Driving is Down, but Families Log Ever More Miles Running Errands

Although overall household driving is down, the number of miles families log for shopping continues to climb, according to new federal data.

1 minute read

June 3, 2010, 11:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur


"Over the last 40 years, shopping-related driving has been by far the fastest growing segment of household travel, more than tripling since 1969, while overall driving rose 63 percent."

"The probable culprit is the rise of big-box stores. Where once a gallon of milk, a prescription, or a piece of hardware was available at a neighborhood store only a few blocks or short drive away, many of those small, local businesses are now gone."

Thanks to Stacy Mitchell

Thursday, May 6, 2010 in New Rules Project

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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