I grew up outside and my kids are outside all the time, just not climbing on cars and not unsupervised. They are 4 and 6 so I like to keep an eye on them and I typically spend time with them as well. I purposly bought a house near bike trails and a 10 minute ride to the beach so the kids could have a really cool time growing up. I dont mind the bike trails either
I guess its just different attitudes, they (next door neigbours) have a disposable attitude towards things. They have been through a few Walmart bikes as the kids crash them and generally abuse them. My kids got Trek's from a real bike store and taught them to take care of them.