I personally think we are looking at the problem all wrong. The real question is "Why do we drive so much?" If the answer is "to get to work" go back and REALLY think about the question some more.
I'm not sure exactly what you mean but I'm going to guess maybe it is because we all have cars and don't have useful public transportation? I live about a mile from work but I go 15-20 miles each way for shopping once a week and maybe 150 miles a week to go hiking, on dates, or to entertainment like shows or concerts. One day last year my battery was dead so I just walked to work and I was still only 10 minutes late. It sure is convenient.
