The car, a seductress

[DigitalQuirk]

Like most things, I started out with the best of intentions. I was going to be a hardcore cyclist; riding my bike at all times, going anywhere regardless of the weather or distance. I had owned cars when I was a teenager, but they were pieces of junk that rarely lasted a few months at a time, and I found the expense of owning a clunker to be overwhelming. Even borrowing a car and gassing it up when I was done put a big dent in my rather sparse pocket book (it didn't help that the car I'd borrow was an older Malibu with a gas-guzzling V8).

I found myself needing to compensate my cyclist lifestyle for a number of factors. Riding in sleet with a driving wind was downright painful; so was riding any distance whenever there was a deep freeze. Sometimes the rain comes down like a monsoon; other times, the wind blows faster than I can ride. I learned the bus schedule so I could use that when winters worst became unbearable; though I couldn't shake the fact that the bus didn't always run when I needed it to, which was the reason why I started riding full-time in the first place! Then there was the long distance trips which I used the train for; the train wasn't all that cheap. I started counting the reasons why it'd be nice to own a car, and it wasn't difficult to come up with a big list.

I discovered my direction in life and went to college to study Information Systems. I was quite good at what I did and earned more money part-time after school than I did before when I was jumping between security and construction labour. Being a minimalist who didn't even own a TV, the money saved up rather quickly; before I knew it, I had enough that I could afford a decent car. Add in previous reasons why I'd want to own a car, and I thought, why not just get a cheap little economy hatchback; just for those bitter days of winter, trips to the grocery store, transporting PC towers, monitors, and long trips to the parents. I could still ride the bike and use the car as a backup, right? At the age of 23, I bought my first real car.

My car really was a minimalist's dream. It was a silver Nissan hatchback with a miserly little carburated (!) engine that couldn't have made more than 50 hp. It was clean with no rust, no damage, and ran well. There wasn't a single power option; even the steering was manual. The floor had rubber instead of carpet. Fold down the back seats, and it swallowed my Miele (with the front wheel removed). The stereo, a hack job done by the previous owner, failed to work. I loved it.

It started out innocent enough. I offset the cost of insurance (about $60 a month) by moving to an apartment a bit further away from the College, which was that much less in rent. I moved everything I owned in three trips. I started out splitting the riding and the driving...oh, who am I kidding? When I locked the door to my apartment, I looked at the 2 other keys on my chain; one for the bike lock, the other for the car. Then I'd check the gas gauge in the car, find it mostly full, hop in and drive. I intended to ride more, but between college, work, grocery shopping, and laundry, a tank of gas would last me a month and cost me $15-$20 to fill. I was paying for the insurance; surely I couldn't let that money go to waste by leaving the car parked with a full tank of gas!

On those damp rainy November days and chilly winter mornings, she seduced me with her warm, dry, protective coccoon; I basked in the warmth of the heater as the big drops of rain were swept away with the wipers. Maintenance was pocket change; $8 for a DIY oil change every 3 months, an $8 air filter once a year, $6 in spark plugs once every two years. A parking pass at the College was $60 for the year. It was costing me less to operate my car for a year than it cost me to buy a bus pass every month! More importantly, it became addictive. It felt good to be cruising down the road, hand on the wheel, arm on the window sill.

My intention to ride quickly faded from my memory. I got a 2nd hand tape deck stereo for free, which I wired in correctly to make those long trips more bearable. I'd get sunburn on my neck if the sun shone through the back window, so I tinted my windows and did a nice job of it. I installed a set of fog lights I bought on clearance to improve visability when the weather was foul. I even painted the hub caps black to match the tint. It then occurred to me that I was filling the time I used to spend maintaining my bike on my car, as I slipped down the slippery slope known as customizing.

Other aspects of my life started to change. Women started to notice me, seemingly for the first time. People actually associate the car with me; it becomes part of my identity. I wasn't just a guy anymore; I was a guy with the car. I was recognized by by car first. It did not matter to anyone that it was a frugal econobox. I was treated better at places of business and even at my job after I'd pull up and park in a spot in my car. Combined with the euphoria of owning a solid, reliable car, I realized that I could not live without it.

Inevitably, I had opportunity to drive other cars. Since my car was the cheapest, lowest model possible, every other car I drove was better. My wife's Cavalier that she had when I met her had over twice the engine power and air conditioning; it didn't slow down on steep hills, could maintain its speed on the highway, and the air conditioning was glorious in the middle of a heat wave. Riding with my friend in his Acura while he carved up a back road caused me to realize the benefits of good handling characteristics, and I absolutely loved the acceration of a powerful engine; it's quite addictive. Driving a rental Altima, I appreciated the interior room and trunk space of a midsized sedan. Another rental, a Sunfire in the middle of winter, taught me the benefits of traction control and ABS. My aching right foot on long drives made me wish for cruise control. Seeing others driving with an open sunroof made me think, that must be nice. Yet I persisted in driving my econobox, as I bought my first house and as my wife gave birth to my first child, and I continued to earn a better wage with every passing year. Cheap insurance and fuel economy were still concerns, but much less so than they once were.

Something happened that made me realize life for what it was: My father-in-law died at the age of 58. Other people around me were dying as well; aunts, uncles, even an old friend of mine died in his early 30's. I then realized that if there's something you want in life, do it now because there's no second chance.

Today, I drive that well-handling midsized sedan with a powerful V6. Every available option is at my fingertips (and then some). Yes, I even have the sunroof. As I drive it, I realize that people have become over-dependant on their automobiles, and I can see why. I fully understand why someone would want something more powerful, better handling, with more options. Even the most basic car is a seductress. I still enjoy riding my bike, I can see the problems that automobiles cause (in paticular to the waistlines of those who over-use them), but they are so ingrained in our culture, I really don't see any turning back. They've been around for over 100 years now, and their popularity continues to grow.

So I say this; it is noble to go car-free or car-lite when you have access to an automobile, but understand the reasons why people own cars; why they're seduced into buying them. You would have a better time convincing a hardcore smoker to give up tobacco than you would getting someone to give up their car completely. With understanding comes enlightenment, and with that, we can all agree to disagree and respect each other's choices, whether we think they're good or bad.

[Roody]

I found myself needing to compensate my cyclist lifestyle for a number of factors. Riding in sleet with a driving wind was downright painful; so was riding any distance whenever there was a deep freeze. Sometimes the rain comes down like a monsoon; other times, the wind blows faster than I can ride. I learned the bus schedule so I could use that when winters worst became unbearable; though I couldn't shake the fact that the bus didn't always run when I needed it to, which was the reason why I started riding full-time in the first place! Then there was the long distance trips which I used the train for; the train wasn't all that cheap. I started counting the reasons why it'd be nice to own a car, and it wasn't difficult to come up with a big list.Big deal. You love your car. How nice for you.

I didn't read your entire biography, but I made it through this paragraph. I am rounding the corner on my third winter of commuting, and I assure you that I don't feel pain due to rain, wind or cold weather. I have learned a lot about gear through this forum and especially through expeience, so I stay toasty warm in all condiions. Also, I'm in good enouh physical condition, thanks to riding, that wind doesn't bother me either. Like you, I don't like the bus much, so I don't ride on it very often. My bike serves me nicely

I'm sorry that carfree living didn't work out for you. But do you really think your wordy posts are going to convince me or anybody else that it can't be done, when we are living proof that it can be done? I think you just want a rise out of us. Maybe you enjoy negative attention?

Or do you want us to help you deal with the disappointment that we can do it, and you can't?

[patc]

So I say this; it is noble to go car-free or car-lite when you have access to an automobile, but understand the reasons why people own cars; why they're seduced into buying them. You would have a better time convincing a hardcore smoker to give up tobacco than you would getting someone to give up their car completely. With understanding comes enlightenment, and with that, we can all agree to disagree and respect each other's choices, whether we think they're good or bad.

So what are you saying with your novel, exactly? Please don't hate me? I meant well but I failed? It wasn't my fault? I don't get why you posted this.

Most of us car-free advocates are well aware of the issues we face getting people to give up their selfish addiction to car use in urban centres. Frankly I don't think we will significantly reduce car use until we take steps such as banning driving on smog warning days and aggressive advertising campaigns ("Your car exhaust killed my grandmother" might work, or "I miss 10 work days each year due to asthma caused by your car." Hopeless hyperbole, but that's advertising for you!). Before we do even that, however, we need to make sure that options such as cycling and transit are available.

[DigitalQuirk]

My point was to provide some insight, and to illustrate that negative attitudes such as yours isn't going to help your cause. Instead of alienating motorists, you'd be wise to involve them.

[david.l.k]

Okay, so I'm 18 I've only been riding for a year and this is my first winter season. The other day I was riding in freezing rain, I had a cake of ice on my jacket and pants (neither water proof) but because I had long underwear layred underneath I was fine. Yesterday I biked to and from school in windy icy conditions with 89 km per hour gusts.
I don't see my self as macho or anything because of this and I don't find it painful. I just accept the reality of the weather as it is rather than craving, "oh if only I had a car". I realize that weather conditions are impermanent, sure you get some windy days and some rainy days, but what the hell. That's what life is like, you've got your ups and your downs. I don't believe I will ever be able to justifie owning a car because riding a bike isn't comfortable enough. Since I started riding I've been getting attention from girls like never before.
As far as people who say you need a car to pick up chicks, bullsh it. Attitude is everything, the most slovenly poor ugly guy in the world could pick up a stone cold fox if he knew how to play his cards right, ones mode of transportation is no excuse for not picking up the ladies.
I always say, any man can drive a subaru in the winter, but it takes a real man (or woman) to bike.

[some_guy282]

I think you guys are coming down too hard on DQ. Variations of his story play themselves out millions of times over in our car culture dominated society. He rides a bike and at least tried living car free, which is much more than many, many other people would even consider doing.

[iBarna]

My point was to provide some insight, and to illustrate that negative attitudes such as yours isn't going to help your cause. Instead of alienating motorists, you'd be wise to involve them.

I'm still a bit confused. You seem to make broad assumptions about people here. Who and what do you mean to address specifically? I don't think there are many things I do which would alienate car drivers. Unless my lack of fat and the broad grin I walk in to the office in the morning sometimes with, is offensive to them. I don't think many people in this forum walk around behaving like jerks. But whenever I get behind the wheel.... then I turn into a jerk. Reason enough for me never to drive.

Oh and and just one more thing.... your bit about people and women noticing you for the first time because of your car is hilarious. Don't you think it's actually a (not very flattering) statement about you more than a statement about cars or living car free?

[DigitalQuirk]

aggressive advertising campaigns ("Your car exhaust killed my grandmother" might work, or "I miss 10 work days each year due to asthma caused by your car."

This sort of thing only serves to alienate motorists and does nothing to help the cause of cycling advocates.

[Roody]

. . . This sort of thing only serves to alienate motorists and does nothing to help the cause of cycling advocates. . . .
I don't see how your driving a car is helping the cause either. Why are you preaching at us? I don't know your intentions, but my first impression is that it's hypocritical when a guy comes here, talks about how much he loves cars, then tell us we're somehow failing to advocate cycling. Besides, while some are cycling advocates here, many are more into the carfree thing primarily.

Other than you (maybe), most car dependent people who post here are honestly trying to be less car dependent. Is that your intention also?

Besides....What's wrong with alienating motorists? Or is it our job to make them (you?) feel good about their behavior?

[becnal]

We don't have a cause. We aren't advocates. That's the advocacy forum. We are people who live our lives without cars, as much as possible. Your post might belong in the advocacy forum (car advocacy perhaps), but not here.

This forum isn't for convincing people to become car free or not to become car-free. It is for the dealing with the challenges that result form being car-free. :)

[Roody]

We don't have a cause. We aren't advocates. That's the advocacy forum. We are people who live our lives without cars, as much as possible. Your post might belong in the advocacy forum (car advocacy perhaps), but not here.

This forum isn't for convincing people to become car free or not to become car-free. It is for the dealing with the challenges that result form being car-free. :)
Thanks becnal. You summed it up a lot better than I did. I've had a lot of trouble trying to understand why people post in defense of cars. There really isn't much chance that carfree people are going to be dissuaded by lovesongs to the automobile! Neither will those who want to be be carfree, or are just thinking about it.

[patc]

My point was to provide some insight, and to illustrate that negative attitudes such as yours isn't going to help your cause. Instead of alienating motorists, you'd be wise to involve them.

Who is this addressed to?

[patc]

This sort of thing only serves to alienate motorists and does nothing to help the cause of cycling advocates.

This has nothing to do with cycling, or cycling advocacy. It has to do with what I believe will be the next big health crisis.

Back in the 70's, people were in denial about second hand smoke. In the same way, I think people are now in denial about smog. Is Ottawa, where I live, smoking is illegal in all public places. There are no penalties, however, for driving your car through the city during smog warning days. On days were people with asthma or similar health conditions, and the elderly are cautioned to stay indoors due to poor air quality and people are asked to bike, walk, or bus instead of driving there is no penalty for ignoring the health warnings and driving. I have asked people why they drove on smog warning days. Most didn't know about the warning, the rest either didn't care or didn't believe it was a problem. Meanwhile hospital emergency rooms show high numbers of people coming in with respiratory problems, and Ottawa's biggest source of smog is car exhaust.

I don't give a damn about alienating motorists, really, because to me a motorist in an urban centre is essentially committing assault, just like someone blowing tobacco smoke in my face. (Yes, I am using strong language, I want to make a point). At this point is it long past time for aggressive advertising and regulatory measures to force people to leave the cars at home.

As I said before, however, cities also have a responsibility to provide public transit and safe travel for pedestrians and cyclists. You won't achieve responsible car use until that happens.




PS- Please do not remove my name/handle from direct quotes.

[patc]

We don't have a cause. We aren't advocates. That's the advocacy forum. We are people who live our lives without cars, as much as possible. Your post might belong in the advocacy forum (car advocacy perhaps), but not here.

This forum isn't for convincing people to become car free or not to become car-free. It is for the dealing with the challenges that result form being car-free. :)


Yup!

[Platy]

My point was to provide some insight, and to illustrate that negative attitudes such as yours isn't going to help your cause. Instead of alienating motorists, you'd be wise to involve them.
Personally, I don't see carfree living as a cause that I'm advocating. I think it's an experimental and somewhat visionary lifestyle, difficult to achieve under present conditions in the US. I think in the future a lot of people might become carfree or car-lite under conditions not of their own choosing. If that happens, I hope the accumulated experience of carfree pioneers will be a helpful social resource.

[patc]

Personally, I don't see carfree living as a cause that I'm advocating. I think it's an experimental and somewhat visionary lifestyle, difficult to achieve under present conditions in the US. I think in the future a lot of people might become carfree or car-lite under conditions not of their own choosing. If that happens, I hope the accumulated experience of carfree pioneers will be a helpful social resource.


Just a note here (and Platy, I don't mean to pick on you, your post just brought this to mind) - this isn't an American forum, the contributors of BikeForums.net come from around the globe. This forum nay be heavily US dominated, as are most on-line forums, but when people make sweeping statements they should remember that not everyone who will read them is in the USA, or even in a Western Country.

(Sometimes I wouldn't mind a BikeForums.ca)

[DigitalQuirk]

Let's see if I can sum this up.

I started off living car-free, up until the age of 23. Then I was seduced by the automobile. Today, I'm attempting to lighten my dependance on the automobile. I thought posting my story would provide some introspective and open up some positive discussion. Unfortunately, I fear there's too much bitterness and negativity here for there to be anything productive for people who still need the use of an automobile while lightening their dependance on it.

What is quite sad is that the first two responses are dripping with bitterness and made me feel alienated. I'm trying to ease my dependance on the automobile, as I feel that going car-lite is a noble cause...but after some of these responses, I'm thinking, why bother? I certainly wouldn't want to be associated with a bunch of people who harbour such bitterness to motorists; perhaps I'll stick to trail riding on my mountain bike.

I bid you all adieu.

[DigitalQuirk]

Just a quick P.S.; when attributing the cause of smog, I think you'll find that things like coal-fired electric generating stations cause far more smog than cars do. Might want to do some research into that. Oh, and...

PS- Please do not remove my name/handle from direct quotes.

I don't see as I owe you any such courtesy.

[jimmuter]

Just a note here (and Platy, I don't mean to pick on you, your post just brought this to mind) - this isn't an American forum, the contributors of BikeForums.net come from around the globe. This forum nay be heavily US dominated, as are most on-line forums, but when people make sweeping statements they should remember that not everyone who will read them is in the USA, or even in a Western Country.

(Sometimes I wouldn't mind a BikeForums.ca)

Hmmm, but Platy is from the U.S. so he is speaking from his experiences. Feel free to add your perspective from other countries or hemispheres as you did in one of your posts above but allow Platy and anyone else who wants to, to relate his/her own thoughts based on what they know. I don't know about Platy, but I can say that I know a lot more about the culture and social aspects of the U.S. than I do about other countries. I feel comfortable making sweeping generalizations about my own country, but not the world. :D

Platy's post was the only one that made much sense in this entire thread anyway. I love coming into this forum and dropping bombs like that. :p

[Platy]

Hmmm, but Platy is from the U.S. so he is speaking from his experiences. Feel free to add your perspective from other countries or hemispheres as you did in one of your posts above but allow Platy and anyone else who wants to, to relate his/her own thoughts based on what they know. I don't know about Platy, but I can say that I know a lot more about the culture and social aspects of the U.S. than I do about other countries. I feel comfortable making sweeping generalizations about my own country, but not the world. :D

Platy's post was the only one that made much sense in this entire thread anyway. I love coming into this forum and dropping bombs like that. :p
I see patc's point. For international content, here is a link to a very interesting Russian carfree website that I stumbled on a few weeks ago. There is an English page if you look for it.

Carfree Russia (http://www.carfree.org.ru/)

I think our little group right here is possibly the best and most active carfree forum in the world.

[patc]

Hmmm, but Platy is from the U.S. so he is speaking from his experiences. Feel free to add your perspective from other countries or hemispheres as you did in one of your posts above but allow Platy and anyone else who wants to, to relate his/her own thoughts based on what they know.

Hey, I made a point of saying that I wasn't picking on him!

And I have contributed my experiences to this forum, noting when applicable that my perspective is as a Canadian.

[patc]

Just a quick P.S.; when attributing the cause of smog, I think you'll find that things like coal-fired electric generating stations cause far more smog than cars do. Might want to do some research into that. Oh, and...

Did you miss the bit where I mentioned I was speaking about Ottawa? I'm sure I could dig up the stats on our air quality if you want... car exhaust is by far the largest component. We're not an industrial area, nor do we have coal power plants nearby (sadly we do have coal power plants elsewhere in the province.)


I don't see as I owe you any such courtesy.

It's not just a matter of courtesy/etiquette. Quoted text without attribution is likely to be missed by the person you are responding to, and may get confusing for everyone.

[patc]

I think our little group right here is possibly the best and most active carfree forum in the world.

Pretty sad if you think about it, although I guess countries in which being car-free/car-lite is the norm probably don't need a "living car-free" forum.

[iBarna]

I'm trying to ease my dependance on the automobile, as I feel that going car-lite is a noble cause... but after some of these responses, I'm thinking, why bother?

You're either suggesting that we keep you from using your car less, or that because of the responses you got here, you will not start using your car less, out of spite. Both are pretty ridiculous. You seem to be very dependent on others' approval.. Make up your mind as to what you want to do, and then do it.

BTW, your first post didn't contain the slightest indication that you want to attempt to use your car less. In the light of this, the replies you got were to be expected, I would say. This is after all the "Car free" forum.

[Slow Train]

What is quite sad is that the first two responses are dripping with bitterness and made me feel alienated. I'm trying to ease my dependance on the automobile, as I feel that going car-lite is a noble cause...but after some of these responses, I'm thinking, why bother? I certainly wouldn't want to be associated with a bunch of people who harbour such bitterness to motorists; perhaps I'll stick to trail riding on my mountain bike.

I bid you all adieu.

DQ,

I thought your post was honest and well said. I too thought that some of the responses were vituperative and, as best as I can tell from previous postings, out of character for them. I blame it on mid-winter blahs - we all need a little Spring soon ;)

I hope you continue reading the forum, post again in the future, and maybe the next time you are somewhere driving your car you find yourself thinking what a golden oppurtunity you just lost for a nice bike ride.

[chicbicyclist]

Make owning a car a hassle and you wouldnt see it as much. But right now, you are right, owning a car is just too convenient to pass up. Nothing will change until parking is $20.00 for 2 hours, gas is at $5.50 per gallon and commute at metro areas takes about an hour 2 miles to downtown. Only then will public transporatation and bicycling become an attractive and viable form of transport to the majority of people in thier cars right now.

[AverageCommuter]

Or do you want us to help you deal with the disappointment that we can do it, and you can't?

+1

and hell yeah!!

[patc]

I thought your post was honest and well said. I too thought that some of the responses were vituperative and, as best as I can tell from previous postings, out of character for them. I blame it on mid-winter blahs - we all need a little Spring soon .

I was afraid that I might have been too harsh, so I read over the original post and my reply. I stand by what I wrote. This line, most of all, stuck with me:

With understanding comes enlightenment, and with that, we can all agree to disagree and respect each other's choices, whether we think they're good or bad.

You see, I can not nor will I respect a choice to knowingly harm other people. With knowledge comes enlightenment, and with knowledge comes loves (or sympathy, if you prefer). While that entails some respect for the person, it does not entail respect for harm done.

I don't respect the smoker who smokes in a public place, thereby causing direct harm to those sharing that air space. I don't respect the driver who drives a car trough an urban centre, thereby causing direct harm to other people. I both cases I understand the history and status quo. In the case of car use/abuse I am actively involved at the local level to improve public transit, improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, while promoting reduced car use. I have been at every open house for our LRT expansion, for example, since that will mean about a 15 min. commute to downtown for residents of Barhaven, as opposed to the current 45 mins. by bus.

Yes, cars are seductive. So is fast food. The guy eating a McBurger every day is only directly harming himself, however, while the guy driving to work every day is directly hurting others (and also doing a great deal of less direct harm).

[DigitalQuirk]

Standing behind a modern automobile at idle, I cannot smell anything foul, nor do I see anything but water come out of the tailpipe. I know there is poisonous carbon monoxide gas, but the levels are at such low levels, one would need to run the car in a small, confined space (such as a garage with the door shut) for some time before they are overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning. Apparently, carbon monoxide is produced when burning anything; so if you're heating your home with natural gas in the winter, use a gas stove, or enjoy a BBQ, you're producing deadly carbon monoxide gas just as a car does. I sincerely hope that patc only uses electricity to heat his home and cook, and that that the electricity is produced 100% by solar, wind, or hydro (water). Otherwise, he's a hypocrite.

Speaking of public transit, it wasn't that long ago I got stuck behind a bus that was spewing out noxious black smoke. In fact, most buses I encounter on the road are spewing out exhaust that's easily detected by my nose. In any case, when I see the thick diesel fumes being spewed out by the bus, I'm supposed to think that taking the bus is somehow better for the environment than driving my car, which, from what I can tell, emits only carbon monoxide and perhaps water vapour. If there's anything else, I certainly can't tell. Using my brain, logic, and reasoning, I'd imagine that I could stand behind two dozen modern automobiles and still not see and smell what I saw coming out of the back of that bus!

The simple fact of the matter is, the modern automobile, when running properly, really does not pollute as much as some people would have us believe. A backyard BBQ would contribute more, the coal-fired generating stations contribute more, and diesel-powered busses belching out their black smoke contribute more to the smog and pollution than my car ever will.

[patc]

Standing behind a modern automobile at idle, I cannot smell anything foul, nor do I see anything but water come out of the tailpipe. I know there is poisonous carbon monoxide gas, but the levels are at such low levels, one would need to run the car in a small, confined space (such as a garage with the door shut) for some time before they are overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning. Apparently, carbon monoxide is produced when burning anything; so if you're heating your home with natural gas in the winter, use a gas stove, or enjoy a BBQ, you're producing deadly carbon monoxide gas just as a car does. I sincerely hope that patc only uses electricity to heat his home and cook, and that that the electricity is produced 100% by solar, wind, or hydro (water). Otherwise, he's a hypocrite.

Do you have any reason for visiting the car-free forum other than to post pro-car propaganda? (I'll assume the personal insults toward me are just an added bonus for you).

That hypocrisy accusation is a common one among car proponents, as is the assumption that pollution is the only reason to disapprove of personal motor vehicles in urban centres (instead of being one of many, although the most immediate and direct). I'll have to keep that in mind whenever I get around to re-doing my car-free page.

[becnal]

Mods, please delete this whole thread. It may have been well-intentioned, but now it's a troll field-day. IMHO of course.

[DigitalQuirk]

One doesn't need to harbour irrational hatred towards the automobile and/or motorists in order to realize the personal benefits of living car-lite or car-free. Personally, I'm in the process of rebuilding my road bike (you can see my post in frame builders where I repaired my old road bike frame) for the purposes of commuting on a nice day. I'm not doing it to "Save the planet" from the miniscule amount of pollution that comes out of my tailpipe during my 15 minute drive. I'm not doing it to ease conjestion on our roads, and I'm not doing it to save our supply of oil. I'm going to do it simply for the personal benefits.

[patc]

Mods, please delete this whole thread. It may have been well-intentioned, but now it's a troll field-day. IMHO of course.

I'll second that. The thread contributes nothing to the Living Car-Free forum. Let's keep this forum at least somewhat on-topic.

[iBarna]

Just face it already, guys: we all here are haters. We deserve the lectures.

[jamesdenver]

Other aspects of my life started to change. Women started to notice me, seemingly for the first time. People actually associate the car with me; it becomes part of my identity. I wasn't just a guy anymore; I was a guy with the car. I was recognized by by car first. It did not matter to anyone that it was a frugal econobox. I was treated better at places of business and even at my job after I'd pull up and park in a spot in my car. Combined with the euphoria of owning a solid, reliable car, I realized that I could not live without it.

Something happened that made me realize life for what it was: My father-in-law died at the age of 58. Other people around me were dying as well; aunts, uncles, even an old friend of mine died in his early 30's. I then realized that if there's something you want in life, do it now because there's no second chance.



1 - If someone doesn't know me, my life, or my values and judges me, I don't care.

2 - I want things in life too and being car free has helped me get them. Last year I've traveled to Panama, Argentina, and Uruguay, and this spring planning to go to Europe for two weeks. I also wanted to pay off my credit cards, and I now have no debts other than my mortgage, and I contribute the max to my 401k, and put a significant amount of money into other investments. Car free has skyrocketed my like closer to my goals.

[jamesdenver]

Something happened that made me realize life for what it was: My father-in-law died at the age of 58. Other people around me were dying as well; aunts, uncles, even an old friend of mine died in his early 30's. I then realized that if there's something you want in life, do it now because there's no second chance.



This is the best argument TO be car free. Many people want out of life a new car, new ipod, new TV and new wife. Other folks (like me), value EXPERIENCES over materialistic pursuits.

When I'm old, (or should I die young), I'll never look fondly back and remember going to Best Buy and loading my car up with new speakers. I will remember traveling, my neighbors, and the quality of life I've lived. And if I need to be shallow I can appreciate my good abs. That come from biking, not driving.

[DigitalQuirk]

This is the best argument TO be car free. Many people want out of life a new car, new ipod, new TV and new wife. Other folks (like me), value EXPERIENCES over materialistic pursuits.

When I'm old, (or should I die young), I'll never look fondly back and remember going to Best Buy and loading my car up with new speakers. I will remember traveling, my neighbors, and the quality of life I've lived. And if I need to be shallow I can appreciate my good abs. That come from biking, not driving.

Actually, I was more after the experiences such as taking my family on some Great Canadian Road Trips before my time here expires, and I assure you such trips are much more enjoyable in a midsized sedan with all the options, including good power and handling characteristics so Dad can indulge a little.

[Jerseysbest]

I think DigitalQuirk makes a good point( or pts). I'm trying to be as car-lite as possible, and admire those that do, especially ones not in an urban enviroment.

The reason I come to this forum is for encouragement, ideas etc, but I know I'll never be car free with the current public transportation system being as unreliable as it is. I encourage people to bike as much as possible, but I don't belittle the importance of a car to some and deride those who do use it. The more people that give up their car just a little, more will follow, I don't scare them a way with the "Your either with us, or against us!". And the more people that go car lite and use public transportation, the better it (the transportation infrastructure) will get (eventually, hopefully, it should, right?), being my main goal for my own personal gain, and for the entire country as well.

[attercoppe]

So DQ, you were car-free, but then you got a car, then drove it more and more, then got a "better" car, which you highly enjoy driving around - even short trips like "fifteen minutes to work." Why are you even reading the Car Free forum, much less posting in it? Do you really think we want to hear how much you love your car? You wrote how many paragraphs about how "it seduced you" (i.e. "it's not my fault") and only later mentioned that you honestly are trying to drive less? How about this: when you are driving less and have some tips to help others do the same; or if you are having challenges driving less, and need some tips from others who already are doing the same, then post here. Otherwise, go to Foo, or go to another website. Thanks.

[CagerTools]

Digital Quirk:

You really need to let go of your car-centric mindset. It sounds like you've let yourself get lazy physically, and also mentally.

You've let your mind slip into this idea of driving this man-made car, and accepted it as a practically-necessary part of life. Nothing in your first post showed that you were trying to reverse this trend in your mindset... but now you say you are...

So, I think its good. Just try to use your bike more and more, and I'm sure you'll get back into the swing of things. It will take some time, but your body will adapt to the increased usage your putting on it...

Come on man, you can do it.

[DigitalQuirk]

What I learned from the death of my father-in-law is you can't put off the things you want to do. I always wanted to rebuild my road bike and get back into commuting with it; now I'm doing it. I also wanted a paticular type of car with certain characteristics, so I did that as well. I learned that nobody really cares if you're a minimalist or not; whether you ride a bike or drive a car.

Do I need a car? Heck, no! I also don't really need my digital camera, a house with nine foot ceilings, a computer, an internet connection, a hi fi stereo...I could go on and on. I could rid my life of so many seemingly "Unnecessary" things for the sakes of simplification...but then I start to think, why? Why is it necessary for me to live a life without these things? To save money? It's not like I'm poor. To spend more time with my family? We go out every weekend, and they enjoy a lot of these things. We enjoy watching the digital pictures, the home videos taken with the camcorder, listening to the stereo together. Nothing thrills my son more than loading up the car on a Friday night for the drive to Grandma's house (a 2 hour drive) where we enjoy a spot of fishing in the summer, or skating on the lake in the winter.

Now, I'm just waiting for a warm day to paint the bike. I have everything ready for reassembly, but my better half won't let me paint in the house. Hopefully, I'll get a lot of riding in soon!

[CagerTools]

I guess your into biking not from an environementalist standpoint, but from a minimalist standpoint. I'm somewhat of a minimalist, but I agree with with Patc says, about the impact automobiles have on our health. Your car is spitting out a lot more than just water vapor and carbon monoxide. The combustion of that fuel produces a whole slew of bad things that are not good to breathe in. Multiply that times the amount of cars, etc etc. Riding a bike/walking to places is an easy way to tackle this problem...

[chicbicyclist]

I'm supposed to think that taking the bus is somehow better for the environment than driving my car, which, from what I can tell, emits only carbon monoxide and perhaps water vapour. If there's anything else, I certainly can't tell. Using my brain, logic, and reasoning, I'd imagine that I could stand behind two dozen modern automobiles and still not see and smell what I saw coming out of the back of that bus!

Moving two tons of metal to move one or two person compared to moving a 10 tons vehicle to move from 5-20 people is somehow more polluting than driving a car. Not to mention that each cars need maintennance, adding even more resources that needs to be disposed off somehow. Yeah, I was sympathetic to you until you said that.

[patc]

I guess your into biking not from an environementalist standpoint, but from a minimalist standpoint. I'm somewhat of a minimalist, but I agree with with Patc says, about the impact automobiles have on our health. Your car is spitting out a lot more than just water vapor and carbon monoxide. The combustion of that fuel produces a whole slew of bad things that are not good to breathe in. Multiply that times the amount of cars, etc etc. Riding a bike/walking to places is an easy way to tackle this problem...

And air pollution is just the most obvious problem. The acres of land paved over for roads and parking lots are another problem, the pollution produces during manufacturing, the resources used (metal and plastics), etc. Private cars are grossly wasteful.

I was amused to find out from our local roads dept. that they don't know how long it would take a bike path to wear out due to normal usage - bike and ped wear-and-tear is so low even on heavily used pathways that the elements destroy a path long before it shows signs of damage. A busy road, on the other hand, need to be resurfaced as often as every five years around here. (To compare with weather damage, a quiet residential road might last 20 years before resurfacing.)

[thebankman]

Cars are an easy-out, he has a point there. But that doesn't make biking instead of using a car "hard." Maybe "less easy" than jumpin in the car. But finding a parking spot and paying for parking and going back to feed the parking meter and paying for dent removal when you return to the car makes driving a car "harder" than biking.

He's presenting his point of view, which to me is sort of a cop-out with the excuse of "I'm a soft family man now sorry", but you have to respect him for it. There are so many people with this perspective that it's now the norm.

[madnomad]

And air pollution is just the most obvious problem. The acres of land paved over for roads and parking lots are another problem, the pollution produces during manufacturing, the resources used (metal and plastics), etc. Private cars are grossly wasteful.

I was amused to find out from our local roads dept. that they don't know how long it would take a bike path to wear out due to normal usage - bike and ped wear-and-tear is so low even on heavily used pathways that the elements destroy a path long before it shows signs of damage. A busy road, on the other hand, need to be resurfaced as often as every five years around here. (To compare with weather damage, a quiet residential road might last 20 years before resurfacing.)

I agree, I personally prefer riding and walking on sand/rock/grass/dirt than paved roads. I think that paved roads always have been and always will be unsustainable, all they do is take away land from people and animals and plants and they are not giving anything back to the land, only taking away. The amount of natural habitat plowed over for roads, parking lots, city buildings, industrial plants/facilities etc is enormous. There is simply no sustainability involved in this process until roads are left to decay and wild plants and natural processes slowly consume the roads, and some city blocks could take centuries to return to how they once were, if they ever do. Wild plants popping up in cracks in the pavement and small animals and insects living in the potholes of decaying, unused roads and so on are a small example of nature reclaiming her space but it's a very slow, slow process.

So many thousands of acres of land are under asphalt and concrete to make it "convenient" for the motorist to travel across and park their car wherever they wish. Paved roads are for motorists, exclusively. Many people who go to national parks and other wilderness areas go there to get away from cars and atv's and skidoos and motorboats and other noisy, polluting machines, not to be surrounded by a frenzy of motorized, mechanized tourists who are infringing on other people’s peace and endangering their physical/mental health. As a result of this, I no longer spend much time in Canada because, among many other reasons, nearly all the temperate areas are overrun with paved roads, pollution, industrial agriculture and forestry/mining, industrial filth and garbage and motorized tourists. Canada’s southern national parks and so-called wilderness areas are now made more for motorists and motorist money, than anything else. The river which flows through the city I am living in at the moment is full of pollutants and waste and you could get very sick from drinking it. I have to agree with Edward Abbey's quote > "In any case, when a man must be afraid to drink freely from his country's rivers and streams that country is no longer fit to live in."

Paved roads crisscross whole parks and other areas in the country; prairie, forest, and meadow alike bulldozed and the roads bringing in all sorts of litter and people dumping chemicals in the rivers, vehicular and aircraft noise and rubbish and stink and some people seem not to know or care that there are people who live out in the country and depend on clean water and undisturbed wildland habitat for grazing or hunting or gathering or growing their own food. Also many people like peace and nature’s music and do not enjoy having it disrupted. Large areas are stolen by governments and corporations for industry and chemical/weapons testing/army bases and as a result often kill people living downstream or downwind. It happens in many countries increasingly as the process of industrialization demands and usurps more and more habitat and land for it’s exclusive use.

I am largely against large-scale agriculture and unsustainable grazing and sport hunting as they are as much of the problem as anything. I am not an advocate of rules and regulations in country areas or in other areas of life, nor do I advocate non-participation (and in fact I very much support it - hunting/fishing/gathering/herding for one’s subsistence, not for sport) in wildlands, I think people should be free to do what they want, so long as it doesn't harm anyone else or infringe on their neighbor’s freedom.

In many parks and areas of countryside (and there still are many areas like this, but I’ve mostly seen and lived in them while abroad in 3rd world countries) there were once only dirt roads or a single paved highway and it was possible to go for a walk or a bike ride and experience nature's music without the buzzing of generators or the roar of mechanized beasts, and one had the wolf’s howl and the laughter of friends, the flicker of a campfire, not the combustion of machines or the buzzing of electricity to lull one to sleep at night , and you didn't come across a beer can or toilet paper or a piece of plastic in the country that often, either.

Many people don’t realize that in many pastoral areas such as deserts where people depend on small-scale herding for their food, that animals such as goats eat all those pieces of plastic and paper when they come upon them while foraging, and having lived as a traditional goat-herder in an area that only had tracks in the desert and the paved roads were miles away, yet as a result of the wind, in some areas I increasingly came across industrial garbage and had to grab a piece of tissue paper or plastic that one of my goats was about to eat and more often they ate it before I could grab it in time. Thankfully the goat’s rumen can break down this garbage without it adversely affecting the milk or meat to any significant degree unless it’s got certain kinds of poison/chemicals on it but nonetheless, It shouldn’t be out on the land, it has no place in nature, it has no nutritional value and it’s just there waiting for an animal or small child to consume it. In some places, (thankfully not all) the beautiful earth we live in looks and smells more like an industrial waste dumping ground. As beautiful as Canada is, I think it’s lost much of it’s beauty as a result of paved roads and it’s emphasis on industry and all that comes with it.

[chicbicyclist]

Actually, paved roads makes travel easier for everyone, even peds, bicyclists, and especially for the handicapped. Unless you're willing to pay for added maintennace cost for increased wear on ped's shoes, motorists wheels/axels/engines and bicycle frames/forks/rims/spokes, invent a sort of a walker type vehicle, then you pretty much need paved roads.

And saying that you'd rather hear birds singing or nature's music than let the 3rd world farmer move thier crops more efficiently to the market and keep it from getting spoiled is simply not fair to them.

No, I'm not a pro-car, weekend cyclist who carry my bike around on my weener compensating mobile. No, I'm an urban uptown liberal elite who doesnt own a car and lives in the bohemian/hispter part of town, and pretty much goes anywhere using the bike/walking/bus/train.

[slagjumper]

No doubt that it will take time to wean any car-addicted person off of cars. As the car free know, many people want to justify their habit. While I am not car-free, I would rather live in a carfree world, than the current world.

I have found that negative rhetoric can only get you so far, especially when you are in the minority. The best way to move towards a car free situation, is to play the middle ground with a sympathetic ear.

There are millions addicted to the car and they need our support to move towards car free. I think that it is worth while to acknowledge the role the auto plays in the modern world. It is important to understand how American culture itself has been shaped by the car. Things like the way our country has grown around the car, or the way we have been acculturated to accept the car as a necessary extension of who we are. Ever see stering wheels at the playground? Why are cars seen as an expression of our individuality? All the advertising, the songs, the movies, have all contributed to make the car compelling. The idea is that by acknowledging these parts of car-addiction, that those addicted to cars can see why they feel like the need a car to go to the store to get some milk.

Once this self-reflexive thought takes place, the door can be opened to the possibilities that bikes present.

Sure cars lead to more death than the war and 911 every month. Sure they cause illness to non-users, sure cars make us dependant on foreign nations who hate our guts-- I agree with all of that. My experience has been that by listening and caring you can change peoples minds more easily that force can do.

Even if we can get 18 percent of the car-addicted to go without for one day, we will have achieved a doubling over the current commuting situation, where 1.7 million commute by bike each day. Trick is to start them doing it now, before the price of gas makes them. Bikes are fun, not work.

We are winning. In my area, the association of auto dealers is pushing back hard talking about all the jobs they create, all the taxes they pay. Last year more bikes than cars where sold. Last year the auto industry spent at least 500,000,000 on advertising, the bicycling industry probably spent less than 1 million. Many, including myself have argued that it would take five dollar gas to cause significant change, but now I think that things are changing without all of that price pressure. Americans are fiercely independent the idea that our education, and health care dollars are going to the Middle East doesn’t sit well.

We have to acknowledge that there are problems with biking and address those issues not say that is unimportant. For example if you are a professional who has to have makeup and stockings or a suit-- those things are part of life. Rather than say you should have chosen to be an asthetic and only have one pair of jeans, you have to say ok, lets look at how we can work to solve that problem.

[patc]

I agree, I personally prefer riding and walking on sand/rock/grass/dirt than paved roads. I think that paved roads always have been and always will be unsustainable, all they do is take away land from people and animals and plants and they are not giving anything back to the land, only taking away.

Actually the pathways I referred to are paved. However that is a much more narrow paving that a road, and the roadbed itself is much simpler to build.

According to our municipal roads dept., a good rule of thumb is that it takes at least 4 car lanes to transport as many people as one dedicated bus lane. And that bus doesn't need a parking spot at the mall!

[patc]

Ever see stering wheels at the playground?

When I was a kid we used to have candy cigarettes too. Those are long gone. Things change, if slowly.

We do need more proactive plans to reduce car use, however. I find that very frustrating here in Ottawa: there are a lot of positive things to encourage bus use, cycling, etc. but they don't go the extra steps to discourage car use. There's also an on-again, off-again priorities thing going on, for example the Ottawa 2020 plan calls for a doubling in transit use, but during the 2004 budget crunch they completely ignored those guidelines and slashed transit funding, resulting in a decrease in bus ridership.