That was the whole reason behind the game - to get geeks away from their computers and outside, preferably walking. Many of the portals in parks etc are not reachable by car.

If you really get into it, you will discover many things you never knew about your local area. I know where all the parks big and small, churches, temples, synagogs and historical landmarks are in my town (and many neighboring ones) because of Ingress. Depending on your interest and time, you can meet people that you never would have encountered otherwise.