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I don't see the bicycle as the automatic solution to all transportation problems (although I personally prefer to bike when it's 30 degrees and under over summer temps)-- is there any chance at all you could move to a place that's easier to get around in by walking, bus or train, and where the things you need aren't so spread out?
This is a great thread with lots of good information. Its reinforced my decision to ditch my car when my insurance expires in November. I've had a car pretty much since I was old enough to drive, so its been hard to imagine being without it. I've flip flopped for a few years now, but enough is enough!! If all of you can do it, why can't I?!
Thank you to everyone for all of the responses. I never imagined so many people would respond nor at such length too! This is so encouraging. I have a special appreciation for the parents who make it work as well. I am surprised by how many of you there are. And I love the pictures of you kids. So cute! Liz, is your son wearing a cape?
Some people asked me what I meant about leading a minimalist life style and about losing time and the hassles of public transportation. I was wondering if you make do with less given that you don't have a car to haul things around. As far as public transportation being a hassle and taking longer, that has been my experience with it in the past. It's often quicker for me to get in a car and do what I need to do than rely to on public transportation, especially when driving to the suburbs. I guess the traffic doesn't bother me as much. Locally, I would agree that biking is faster than driving and parking though.
I only live 4 miles from where I work and live on the street for the bus that takes me there. This allows me to bike to work or take the bus if the weather is particularly nasty. I tend to grocery shop 3 - 4 times a week only picking up the items that I need immediately. This makes it so that I do not overspend and also get the freshest produce. My neighborhood has a coop and 3 grocery stores within a close distance. My family lives 3 blocks away and 1 neighborhood away so again, convenient. When I need to purchase a big item I will either have it shipped to my place or I will make a special errand with a friend who is also going to that store. In short, I have worked to make my life easy without a car. I am 25 and still do not see a reason to get my driver's license. :)
If any of this sounds elitist, as is sometimes the accusation against successful and proud car-free individuals, I guess I really don't have an apology. According to the 2000 census, only 33% of Chicagoans don't drive to work. Yes, it's been a decennium since then and I don't know how much that number has changed but I hope it has for the better! I'd say going against the grain of the other 67% of the population possibly confers elite status. I see going car-free as responsibility and not a trophy since I not-so-accidentally put myself in a position to do it.
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