Fewer Americans are commuting to work by car, while alternative ways of traveling are increasing. Cars still play a central role in people's day-to-day lives but the American workforce is slowly turning its back on them and increasingly opting to use rideshares or public transport instead.

Americans are finding it hard to kick their car habit, particularly in rural areas. While cities have embraced alternative transport or ride-sharing, the options for those in the countryside can be limited. But there are signs that the market is opening up, at least in some modes and areas.

The archetypal American suburb may be perceived as quaint, welcoming, and demographically homogeneous, but they have never been denser, more diverse, or poorer. How exactly have these areas transformed over the decades and why do people still want to set up a life in these neighborhoods?

While driving and car ownership remain central to the American way of life, social, technological and economic shifts are changing people’s needs and perceptions of personal transportation. Canvas8 spoke with 20 people from across the US to find out about their life behind the wheel.