Because that's when the picture was taken.

Though it's true that this particular picture was taken during covid time, it does not mean its any less true in conveying what North American car culture has actually done to our cities and infrastructure planning/implementation.

Here is a video of how school drop off's work in North America for example.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLpCMdVcqTI

Looking at this particular plot of land in the image OP has posted. Land use is very poorly utilized. You have one business surrounded by a parking lot. This same space could have easily in a European city fit 5 or more businesses with plenty of residential units above and still be left with place for green space or a park.

30 people getting coffee vs 30 people getting coffee.

And a comparable parcel of land roughly the same size. Its night and day in terms of utilization of land alone.