How can people afford cars?

London there really isn't much call for a car, there really isn't. There's a frickin Tesco Extra, Express or Metro every 200 yards, tube, bus for those who don't wish to cycle.

Exactly. Why does anyone need to privately own a vehicle in London? If you need to move large goods, rent a van. When I'm in London for uni (9 months of the year) I never use a car. I hate them. There's no reason for one - cycle, bus, walk, or tube.

The most ridiculous of all car users are the moms with the kid/s for the school run, step to me if you're involved in this phenomenon and disagree, I'm not trying to be arrogant and dismissive, but I think it's totally totally unnecessary. The kids are soft and car-reliant from an early age and the parents teach them that the car is king of the road as they create their own full-scale gridlocks waiting to edge nearer to the schoolgates.

+1. Everytime I ride from uni through South Kensington between 3-4pm I'm amazed at the number of Bentleys and 4x4s picking up little brats from school. I despise them. They make everything much more shit for everyone else by causing road congestion, pollution and noise.

People don't car share because their cars are their own private little bubbles. They don't want to engage with anyone.

I'm 19, and I don't own a car. Many of my friends do and drive everywhere; I think it's totally unnecessary. I wouldn't be able to afford it. I don't want to line the wallets of the oil companies either. I don't plan to learn to drive, even though it might make an impact on where I can work in the future.

Transport shift in 5 years? No, not unless something massive happens to the economy, which is unlikely. Longer term, yes. I hope to see a shift to bicycles nationally. The amount of people riding in London is encouraging - it's not just enthusiasts like us, but 'normal' people too. Outside of London and other major cities, it's another story. For example, I rode into Basingstoke town centre and back yesterday and the only other people I saw on bikes were kids. Everyone else is cruising around in their cars. I feel drivers are a lot less tolerant here than in London.

I think we might see more utility bikes soon - big flat bed racks and trailers.