What was the main limitation restricting the masses from utilizing long-distance travel before the automobile era?

Answer

Movement over significant distances was largely dictated by fixed infrastructure or beasts of burden

Before personalized travel, movement over long distances was constrained by existing structures, meaning it was dictated by fixed infrastructure like railroads or reliance on beasts of burden.

What was the main limitation restricting the masses from utilizing long-distance travel before the automobile era?
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