text: These "car free utopias" sound very good. They may even be a success, but the main thing they lack is practicality. There is nothing practical about these places. They reduce fuel use and smog and air polution sure. But the use for a car or a truck cannot be replaced. lets say there is apractical emergency, your wife's water just broke. you are not going to be able to get to the nearest hospital on your bike in time. calling an ambulance may take too long as well. or lets say you need to evacuate. (not a threat that happens often, but still a pliable scenairo). I'm not saying these cities arent amazing nor am I bashing them. I find them very progressive and excellent. i think that they can really make their mark. There just is no replacement for the automobile.