Number of Vehicles in use has increased by 20% since 2003. Number of vehicles in use has doubled since 1990. The vehicles are also getting larger and heavier. Light Commercial vehicle sales increase at 7% each year for year, relative to the total sales.
ie A typical family 30 years ago would have one medium sedan or wagon, now they have two trucks or SUVs.
I cant read past the first paragraph because of paywall. If the author hasn’t come to the conclusion that it’s because of all the fucking cars they need to reassess.
Walking to places and randomly running into people who can become acquaintances, then friends is difficult or impossible in places with cars as the primary transport.
Meeting in ‘third places’ is no longer easy because all of those areas are gone or dying due to car based infrastructure.
Town and city public meetung spaces are dying or gone due to car based infrastructure ‘needing’ those areas for parking.
Don’t worry, they have options. They can also take out shitty loans laden with fine print from China