Modern cities are built around cars, but what if that dependency is doing more harm than good? In this talk, the speaker examines how car-centric design limits personal independence and weakens community connections. Reliance on cars can make people feel trapped—especially those who cannot drive—while walkable, transit-friendly spaces offer greater freedom and accessibility. Additionally, car dependency isolates individuals, reducing daily interactions that naturally occur in more connected urban environments. By rethinking how we design our cities, we can create spaces that foster stronger communities, healthier lifestyles, and true independence. This talk challenges us to imagine a world where mobility means more than just owning a car. Sai Bhavsar is currently a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Sai is a member of The Economics and Finance Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Cross Country, and Spring Track. In his free time, he enjoys photography and long distance running with his friends. He is passionate about car independence - the idea that people can live their lives in the suburbs without needing a car. In his talk, Sai explains how using viable alternatives to cars for short trips can improve an individual’s health, happiness, and community. Sai hopes that people will walk away from his talk understanding that there are alternatives to using cars for every little trip. Sai strives to change both the culture and the infrastructure of the world by encouraging alternatives to driving. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx