Any 100% car free members?

How many people here are 100% car free? Not part-time or just for those "larger" items some believe only owning a car can deliver, or so they can visit family somewhere else, or they are so happy with their dentist out in the burbs' they refuse to find a new one. Taking public transportation in combination with riding and walking count as being car free. I would just like to know who has taken riding bikes to the next level and ditching the car completely.

About me: I have been car free for 5 years and counting. I sold my 5 years ago to Car Max (I wanted to get rid of it immediately and didn't want to deal with selling it myself). I let my drivers license expire this past Jan. 11th. (My 30th. birthday) and to celebrate (I have been waiting for this moment for a long time) I cut my license up (I have a state ID and have for years) and had a toast with myself. It was one of those moments in my life that will stick with me for life. So, who else does not own a car, will NEVER own a car again and is much happier this way? I have seen so many people ride bikes to only witness that same person jump into their car down the street. I have know many people to ditch the bike for suburbs because they think it is "best for the kids" type attitude.

I'm not judging anyone who ditches the bike, moves to the burbs', and buys a car (Or never really got rid of it) so they can put their kids in a school that is acceptable to them. I just want to know how many plan to live this way for the rest of their lives and are actually doing it. Have a good day everyone and safe riding.

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Permalink Reply by Bryan McClaran on January 22, 2013 at 3:44am

I haven't had a car or license for six years, my wife hasn't had a car in 4.5, but she doesn't bike (I'm working on it.) Other than moving, there hasn't been a "need a car" situation yet, and even a good portion of our last move was done via bike.

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Permalink Reply by El Dorado on January 22, 2013 at 8:03am

I did not have a car or license for 10+ years because of "a few" DUI's. I have a car now & tend to use it only when necessary. Owning a car is not as expensive as some people make it out to be. My 12 year bike was beginning to cost me a lot money. Always in the shop & the bike mechanics seem to want to charge me extra.

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Permalink Reply by JeffB (7+ miles) on January 22, 2013 at 9:47am

I just passed 20 years in Chicago and have never owned a car here. I used public transport up until about 8 years ago and have been getting around almost solely by bike since then. I do rent a few times a year to visit family and such (in MI and WI). But living in the city does make it much easier to be car-free. Not sure what would happen if I lived in the suburbs.