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I must settle with the USA. It's about the right to walk.
🇳🇴 Norway /Culture & Society

I must settle with the USA. It's about the right to walk.

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A commentator for Aftenposten recounts difficulties walking in American cities during a trip to the US for the World Cup.
  • The writer found many US cities designed for cars, making it impossible to walk to some World Cup venues even when they were only a couple of kilometers away.
  • The experience led to a critical reflection on how car-centric planning can feel like a constraint rather than a symbol of freedom.

During a trip to the United States for the World Cup, a commentator for the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten found himself frustrated by the lack of pedestrian accessibility in many American cities. Despite enjoying his travels, the writer decided to walk to destinations, only to discover that urban planning often prioritized cars over people.

I have to settle with the USA. It's about the right to walk.

— Daniel Røed-JohansenHeadline of the article

Even though Google Maps indicated short walking distances, the reality on the ground proved challenging. The writer described the heat as "suffocating" but was determined to walk, embracing his Norwegian inclination for the activity. However, he encountered numerous obstacles, including a lack of sidewalks and infrastructure that made pedestrian travel impractical or impossible.

It was fun to travel around the USA during the World Cup, but something got on my nerves. After countless Uber rides, I decided. This time I would walk myself!

— Daniel Røed-JohansenIntroduction to the personal experience

One particularly striking incident occurred in Fort Worth, Texas, near Dallas. After just ten minutes of walking, the writer reached a bridge where the map indicated he should continue straight. However, the sidewalk ended, leaving him with no safe way to proceed as cars sped past. This experience led him to reflect that while cars can symbolize freedom, in many American contexts, they felt more like a "prison" due to the exclusion of other modes of transport.

The heat was indeed suffocating, but I would cope. I am Norwegian, and I like to walk!

— Daniel Røed-JohansenExpressing determination to walk
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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