I've just started college and bought a bike in the summer for trails and possible commuting into the town now where i live. Commuting was a given i am doing that from school as soon as i get a good lock. and to work as soon as i get a good job. but car free really made me ask questions and oddly enough i'm going to become car free as soon as i can. I'm already going into the grocery store too pick up small items with my backpack. I'm simply removing my $800 stereo out of my car and selling the stereo and possibly cancelling my insurance. the only problem with this, is there is no way i can get to my parents town. well now that i'm thinking about it i could fly but that is it, not even buses go there. i feel obligated to keep it for my parents sake so i can see them more. i'll work something out. but i'm not going car free to just save money, i'm going car free for clean air, exercise, and the challenge. i really would really like to think everyone with their posts, intellegence and inspiration. Without your honest and thoughtful reason i would be lost in my cage. BTW i'm talking with city about bike lanes etc. though there is not a huge biking comm. in my speific area it can grow. wish me luck! thanks again everyone really. :)
EJ123
08-20-05, 11:40 PM
cool you have a 7300fx...how is work because I need a fast bike other than mtb and need a new one, that trek looks nice.
lilHinault
08-21-05, 12:23 AM
You can rent a car when you need one, take bus or train, etc.
lilHinault
08-21-05, 12:25 AM
OK 'no buses go there" so it's fly or maybe train, you might look into train. As the airlines go more broke and out of commission, the train system and bus systems will gain more vitality so I'd not worry too much about getting to visit your parents.
Anthony87
08-21-05, 10:05 AM
cool you have a 7300fx...how is work because I need a fast bike other than mtb and need a new one, that trek looks nice.
works great quick and smooth, good for a little climbing and price is fair so you can spend about 200 to 300 on accessories very pleased overall.
EJFan
08-21-05, 11:54 AM
You can rent a car when you need one, take bus or train, etc.
if he's a traditional college age student, car rental may not be an option... rental companies don't like under-21's. :(
depending on the size of the school and/or how big your social circle is, however, you might be able to get home with friends. that's what i used to do for holidays.
on a side note, try not to go home too often. i don't know what your particular campus is like, but campus life in general needs good students sticking around on weekends to enhance things... too many people go home too often these days.
toThinkistoBe
08-21-05, 01:16 PM
"depending on the size of the school and/or how big your social circle is, however, you might be able to get home with friends. that's what i used to do for holidays."
-EJFan
I second this idea. Maybe you could convince your friends to go 99.9% bicycle too, keeping 1 (or at least fewer) vehicle(s) which you can split the insurance on (will probably be less than renting a car every now and then) for travelling home.
lilHinault
08-21-05, 03:27 PM
I used to not have the right kind of credit card to rent for a major car-rental co. but I could rent from Ugly Duckling. Those cars were truly Ugly Ducklings, but they always got me where I had to go.
jamesdenver
08-21-05, 04:37 PM
i was about to post RENT but saws the post on college age
check into renting anyway. big agencies have local offices (non-airport), which are much cheaper, $25-30 a day, or weekend rates. you might have to pay more but start calling around and talk to the managers. there's a budget and enterprise near me that both give great customer service.
i've found the local small locations to be much more helpful than airport locations.
might also check craigslist.com - they have a carshare or rideshare board
Roody
08-21-05, 04:42 PM
Many schools have ride-share boards. If your's doesn't, perhaps your next project would be to get one going. Your student association would be one resource.