[babblefrog]

The non-driver issue is a big one. I believe I have read that typically on third of the population don't drive, either because they are too young, too old, or have some sort of disability. This doesn't include those who are poor enough that keeping a car is a major expense.

The ways we have used zoning (minimum lot sizes and setbacks, and putting housing over here and work and shopping way the hell over there), and engineering our roads to make automobiling as quick as possible, has disenfranchised a large part of our population.

[bostonpete]

> I believe I have read that typically on third of > the population don't drive, either because they are > too young, too old, or have some sort of disability.

Presumably a sizable portion of that third isn't capable of getting around on their own regardless of public transportation options.

[pwthornton]

You'd be quite surprised how mobile disabled people can be in a walkable area. It's night and day how many disabled people you see in a walkable area versus the suburbs. Areas that make it easy for people to walk are also very friendly for people in wheel chairs. Where I live, there are lots of people with motorized wheel chairs and they can go to restaurants, the grocery store, the liquor store, the movies, ride public transportation to get to other areas, etc.

You'll see many of wheelchair-bound people outside every day, interacting with people. I can't imagine how lonely it must be to be disabled or elderly (to where you can't drive) in a car dependent area. You'd rarely leave your house.

Walkable areas are also more liberating for children. Where I live, we have some areas that are pedestrian only, and you'll see children hanging out and playing. They can walk there from nearby homes.

The disabled, elderly and minors do ride public transportation.

[delackner]

Old age is a funny thing. A lot of people seem to think that the incredible loss of strength and stamina they experience is totally inevitable and just shrug and think "well at least I have my car to get around".

That car is a big part of WHY you feel so lethargic and dread walking further than between the car and the edge of a parking lot.

Contrast with the most pedestrian friendly area I've ever seen: central Tokyo, with density so high that within a short walk of most homes there are all the services you need. I routinely see bent over grandmas that in the US would be considered incapable of traveling outside the home, calmly and slowly walking with a grocery / walker contraption holding some groceries.