Living Car Free - Can't take the DMV anylonger

Hello all, I'm new ( intro'd myself on the intro forum just a minute ago.) :D To make a long story short I've been fighting the DMV here in Maryland on an off for 4-5 years now. I paid a set of heavy fines that I will admit was my fault. I allowed my insurance to lap a few months when I was injured a few years ago and Maryland had pretty stiff penalties I soon learned. So I thought I had all that straightened out and I go to renew my tags 4 years ago and I'm told I still owe these fines plus additional penalties. :mad: It takes forever to get this squared away and all the while I'm told I can't use my truck until it's taken care of.

Well I get that sorted out and lo and behold just this past summer I went again renew my tags and was give the same exact deal, this time with even more penalties attached. :eek: I'm furious at this point and the DMV clerk, not her fault btw also lets me know I'm late on an emissions test that was never mailed to me. Well we go into arbitration and I settle on a much lower fine and agree to pay that off as I need my truck. Guess what I just found in the mail the other day? A letter from the DMV saying that my tags are 7 months expired! Arghhhhhhh! They are not expired.

So now I'm looking into getting an apartment within ear-shot of my job and going car-free altogether. I just can't take the cost associated with driving a vehicle in Maryland especially with all the hardship the DMV has given me. At first I was mad mad mad, but the more I've been reading your stories here the more excited I am about going car-free. :) I haven't bough a bike yet and haven't been on one since I was a teenager though I am in very good physical condition as I quit smoking and drinking 4 years ago and have been on a steady exercise routine including recumbent biking. :)

I look forward to reading all your stories here and get as much knowledge from you guys and gals as I can on what to look for buy etc. I'll have to navigate these forums more for that section.

Good day all. :D

. I allowed my insurance to lap a few months when I was injured a few years ago and Maryland had pretty stiff penalties I soon learned.


You don't deserve the right to drive.

You don't deserve the right to drive.

That was kind of harsh, You don't even know the entire situation. I wasn't even on the road during this time as I was injured. I won't bother explaining the rest to someone seemingly so judgemental.

Have a nice day.

Welcome. It sounds like you're working hard to square away some mistakes you made in the past. FXJohn is a together guy (really!), so sometimes it's hard for him to understand that always doing the right thing is difficult for some of us. :)

If you're looking for suggestions on buying a bike for transportation, I suggest lurking on the Commuting forum for a while. And I'm going to start a thread here on the topic, here on Living Carfree, right now, as I'll be buying a new bike later this year.

Definitely, welcome to the forums!

I began my foray into being carless when I hit a truck while uninsured about a week after I got my drivers license! I just graduated from high school, and it totally spooked me. I rarely drove after that, and at some point years later, I just took of cycling, and I never looked back.

I think you'll enjoy the cycling aspect of it. Make sure you read through all our forums for great advice on how to commute in the harsher climes. People will sometimes think commuting is all skipping through a field of posies and sunny warm days, and it just isn't. BUT if you're adequately prepared for climate changes, you should be unaffected.

I'm glad to see you on the forums. Welcome!

Koffee

Definitely, welcome to the forums!

I began my foray into being carless when I hit a truck while uninsured about a week after I got my drivers license!


Hmm, so careless can soon equal carless.
The irresponsibility is astounding.

Dear David:
Welcome to the forums. The DMV's of every state I've lived in have been sadly similar. There are some folks who work really really hard, some who are the type of clerks who glory in ruining your day (and life!) The worst of them just don't give a da**. Since our move I began to bike to work and now go almost every day. Co workers often say how impressed they are when I ride in tough weather--then before I get chance to answer they go on to explain why they can't bike! The Central Valley is pretty flat where I live!

Also read the treads here about carrying amazing things home on your bike, you
may find that you don't need a truck as much as you thought.

See ya on the roads.
A.C.

Hmm, so careless can soon equal carless.
The irresponsibility is astounding.

Yes, and the ignorance of speaking without knowing facts is equally obtuse.

Back in those days, insurance wasn't mandatory. As soon as it became mandatory, my parents added me to their insurance policy.

Thumbs down for you. But then again, you like to comment before you know the facts.

Koffee

Yes, and the ignorance of speaking without knowing facts is equally obtuse.

Back in those days, insurance wasn't mandatory.


What year, and what state was that?

None of your business. Get over yourself already. You're not the judge and jury.

Nice way to welcome new people to the forums, by the way- ignorance and intolerance, while speaking without knowing the facts guarantees that new people will leave as quickly as they join.

Koffee

Thanks for the welcomes and replies everyone. Koffee, Maryland weather can change at a moments notice so I know it won't all be sunshine and roses but thanks for the advice. :) Anbaric Cog, I've been reading the forums and checking out a lot of the different trailers available. I'm impressed at just what some people have been able to haul! I've gotten away from really needing my truck for heavy duty hauling so really it will just mostly haul groceries and the like. I've picked a really good location to move to as its close to work and strip malls.

Roody, I've also been checking out the commuting forums as well. My initial cap will be between $400-$800 (including trailer & accessories) but I still need a lot more researching to see what bike is right for me and I'm sure these forums and everyone will be of great help.

Thanks all :-)

None of your business. Get over yourself already. You're not the judge and jury.

Nice way to welcome new people to the forums, by the way- ignorance and intolerance, while speaking without knowing the facts guarantees that new people will leave as quickly as they join.

Koffee


Driving without insurance is irresponsible, end of story.
If there were a wreck and injuries, there would be no kind of coverage or relief from financially
liabilities incurred from the accident. What's next, rolling out the red carpet for repeat offense DUI drivers who lose their license? Or is it OK to drive without insurance as long NOTHING HAPPENED?
You accuse me of speaking without knowing the facts, and when I ask for them, they are a secret.
If driving is too much responsibility, then by all means, don't drive.

David, of course it goes without saying to pay no heed to the less welcoming people. Fortunately, this is a large forum with lots of other great people, and there are plenty of resources for you to use here.

My first suggestion would be for you to become a performance member. Check out the performancebike.com website. Yes, it's a big LBS, and some folks tend to look down on the big LBS stores, BUT if you're on a limited income, they have great prices when they give their sales, and you get 10% back in points for every purchase you do. After a while, the points add up, and soon, you're eyeing something that you've saved your performance points towards.

As far as a bike, my thought would be to go with something lower end initially with some of the things you think you'd like to have and ride it for a year or two. By that time, you'll know what you really want, and when you upgrade to your next bike, you'll have the real bike that you want based on what type of riding really does interest you. That's how I did it.

Now that it's the end of the winter, it may be a good time to look into winter gear being sold at cheap cheap prices. That way, when next winter comes, you'll be fully prepared at a fraction of the cost.

Koffee

Driving without insurance is irresponsible, end of story.
If there were a wreck and injuries, there would be no kind of coverage or relief from financially
liabilities incurred from the accident. What's next, rolling out the red carpet for repeat offense DUI drivers who lose their license? Or is it OK to drive without insurance as long NOTHING HAPPENED?
You accuse me of speaking without knowing the facts, and when I ask for them, they are a secret.
If driving is too much responsibility, then by all means, don't drive.

Duh. I'm carless already, einstein.

Welcome DavidLee!

Sorry to hear that the Sate of MD has pushed you to this - but we here all think you will find this a great move! Your plan to move close to work already shows your commitment.

Do you plan on biking to work or will you be so close that you will walk?

Duh. I'm carless already, einstein.


It was OBVIOUSLY a rhetorical statement.....Sheesh

Welcome DavidLee!

Sorry to hear that the Sate of MD has pushed you to this - but we here all think you will find this a great move! Your plan to move close to work already shows your commitment.

Do you plan on biking to work or will you be so close that you will walk?

Thanks for the welcome, I plan on biking, roller blading and walking. :) It's a great location! Actually, there have been many a time when I thought "man, life would be simpler without a vehicle and everything associated with it." I should thank the DMV for making the decision easier for me. This goes hand in hand with wanting to live a simpler lifestyle. I'm getting more amped about it the more I think about it. :D

Life is much simpler without a car, and you have more cash left over to enjoy it.

What kind of bike are you thinking of getting?

As far as a bike, my thought would be to go with something lower end initially with some of the things you think you'd like to have and ride it for a year or two. By that time, you'll know what you really want, and when you upgrade to your next bike, you'll have the real bike that you want based on what type of riding really does interest you. That's how I did it.

I second this. My very first (re-entry) bike was a $30 Huffy mountain bike. Actually, it wasn't worth $30 but I bought it from a friend who needed some cash. I only rode it for four months, but started commuting on it. By then I had a pretty good idea of the bike I wanted. I bought my current Specialized MTB used for $100, a very good deal :), and I've been riding it happily for almost 4 years. I've had other bikes in the meantime, but the specialized is still "my" bike.

I started a thread about the 'perfect' bike and already there is some useful information and opinions there. Check it out!

Thanks for the welcome, I plan on biking, roller blading and walking. :) It's a great location!

Great - so you will have no problem getting to/from work regardless of the weather.

Other things to think about:
Is there a nearby grocery store? How about take-out? Both Giant and Safeway offer delivery as an alternative in our area.

Convenience to mass transit? If it requires a bus how early/late/often does it run?

becnal, I have yet to decide as I still need to research what would be a great entry level bike for me. I open to any and all suggestions. Slow Train, there are 2 grocery stores within 2 miles and there is a bus station right around the corner if I ever need that as well. :)

There will always be at least 2 grocery stores within 2 miles of where you live if you live in this area. ;)

You can get a Specialized Roubaix - get last year's, and it will really be reduced in price. My friend got a model in the wintertime from the year before, and he paid 400 bucks!

Other than that, Fugi bikes seem pretty cheap too, and they're good, solid bikes.

Koffee

You don't deserve the right to drive.

Very helpful comment. But then I guess we all can't be as perfect as you obviously are.

Very helpful comment. But then I guess we all can't be as perfect as you obviously are.


Why are you against responsibility?

Why are you against responsibility?

Dude, I'll answer a question with a question on this one: why do you have to be such an @ssh0le? Most folks on these forums support other people interested in cycling as a form of transportation. I guess your uptight Republican sensibilities preclude that type of unconditional support. I'm not in favor of driving without insurance either, but I have the impresson that the OP realizes he made a mistake. Actually, nevermind....I get the feeling that arguing with you is a lot like running in the special olympics...even if I (and I will) win, I'm still ********.

DMV here in Maryland {...sucks pretty hard...**

Dude, it's a sign! Sounds like you already picked up on it, though.



My initial cap will be between $400-$800 (including trailer & accessories) but I still need a lot more researching to see what bike is right for me and I'm sure these forums and everyone will be of great help.

Good thinking on getting a trailer - especially since it sounds like you're quitting the truck cold turkey, and you don't currently have a bike. Make sure you don't spend so much on your initial bike that you can't get a trailer right away. Pretty much any bike that's comfortable and doesn't fall apart will get you around until you figure out something more specific. I'd definitely go used on the bike, probably on the trailer as well. After all, the less you spend on your first bike, the more you'll have left for your next one!

Hope you enjoy being car-free, remember to keep searching the forums here for some great advice, and of course ask for more if you need it, same with moral/emotional support. Listen to folks like Roody and Koffee (not to exclude anybody else) and ignore the trolls and negative people.

Trailers are great... but also consider getting a bike with eyelets for a rack and getting panniers instead. Not like trailers aren't great too- I love my trailer for my bike friday. Just pointing out all his options, is all.

Koffee

Good luck with going car-free.

Don't forget your fenders...

Dude, I'll answer a question with a question on this one: why do you have to be such an @ssh0le? Most folks on these forums support other people interested in cycling as a form of transportation. I guess your uptight Republican sensibilities preclude that type of unconditional support. I'm not in favor of driving without insurance either, but I have the impresson that the OP realizes he made a mistake. Actually, nevermind....I get the feeling that arguing with you is a lot like running in the special olympics...even if I (and I will) win, I'm still ********.


I'm not a Republican, pearce.

Dude, I'll answer a question with a question on this one: why do you have to be such an @ssh0le? Most folks on these forums support other people interested in cycling as a form of transportation. I guess your uptight Republican sensibilities preclude that type of unconditional support. I'm not in favor of driving without insurance either, but I have the impresson that the OP realizes he made a mistake. Actually, nevermind....I get the feeling that arguing with you is a lot like running in the special olympics...even if I (and I will) win, I'm still ********.


Great reply.

Any more talk from the political front will definitely result in an official warning.

If you want to argue at all, take it to the PMs. If there is any more arguing leading to the derailment of this thread, it will also result in an official warning.

Koffee Brown

Forum Moderator

Also don't forget tools to do minor repairs on your (future) bike...learn how to change a tire clean off the chain etc. Also get a rack on the bike you can put a pack onto so you don't have to carry a backpack (some people like it, but it gets heavy after awhile)

Welcome, David. If you are this enthusiastic in February, I think that you are going to “walk the talk”.

Hmm. Perhaps we should all get a jobs with our local DMVs and work from within. Koffee made a mistake, admitted it and moved on. I've driven for 2 years without a license starting when I was 14. Yes it was "irresponsible". I was lucky, and never had any accidents. Seems like David also owned up to his wrong, paid some “dues” and is moving to make it right. Looks like these are cases of out of bad comes good.

By the way the last time I looked there was no, “right to drive” in the Bill of Rights.

You have a right to party though, according to the Beastie Boys. Fight for it! :D

Koffee

Another warm welcome to BF by me, David Lee!

I was also pushed to car-free living by an auto accident last March. I was broad-sided by this lady in a residential neighborhood who was travelling too fast and I believe was blinded by the sun (it was early morning). I don't want to get into all the details but both of us had lasped insurance (yes, FXjohn, I was irresponsible, sorry!) and the police were never called.

I have been bicycle commuting anyway for 10+ years so this incident really made me to despise cars and driving even more and I've decided to take the plunge. I rent cars occasionally and don't drive unless I absolutely have to. Yes, FXjohn, I do have a financial responsibility bond so I'm all legal now!

You have a right to party though, according to the Beastie Boys. Fight for it! :D

Koffee

As long as it's not a work night and I'm not trying to get to sleep next door.

The DMV has great potential for recruiting more car free individuals. I can't believe I never thought of this. Longer DMV lines! Poor DMV service for all! If the budget for the DMV is cut, it can act as a chokepoint. Thus I support slash and burn.

;)

invective deleted as it is not fit to be repeated

I'm guessing FXjohn is having some kind of serious problem in his real, offline life. He's not usually nearly so unkind.

I second the luggage rack and mud gaurds suggestions for a car replacement. Several people in my neighbor hood use those detachable front baskets too. Anyway make sure your bike has those eyelets to take both luggage rack and fenders.

The DMV has great potential for recruiting more car free individuals. I can't believe I never thought of this. Longer DMV lines! Poor DMV service for all! If the budget for the DMV is cut, it can act as a chokepoint. Thus I support slash and burn.

;)
http://www.e-mdot.com/Employment_Jobs/JobPostingList

If we could get more car free employees into examining positions there would be a lot fewer idiot drivers.

We could "update" the questions.

All new applicants would have to know the quadratic formula, trace a drop of blood through the respiratory system and of course, they'd have to know what to do when you see a bicycle in the street ahead of you.