited family in Florida and they didn't have sidewalks
. They'd hop in the car to drive to the supermarket a block away since you couldn't walk there because there's an 8 lane freeway
. I can jog in Bed-Stuy without bumping into anyone, let alone walk 

