Very interesting posts and comments especially those living in urban areas with good accessibility to Public Transport. 
The Urban Planners have a great deal to answer for by their building sub division in the "burbs' where the car is king and the children living there  do not have the opportunity of walking  to a nearby  local shop to explore their area.
Richmond B.C. is a prime example which am sure is repeated in other parts of Canada.  Why have the planners  not insisted  that parades of amenities, stores etc  should be an integral part of new developments.