It would be nice if there were at least more options for people who actually want to forgo some energy usage to do so. Back when I lived in the U.S., I had to have a car and drive everywhere, because everything was laid out in such a car-oriented manner, and the transit was so bad. I didn't find it enjoyable or convenient, more of a kind of pain. I would've happily taken some of my energy consumption off the road, if there had been a decent alternative, but it was expected that I would burn this gas daily whether I wanted to or not, if I wanted a job anyway.

Yes, that's kind of how it is here. Unless you live in the handful of cities that have really stellar public transportation, you are a hardcore motorist.