Car dependance

[M]ost of our communities have been heavily designed around the car, in part because of a century of lobbying and pressure from the automotive industry. It's obvious that more integrated city planning that doesn't heavily favor car use leads to a happier and healthier life, but American society is largely not built for it.

I’ve lived my entire live in suburban or rural communities. I’ve only visited cities for days or weeks at a time.

Because of that I’ve always needed a car.

There just isn’t an option to live without one.

I’d love other options.

A depreciating piece of metal as the second largest expense we own isn’t something I savor. I’m not a car guy. Never have been. But out of necessity I’ve owned one since 16, when I needed to get back and forth to college classes.

One of the first pieces of advice I give to young people (presuming they’re not going to live in a big city) is to get a car, quick. Opportunities open to kids who can reliably transport themselves.

I’m not sure if this will change, but it’s the reality we live in across most of America.

Via Ben Werdmuller.