• radix@lemmy.world
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    23 hours ago

    It helps when everywhere in that mile radius (and more) is considered walking distance in much of Europe, but Americans would rather drive.

    • Nurse_Robot@lemmy.world
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      22 hours ago

      I fucking promise you we don’t prefer to drive, it’s the only option we have. Our government fucked us

      • SomeAmateur@sh.itjust.works
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        20 hours ago

        Facts. One time we were talking about how cool it would be to live really close to a mall as a kid.

        Then we realized that our local mall has no pedestrian crossings or even sidewalks, so you’d still have to get adults to drive you even if you were across the street. Or play frogger across several lanes

      • Fawkes@lemmy.zip
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        16 hours ago

        I mean, yes that’s absolutely true, but many Americans really do prefer to drive even short distances. When I lived in North Carolina people regularly drove to the other side of the parking lot to eat, shop at different stores, meet up with friends, etc. I asked several people why they didn’t walk, and every single one said they hated walking and would drive or re-park if it was further than a few seconds walk.

      • arrow74@lemmy.zip
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        19 hours ago

        Having recently moved to Europe, I occasionally miss the convenience of driving but overall it’s so much better.

        Just getting to chill on my commute and not have to worry about traffic is so nice.

        When it’s very cold or rainy it would be nice to drive to the store. I do miss being able to buy a week+ worth of groceries and loading up the trunk

        Overall this is still way better.

        • LH0ezVT@sh.itjust.works
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          15 hours ago

          I mean, you are allowed to own a car in Europe, just saying.

          Of course, if you live in a dense city with barely any parking spots and roads that are impossible to drive through on work days, practicality may be limited.

          • arrow74@lemmy.zip
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            15 hours ago

            I mean obviously.

            I’m only here for school so I won’t be going through the expense or licensing to get a car

            If I moved permanently I might get a car, but it’s just a convenience