It's really just situational mode of transport. If everyone ride a bike for trip shorter than 10km, if there's great public transport and bicycle infrastructure to support the biking system, and if places are build in way that's easier to have public transport to serve, then car will have the kind of freedom it promise.

Still, motorcycle does solve the issue, it's a middle ground for car and bicycle, it can go long range with less emission, it can free up a lot of space that car will take, and it also help you explore places. In Malaysia, there's almost an equal amount of car and motorcycle on the road. Sure, it does have problem with people riding like a racer and weave around due to not having enough enforcement, but I'd imagine the traffic get worst without it. And it's not like car didn't do that as well.