Taking a car to the gymnasium to use a treadmill exercise machine - When will people rediscover the value of walking for daily errands?

In the US most new residential areas built in the 70ies and 80ies are without sidewalks which is a curious thing to many Europeans. The explanation goes like this: “Why would we need sidewalks? We got cars.” Aha. Ignorant question of a backward European. Visiting your neighbor 200 yards down the road, why waste time walking? Going to another shop 300 yards down the street, no problem, they got a parking lot too. All newer areas in towns and cities seem to have been optimized for motor vehicle usage. It’s called progress. Wait, are you really sure? Recently I found an intriguing document on the web. From Sioux City. It looks like a bylaw. Here it is:

*** Section 20.04.180 Public sidewalks required for new residential or commercial structure or complexes ***

“No person, firm, or corporation shall complete construction of a new residential or commercial structure, and no new residential or commercial structure shall be occupied, until new public sidewalks have been constructed abutting the premises, or until necessary repairs are made to existing public sidewalks, all according to city specifications. If more than one new residential or commercial structure is intended to be placed or constructed in a new residential or commercial complex in which the street or streets are on private property, then no person, firm or corporation shall complete construction of the first of such new residential or commercial structures, nor shall the first of such new residential or commercial structures be occupied, until new public sidewalks have been constructed abutting those portions of the premises which are adjacent to public streets; or until necessary repairs are made to existing public sidewalks abutting the premises, all according to city specifications. (Ord. 90/T-9317)”

http://www.sioux-city.org/codemaster/Title_20/04/180.html

Is this an exception? Or a new trend? If yes, this might hurt the treadmill industry. What’s your opinion?