Why did most people in early 1800 travel on the rivers and canals?

In the early 1800s, most people traveled on rivers and canals because these waterways provided the most efficient means of transport for both goods and passengers. Moving by water was faster and cheaper than overland travel, especially for bulky items, thanks to the natural flow of rivers and the construction of canals that connected various regions. Additionally, the development of steamboats and canal systems facilitated increased trade and connectivity, making water travel the preferred option for many.