waterboy

I live in Midlothian, Virginia, an upper-cruster suburb of Richmond. It's perfectly okay if the automobile is America's main mode of transportation. We sure love the convenience of our cars. It's all just about choices. The problem with suburbia is that if a person says Wow it's a nice day outside, I'd love to walk to work, they simply have no choice but to hop in the car and commute to work in all the traffic congestion. Even if a person lives within walking distance to where he or she works, he still pretty much HAS to drive because suburban thoroughfares aren't pedestrian-friendly at all. If your car breaks down, you're pretty much screwed. Date: 9/15/2005 6:19:22 AM Author: louisville327 Date: 9/15/2005 1:24:28 AM Author: mpetryni It's an excellent idea. Unfortunately, the suburbanites of America (and, ironically, the ruralites) can't quite stomach the idea yet. They won't have much choice in about 20 years.  SUV sales are already in the gutter with the recent spike of gas prices at over $3.  Just think what will happen when gas reaches $6 or $8 or $10 a gallon.  The entire American system of sprawl and unlimited driving will collapse under its own weight---or maybe just explode in flames. Be sure to wear your bullet-proof vest to the gas station... Whatever the gas price, it's the price we have to pay and we will pay it. We all HAVE to get to work and kids HAVE to get to school. There is no ther choice besides the automobile anymore in suburbia. Before I got my license, I HATED being tied-down to my parents' cars. I had to depend on them for a ride for every small errand. Another issue is the government's problem recognizing sprawl in the first place. I know sprawl when I see it, but governments will actually plan for subdivisions to have large lots and no sidewalks or street trees, which they claim are hazardous to motorists. Well, how about thinking about what is hazardous to pedestrians for a change. I hate to admit it, but this country is built for cars, not for people.

Good idea Tenzium. I tried the bus-station-in-the-middle-of-the-street idea. This works well in the suburbs where the wealthier cats don't like mass transit. I also tried toll booths on small streets to encourage usage of larger arteries, which is the same idea, but a more natural approach. Nice motto there, Tolomar. Too bad that my computer isn't very friendly with video games, though. In fact, I have to stick to small farming and low-density towns or my computer will crash. It's a fairly new computer, too. But i guess all that talk is for another day. I love everyone's ideas. thanks a bunch

by the way, what is a 'NAM'?

Thanks Sam. I never looked at it as a positive thing, I guess you're right about it being realistic. And thanks to both of you for the avenue advice. This really helps. thx

So why are Sims taking side streets and small roads more often than avenues and highways? It seems that Sims are so anxious to go the shortest route, not necessarily the fastest route. If I put a side street right along a highway, Sims will always take the side street because it is a little bit shorter. They won't use my highways! Anyone else having the same problem?!?! We have to use mods to get these things right, but these are small details that should have come standard with the game and taken care of before SC4 was put onto shelves!