I think you're getting cause and effect mixed up. Save for a few petrolheads and train enthusiasts, people use whatever happens to be the most convenient method to get around. In North America, most cities prioritise infrastructure for private cars to such an extent that any other mode is almost useless

Since private cars scale badly, you want to encourage people to take other modes, but in order to change behaviour, the alternatives need to be attractive - cycle layouts that are safe, buses and trains that are frequent and reliable, city layouts that don't involve a long drive to buy food. You can't convince people out of taking the rational choice. You have to build it

There is literally an example of a city with great public transport and 90% of people there use it exclusively. So most people will not make excuses but just use the thing that is easy.

I walk to work. In the suburbs.

My wife rides a bike. In the suburbs.

We chose a home that has grocers, schools, and dining within a walk or bike ride.

We own cars because there are things beyond ~2 miles and transit options aren’t good.

Sadly, doing this usually requires money. Lots of it.

Everyone loves their car, but hates everyone else's cars. Remember, your car is transport, everyone else's cars are traffic.

Saying "people love cars" is false. Some people love cars. Those are the ones doing their own work/maintenance/restorations etc and just spending time in the garage with their cars. A few more people love driving, they don't just love cars for their own sake, but they will go and just drive for fun. But most people don't do any of that. They just use cars as part of their boring, routine lives.

You might as well say US people fucking love washing machines or knives and forks.

> You might as well say US people fucking love washing machines or knives and forks.

Yeah, you’re getting it.

Nobody will say they love washing machines but they clearly do. We see it in their actions. Same as with cars. Everything they do tells us that they love cars. They drive comically short distances. They spend money they barely have to buy them.

I love mine and so does everyone else, and I don't feel ashamed at all. They're incredible.

There are probably more reasons for that, but if it's the only thing that allows me to get somewhere, of course I'd love it.

I hate cars. Not using my car wouldn't change any of the things I hate about cars or car infrastructure. It's not lying.

I'm not going to lie about it. I feel safest of all in my car. I can lock my car doors. It's the only way to live. In cars.