[tamcap]

Then you end up with a problem of clear cutting "useless woods" in order to install solar panels. While I don't think the French solution is flawless, it introduces an interesting dynamic.

Generally, I am against large surface lots (American style). So seeing someone introduce a simple incentive that both a) introduces a limit to their size AND b) offsets some of the blight for larger ones...

I am willing to see how well it works.

[ars]

> Generally, I am against large surface lots (American style).

A bit of a tangent, but why? In my city they built a large shopping center without much parking, because that's what we do these days. Especially when the shopping center is basically next door to a large public transport hub.

The shopping center failed and declared bankruptcy after a few years. Main reason? No one went there because of lack of parking. (They did have some paid parking which everyone refused to use for shopping, but was instead used by people going on the public transport.)

[tamcap]

I think the US needs an honest assessment about the cost of such high degree of car centricity. There are layers of laws and regulations establishing car as a dominant method of transport, and actively discriminating against everything else.

In this current case, large surface parking lots are a terrible use of space. They generate very little taxes, contribute towards the heat island effect, and make the general area surrounding them less walkable.

The example you provided is definitely believable. I don't know a single modern (new) location that successfully changed the habits of residents from "more-car" to "less-car". And I don't necessarily have an answer what's a good solution. Having regulation like the French do at least helps nudge the outcomes somewhat.

[Beldin]

> I don't know a single modern (new) location that successfully changed the habits of residents from "more-car" to "less-car".

The Netherlands did that (eg, [1]). It started in the 70s and is still ongoing. There were a modest few "quick wins", but most of the benefit is in the aggregate. It literally takes decades to get to a really different outlook/feel/vibe on traffic throughout a city/region, as opposed to only fixing accident hot spots. It's possible, with patience and tenacity.

[1] https://nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stichting_Kinderen_Voorrang

[ars]

I agree than covering parking lots with solar panels is a good idea (except in places with lots of snow).

But I don't think America will ever transition away from the car - America is too big, and too diverse to make that possible.

Some larger cities may eventually have low rates of car ownership, but it will never be the majority of the country.

For example where I live there is an express bus to the airport - it take an hour. Or you can drive and get there in 20 minutes. The bus is cheaper (due to gas cost), and rather convenient you don't have to deal with your car at the airport.

But an hour vs 20 minutes? Ouch. (Oh, and that hour is if you drive to one of the pickup spots of the bus - if you need a bus to get to the bus then it could be an hour and a half vs 20 minutes.)

This is not something that's solvable as far as I know.