Living Car Free - What driving has taught me

Although I plan on continuing my car-free lifestyle, cases when the only driver fell ill and times where a designated driver could have been very useful (I’m 21 and don’t drink) convinced me that driving would be a good skill to have for emergencies. I’m having a blast spending personal time with dad (my teacher) and visiting parts of the state too far to visit by bike in one afternoon, but there’s something else I was surprised to learn more about during the process - reasons why I love commuting by bike instead of car.

I love being able to see the world from all angles without blind spots. I love the fulfilling achievement of reaching my destination under my own adrenalin-pumping power. Cars just feel so impersonal in comparison. I love coming home ready to relax after a bike ride instead of my legs screaming for exercise after being cramped in the car (yes, legs scream if you’re used to biking every day and suddenly stop). I love the feel of speeding down hills at +35mph on my bike. In a car even 60mph feels dull! I love watching the world go by at a steady pace, and stopping whenever I want to interact. Driving has shown me these things and more from a new angle, things I had taken for granted before.

Also important is that bicycling helps keep me awake. I have a sleep disorder, and cannot even go one hour behind the wheel without an energy drink, yikes!

I love coming home ready to relax after a bike ride instead of my legs screaming for exercise after being cramped in the car (yes, legs scream if you’re used to biking every day and suddenly stop).

I hear you on days I have to drive my legs are pumping a invisible bicycle literally

I've found myself saying "on your left" when I'm driving. Couldn't believe how inconsiderate they were for not moving over. Then I realized I was driving....

I've found myself saying "on your left" when I'm driving. Couldn't believe how inconsiderate they were for not moving over. Then I realized I was driving....
Last summer I drove a friend's car to help out. It was so hard not to lane share or ride between lines of stopped cars.

I drive a few times a month: sometimes when I visit my parents in the 'burbs, I'll be the one who drives my parents' car to get me back to town (and my mom to work since she works in the city).

It's kinda fun - and surprisingly relaxing (don't feel the need to constantly watch my back). I am such a calm, patient and forgiving driver (the opposite of what I am on a bike - ain't going to be "forgiving" when my life's being endangered...) But then because I drive so rarely, all of this is sort of a novelty and entertainment, not everyday mundane task. I'm sure it would become dull and frustrating if I had to do it every day, especially at rush hour (right now, since my mother works unusual hours, I get to drive in relatively well-flowing traffic.)

Limited view is what bugs me the most in a car. Can't see damn nothing inside that conTRAPtion!

I don't think having the ability to drive a car makes one an un member of the car free community. Cars have their place. You might find yourself far away without a bike. Being car free is a badge of honor, but it's memberships' rules are fairly broad.
Take that car out in rush hour traffic and experience road rage, you will gladly get back on the bike. Cars are a bike affirming expereince, I say.

I get scared when I'm riding in a motor vehicle. Too fast!

Ever since I got rid of my car, I'm a much more patient driver on the rare occasions that I drive someone else's car. If the trip is long or there's a lot of traffic, though, the impatience starts creeping back in. I never get impatient on my bike; if someone does something stupid, I might have a flash of anger, but it quickly goes away as I continue to enjoy my ride.