> I certainly see families on subways / bikes.

So metropolitan area. Do you think its by choice or necessity? The way i see it no one would take their sick kid to the doctors by subway/bike if they had a access to a car.

> will provoke such rage as you wouldn't believe from otherwise seemingly sane people.

That's human, we all participate in recreational outrage when it suits us be it drivers or those who oppose them. Sorry to hear about that crossing and hope your kids will be fine.