No Cars?

The New York Times today published THIS NEWS PIECE about a town in Germany called Vauban. Here, garages, driveways, and street parking are banned from the suburban neighborhoods in an attempt to reduce gas emissions and to encourage residents to trade in their cars for environmentally friendly alternatives (like public transportation, biking, or even walking). What's cool is that this compact town now has more room for other things like shops and larger walk ways.
Can you imagine being able to play an endless game of kickball on the street and never ever be interrupted by a honking car?

I guess the downside is that the convenience of a car would cost you more, but trains are way more fun, anyway.