Most cities in my country are car-free optional. I have multiple bus routes literally in front of my house. I could own a place downtown and go without a car, which im considering.

The cities which mandate to be car-free are doing so out of obligation. Mainly due to civil engineering decisions from 500 years ago which have screwed them over. They basically want to go back to horses.

So in reality, people hate the idea of car-free cities and choose thusly. There is no 'until they live in one'.