Guardian readers describe benefits and challenges of living car-free in US cities
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 8
Guardian readers describe benefits and challenges of living car-free in US cities
5 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 8
Accounts from Los Angeles, Chicago, Oakland, La Crosse and Boston highlighted long commutes, limited late-night service, unreliable infrastructure and social stigma around not driving.
Readers said walking, cycling and transit can save money and work well in denser cities, but regional travel, spontaneous trips and access to jobs, family and nature often remain difficult.
Several argued US systems still prioritise commuters and cars over all-day mobility, warning that underinvestment, ageing networks and service deficits could push more people back toward car ownership.
As new subways open, can US transit overcome huge deficits to offer a true alternative to cars?
If a car-free neighborhood can thrive in Phoenix, what prevents this model from being scaled across America?