This book investigates the causal relationship between urban form and individual travel behavior, specifically examining how residential location influences car dependence. Petter Naess, a prominent scholar in urban planning and environmental studies, utilizes extensive empirical data from various Scandinavian cities to construct his argument. He posits that urban structure is a primary determinant of transport patterns, challenging the notion that individual lifestyle choices are the sole drivers of automobile reliance. The work provides a rigorous framework for understanding how compact city development can mitigate environmental impacts.

Experts in urban studies and civil engineering frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the physical constraints of urban environments on human mobility. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers and policy makers interested in sustainable city design.