having my cake and eating it too

We can't all have big private garderns and still expect walkable communities. This should be obvious, but one reason it isn't is demonstrated by the comments on this post from Eschaton [via kottke.org]: People give examples of how they have big plots of land and can still walk to the shops or schools or work. I could also point out that I walk to a train service that takes me to work every day, and I live in a low-density suburb. But that doesn't mean everyone else can walk and travel on safe, convenient public transport. I chose my house because it is near a station, but if everyone did that, then the prices of houses near stations would skyrocket, and eventually market forces would increase residential densities around stations.

So I consider myself fortunate in being able to make what I consider environmentally responsible travel choices; but if I am honest, I have to admit that while I am limiting my direct contribution to vehicle emissions, I am contributing to a city shape that forces others to drive. Something's got to give.