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>New York has a walking and transit culture similar to Tokyo.

That's more or less where the similarities end

Even in the rough and tumble NY of 40 years ago, parents allowed kids to roam freely up until the tragic disappearance of Etan Patz in '79. [1]

Seems like that event and the subsequent media fearmongering is what really spurred the cultural shift towards helicopter parenting and a reduction in youthful independence in the US.

[1] http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/04/hey-pare...

It does come down to the fearmongering I think. People are really poor at judging risks and when more and more risks are made present to their awareness they make poorer and poorer decisions.

Yes.

The comment I replied to said that "culture of walking and transit use" is key. And I'm arguing that it's not, using New York as an example.

I'd say that comment said that perception of safety is key

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