Albania. Until 1991 there were no private cars in the country. Only government cars, and taxis. I remember when I was a little kid, that I would go with my friends in a road, and play/count if the next car plate was even or odd. Even in main roads, cars would come only once or twice a minute.
After 91 everyone could buy a car. My parents got their first car in 96, when traffic was pretty light. I started driving then, and it was awesome. Parking was easy. My high-school friends were impressed. I could go to the beach on my own timeline, and no need to get into a bus, or a van. And enjoy some really nice scenery going to the south.
Fast forward 2007 (last time I was back home), there is traffic everywhere, parking is hard. Lots of shiny cars, that can't go more than 10mph b/c of the traffic. smog/pollution increased . Etc.
I have a friend, that switched to bikes to get to work (he still has a car, but uses it only for out of town trips), and another one that bought a scooter, as they are much more practical.
