View Poll Results: How long have you been car light or car free?
Car light less than 1 year
172
15.85%
Car free less than 1 year
99
9.12%
Car light less than 5 years
140
12.90%
Car free less than 5 years
123
11.34%
Car light more than 5 years
98
9.03%
Car free more than 5 years
233
21.47%
Contemplating a car light or car free change
193
17.79%
Not interested in becoming car light or car free
27
2.49%
Voters: 1085. You may not vote on this poll
Living Car Free/Car Lite Introductions
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Never got a driver's license. Car and motorcycle free for 47 years. Views have not really changed much. Was against smog 30 years ago, am still opposed to both creating smog, and, nowadays, any traveling that helps increase global warming.
#29
Senior Member
wow quite a nice cross-section in here. No wonder we have some interesting conversations!
I am car-lite for about 4 years. been "commuting" (work, school) by bike since i was like 7, but very car-centric otherwise.
Cheers
I am car-lite for about 4 years. been "commuting" (work, school) by bike since i was like 7, but very car-centric otherwise.
Cheers
#30
veggieburglar
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Barbara/San Jose, CA
Posts: 647
Bikes: 60s Peugeot conversion, 2002 Santa Cruz Heckler, 2007 Bianchi "Everyone has one" Pista, Beat up Beach Cruiser
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I only use my car to drive home from college and to the bowling alley... I have to fill my tank every four months or so. I love it.
#31
Commuter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hoddesdon, UK
Posts: 256
Bikes: Handsome Dog Titanium (Work) Santa Cruz Superlight (Play) Kona Stinky (Real Play)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I've just turned 35 and never owned a car. Never really wanted to either. My fiance drives but only to do shopping really as she commutes by train into the city.
She offered to drive me to work and pick me up about 3 years ago and I just gave her a puzzled look and said "Why, I've got a perfectly good bike for that job"
She offered to drive me to work and pick me up about 3 years ago and I just gave her a puzzled look and said "Why, I've got a perfectly good bike for that job"
#32
Justin
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bayou City
Posts: 1,051
Bikes: Soma Double Cross, KHS Urban Uno
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I thought it was funny when TSA at the airport gave me a hard time because my drivers license had expired over 2 years ago. I believe now I would be required to take the driving test again since it's been expired so long and you can't take the driving test without a car. I guess I will have to break down and get an ID from the DPS making me legally car free also, haha.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 140
Bikes: Schwinn Ranger
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been car-free for I guess about 3 years now. It wasn't something that I intentionally set out to do; I just found that for me, owning a vehicle (a truck in my case) was just far more hassle and expense than it was worth here in Chicago.
#34
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
I put "car light, less than one year", although right after I clicked the vote button, I wished I could've changed it to >5 years.
Any reasons would be mostly in terms of convenience.
One bit of attitude that's changed is that I'm much more willing to just park whatever we're driving in a reasonably accessible place and walk the rest of the way, especially in a busy, dense urban center with hardly any parking anyway. I'd rather walk ten blocks than spend the same amount of time crawling around narrow streets (especially in small town Europe) looking for nonexistent places to deposit the van.
Any reasons would be mostly in terms of convenience.
One bit of attitude that's changed is that I'm much more willing to just park whatever we're driving in a reasonably accessible place and walk the rest of the way, especially in a busy, dense urban center with hardly any parking anyway. I'd rather walk ten blocks than spend the same amount of time crawling around narrow streets (especially in small town Europe) looking for nonexistent places to deposit the van.
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Guys I'd just like to say thank you to you all. I have been thinking about getting rid of my car but I was so attached to the idea that everybody can't do without one I was afraid to take the last step. Thanks to finding this forum I now ride my bike to and from work every day and commute everywhere on two wheels. I plan to put my car on the market very soon.
Thank you
Thank you
#36
Life is Fun
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 21
Bikes: 94 Kona Kilauea (hardtail, nothing stock but the frame and seatpost); 03 Motobecane Le Champion (stock, minus a front wheel upgrade); 05 Haro Shift R5 (all stock)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been commuting (and riding for fun) since ~1992. Since then I've owned 34 cars/motorcycles (which I drove the absolute heck out of), but I stopped driving in 2003. Seems I have a crazy lead foot which works out great for biking and gets me in lots of trouble for driving.
Living somewhere with a nice public transportation system is definitely a plus. I lived out in the country for a while and have to admit I grew weary having a 45 min commute just to get into the city limits each day.
No way I'd go back to driving now. Biking is too much fun. Sure I spend a lot of money buying new bikes or new parts, but nowhere near the amount I spent customizing my cars or paying insurance each month!
Living somewhere with a nice public transportation system is definitely a plus. I lived out in the country for a while and have to admit I grew weary having a 45 min commute just to get into the city limits each day.
No way I'd go back to driving now. Biking is too much fun. Sure I spend a lot of money buying new bikes or new parts, but nowhere near the amount I spent customizing my cars or paying insurance each month!
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Benbrook Texas
Posts: 275
Bikes: A 3-speed fixed, a single speed (freewheel), etc.
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Having said that, I do use my S.O's vehicle one day/week, as I have to carry a heavy toolbox to the Charity where I repair kid's bikes (54 mile round trip). Also I use her vehicle to take our dogs to the vet, pick up dog food, etc., so I'll leave it to the 'jury' to decide whether I qualify for 'Car-Lite' or Car-Free'. :-)
Although I have several bikes, this has been the 'backbone' of my fleet for over 5 years, a single speed Schwinn with Airfree Tires, 2 lighting systems, fenders, rack, etc.
https://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rent=Ugly1.jpg
https://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rent=Ugly2.jpg
https://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rent=Ugly3.jpg
https://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rent=Ugly4.jpg
https://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rent=Ugly5.jpg
I also ride this one, frequently, too, a 3-speed, fixed gear, Motobecane:-
https://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...t=Sideview.jpg
#38
wait... what?
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
Bikes: specialized rockhopper
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i can really appreciate the ideas of being car free and car lite. as for myself, though, it is simply not possible. i work for a wildland firefighting department in southern california with a 2 hour commute to work one way. once at work we are scheduled to be for a 3 day shift, often times more when days off are cancelled or you are stuck on duty because you're on a fire or out of county. it is not unusual to be at work for 10 days up to 21 days during peak fire season.
with that in mind, when i'm home i am making more of an attempt to use my bicycle as my primary means of transportation. let me tell you, i certainly feel better at night after riding around all day. i would certinly like to be less dependent upon having a car, but i simply do not want to live where i currently work or anywhere that we have stations. the areas i would like to live are too far from where we have stations. plus when the department sends us to training it can be in county, a nearby county, or up in northern california.
to those that manage a car free life: that is excellent. while i'll probably not be car free for many, many years, it is something i hope to one day be able to do.
with that in mind, when i'm home i am making more of an attempt to use my bicycle as my primary means of transportation. let me tell you, i certainly feel better at night after riding around all day. i would certinly like to be less dependent upon having a car, but i simply do not want to live where i currently work or anywhere that we have stations. the areas i would like to live are too far from where we have stations. plus when the department sends us to training it can be in county, a nearby county, or up in northern california.
to those that manage a car free life: that is excellent. while i'll probably not be car free for many, many years, it is something i hope to one day be able to do.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: WesternSlopeCO
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It has been one official year of carfreedom for me. I didn't drive a single mile in a car in 2007. I've ridden every now and then. Even during this Christmas break, I refused to drive while in NoVA. It wasn't a goal I set out to accomplish either. I moved off campus in March to permanently live in Pcola during my remaining schooling.
Have my views changed? Definitely.
~Before, I wasn't conscious about the environment. I didn't care to think about oil and consumerism and all those fantastic topics we discuss on this forum. I was never truly aware of them. Now I read about this stuff daily.
~Before, I was studying biology because I liked how it all worked together. Now, I study Marine Biology with a conservation/ecology focus because I want to help preserve what little natural beauty is left.
~Before, I didn't mind eating whatever, whenever (I have a fast metabolism and am a rail). Now, I eat healthy, am almost fully vegetarian, and encourage others to treat their bodies correctly; even at a young age when some think it won't matter.
I also find myself choosing friends differently.
One thing that hasn't changed is my desire to travel, in any form, and wanderlust.
Have my views changed? Definitely.
~Before, I wasn't conscious about the environment. I didn't care to think about oil and consumerism and all those fantastic topics we discuss on this forum. I was never truly aware of them. Now I read about this stuff daily.
~Before, I was studying biology because I liked how it all worked together. Now, I study Marine Biology with a conservation/ecology focus because I want to help preserve what little natural beauty is left.
~Before, I didn't mind eating whatever, whenever (I have a fast metabolism and am a rail). Now, I eat healthy, am almost fully vegetarian, and encourage others to treat their bodies correctly; even at a young age when some think it won't matter.
I also find myself choosing friends differently.
One thing that hasn't changed is my desire to travel, in any form, and wanderlust.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Miami Beach
Posts: 57
Bikes: Specialized FSR xc
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been car free for about 4 months now, my car broke down and I sold it. But that was my first car, and had it for about a year and a half. Other than that, I've pretty much used public transportation or walked about 6 years. I just bought a bike and want to start mountain bike riding because I've pretty much accepted that I'm in no rush to get a car. but when I really think about it, not having a car has more pros than cons for me personally. I get my exercise, in better shape, and I'm usually on time wherever I need to go because I have to make sure that I catch the bus on time. And another thing, I am saving so much money! I'm not even worried about getting a car now. I was able to get a nice bike because I'm not putting everything into gas, insurance and maintenance. Plus I get to read on the bus, and I'm used to it, so I don't mind.
#41
I started a car-lite lifestyle when I started college. My alma mater is in a small New England town with a great walkable center and nearby commuter rail to Boston, so I didn't drive a car then. I was one of few cyclists on campus (besides the Japanese exchange students). Since graduating I've been living in downtown Durham where I bike or walk to work, the grocery store, several parks, bars, shops, etc. My girlfriend and I own a car, but it's seen less use since she started working closer to home. I'd sell it in a heartbeat, but she's not ready for that quite yet!
#42
20+mph Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Greenville. SC USA
Posts: 7,534
Bikes: Surly LHT, Surly Lowside, a folding bike, and a beater.
Liked 340 Times
in
225 Posts
19 years this April and still happy.
My wife owns a car that I have access to in a dire emergency. I was totally car free 7 years before I met her.
My wife owns a car that I have access to in a dire emergency. I was totally car free 7 years before I met her.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Tulsa
Posts: 582
Bikes: RANS Formula LE, Giant Escape 1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Although I'm car-light for now, in the past I went car-free for 1 1/2 years. Now that I'm working on a 'bent - once I get that built, I want to go car free again. I just get to much shoulder and neck pain to ride my upright all the time.
#44
Sophomoric Member
Of course, if there's an underlying medical problem or a body mechanics issue, all bets are off and the 'bent might be a perfect solution.
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#45
Gearhead
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Chatsworth, Ga.
Posts: 236
Bikes: 1982 Schwinn Sidewinder, Sun EZ-1 Recumbent, Cannondale R-400
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
8 Posts
I only use our cars for transporting my musical equipment to gigs (PA System, Amplifiers...heavy stuff). I ride everywhere else.
My wife drives to make sales calls on her job. She's not into biking.
Semepr Fi!
My wife drives to make sales calls on her job. She's not into biking.
Semepr Fi!
#46
Sister Annie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hauraki Plains District, New Zealand
Posts: 1,519
Bikes: Retro Hercules adult tricycle, 1953 Hercules ladies roadster, 1950s Wearwell fixed gear 'Club' pathracer, 1980s Malvern Star 'Super Star', 1980s Healing GTX-105 Arabesque, 1980's Morrison Concorde & etc & etc.......
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I must say that this has always been one of the appealing things about public transport for me. When I was studying psychology I used to do most of the reading I had to do for assigments & etc while travelling on the train.
__________________
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Last edited by Sianelle; 02-08-08 at 04:49 AM. Reason: typo
#47
Senior Member
Last week we were w/o a car for 3 1/2 days. The car was under repair. I got everywhere on my bike. I mostly enjoyed my time being without a car. I rode everywhere.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 100
Bikes: Cannondale Adventure 400 + Gazelle Medeo
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My path to car freedom has taken about 7 years to materialize. In the beginning, I was your typical 295lbs couch potato. My definition of exercise was going upstairs from the rec room to get a new bag of chips and Coke.
After my divorce, the lights turned on. I then realized that I was on the path to a short life unless I changed things drastically. I dusted off my old Karhu cross-country skis and got moving (it was Winter in Montreal then). That following summer, I wondered one day what it would be like to bike to work. Not having had a bike of my own, I borrowed my daughter's MTB, walked over to a service station to inflate the tires and proceeded one Sunday afternoon to do the 6 or so miles (9 km) trek to the office and then back. Although I was sore all over, I figured I could pull off doing that trek at least once a week.
Well, to make a long story short, this year I bacame a full time cycling commuter, travelling around 25 miles morning and afternoon to and from work, five days a week. Last May, when the lease contract came to en end on my Kia Sorento SUV (yes, I admit it... I was a SUV owner on top of everything else) I turned the thing in...
I went from weighing 295lbs (32% body fat) to 205lbs today (20% body fat). When mid-November snow forced the bike into storage, I had pedalled 4,300 miles (6,875km ) in the year. Nowadays, I take the metro and bus to work, dreaming on one hand about more sunny cycling days ahead, and wondering if I should go the extra length and become a Winter cyclist...
All that at 50 years of age...
Cheers,
Ron
After my divorce, the lights turned on. I then realized that I was on the path to a short life unless I changed things drastically. I dusted off my old Karhu cross-country skis and got moving (it was Winter in Montreal then). That following summer, I wondered one day what it would be like to bike to work. Not having had a bike of my own, I borrowed my daughter's MTB, walked over to a service station to inflate the tires and proceeded one Sunday afternoon to do the 6 or so miles (9 km) trek to the office and then back. Although I was sore all over, I figured I could pull off doing that trek at least once a week.
Well, to make a long story short, this year I bacame a full time cycling commuter, travelling around 25 miles morning and afternoon to and from work, five days a week. Last May, when the lease contract came to en end on my Kia Sorento SUV (yes, I admit it... I was a SUV owner on top of everything else) I turned the thing in...
I went from weighing 295lbs (32% body fat) to 205lbs today (20% body fat). When mid-November snow forced the bike into storage, I had pedalled 4,300 miles (6,875km ) in the year. Nowadays, I take the metro and bus to work, dreaming on one hand about more sunny cycling days ahead, and wondering if I should go the extra length and become a Winter cyclist...
All that at 50 years of age...
Cheers,
Ron
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 100
Bikes: Cannondale Adventure 400 + Gazelle Medeo
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This year, my girlfriend got jealous of me cycling to work everyday. The problem is that she needs her car at work. Well, we came up with what we call our Fifty-Fifty:
1) We leave together with both bikes on the car's bike rack;
2) I drop her off at her favourite bike ride commute point. She then goes on to work from there, a 8 mile/12km bike ride);
3) I continue with the car and my bike to her office, where I leave the car for her to use during the day and continue on by bike to my office (12 miles/18km);
4) At the end of the day, she treks back to our rendez-vous point by bike;
5) I leave the office, bike over to her office and pick-up the car;
6) We meet up and return home or we go for a Latte somewhere along the way.
She likes doing that 2 or 3 times a week. It cuts back a little of my bike riding, but it does a lot for the love life.
Cheers,
Ron
1) We leave together with both bikes on the car's bike rack;
2) I drop her off at her favourite bike ride commute point. She then goes on to work from there, a 8 mile/12km bike ride);
3) I continue with the car and my bike to her office, where I leave the car for her to use during the day and continue on by bike to my office (12 miles/18km);
4) At the end of the day, she treks back to our rendez-vous point by bike;
5) I leave the office, bike over to her office and pick-up the car;
6) We meet up and return home or we go for a Latte somewhere along the way.
She likes doing that 2 or 3 times a week. It cuts back a little of my bike riding, but it does a lot for the love life.
Cheers,
Ron
#50
I ride 10,000 per year here in the California desert. Summer afternoon temperatures here are above 100F from late May until late September. Totally car free. My last cars were a 1965 Vanden Plas Princess, 1966 Rover and a 1968 Jaguar XKE. Cars are a form of obsolete machinery. They make you physically and morally weak. I tell people that they run on dead babies. You don't see the dead babies and you aren't required to harvest them yourself. But trust me, the oil companies and politicians harvest them for you.