Our message is more difficult. In many cases, realistic alternatives to driving simply don't exist. Riding a bike or walking are invitations to injury. While massive lifestyle changes are needed, to get enough people to make changes sufficient to the problem, systemic changes will be required. There needs to be support and encouragement for doing the right thing.
People are busy and stressed.
Americans work longer hours than Japanese now. To ask them to rise the bus, etc., when they are already hard pressed is too much for most. So this defines the problems. The vision of a sustainable society is one of a fundamentally better place - real communities and neighborhoods, clean air and water, less noise, safety for children, good schools, clean and reliable energy, diverse transportation choices, less highway mayhem, more greenspaces. I'm sure, have this very positive vision, can see the neighborhood with the commons and the greenways and the village center.