There is every indication that more people would like to live in cities, but can't afford to.
Perhaps there is compromise? Perhaps this is really only a real problem in SanFran and NYC. Even NYC has The Bronx and good rail service.
The problem isn't sparseness or density, it's a combination of readily available fossil fuels and mindset, I believe.
If the position is simply to oppose cars altogether, then I don't know where you can go. But I suppose you can find a bus to take you there...