Invest in a couple good mountain bikes. They will work and get through clogged streets when nothing else can.
correct - decent used mountain bikes can be had for $100-50. Add on heavy duty rear rack and useful fenders/mudflaps and a family of 4 is set for transportation for less than $800.
A 50 mile trip is only 4-5 hours on a mountain bike on dirt roads and trails. Very doable and safer than trying a interstate.
it’s the simple easy things that most people miss.