Five year olds are physically capable of walking several blocks. Indeed, weather permitting, I take my boys out walking nearly a mile every evening. What a five year old is
not capable of doing is crossing intersections without the guidance of someone older. It is not until a child reaches the age of eight (or thereabout) that he can safely navigate intersections. Younger than that, eyesight is still maturing.
Having said that...oy vey, this mom!