Platy
06-29-07, 10:44 AM
When I looked in today, the Living Car Free subforum had 57 viewers. Did some big blog or news source link to us?
View Full Version : Record subforum visitors - what's up?
Nightshade
06-29-07, 11:07 AM
People will shut the barn door after the cows leave.
So it is with the world today. Changes are coming at people
from all directions now so they put out the biggest brush fire
first.
So it is with the world today. Changes are coming at people
from all directions now so they put out the biggest brush fire
first.
Roody
06-29-07, 11:17 AM
Don't know why it's happening, but I'm glad it is. It's always good to get some fresh meat! I hope a lot of the new lurkers will take a few seconds to register with Bikeforums. Then they can start posting questions, comments, suggestions or simple insanity. :)
gwd
06-29-07, 11:36 AM
When I looked in today, the Living Car Free subforum had 57 viewers. Did some big blog or news source link to us?
When I see large numbers I glance at the adjacent forums and they're up too. Living Car Free rarely has more than "Over Fifty" when I compare.
When I see large numbers I glance at the adjacent forums and they're up too. Living Car Free rarely has more than "Over Fifty" when I compare.
East Hill
06-29-07, 12:32 PM
I think we'll be heading in the right direction when we have as many visitors here as the Road Cycling forum...
East Hill
East Hill
onetrack
06-29-07, 04:54 PM
I started lurking a couple weeks ago.
I've been car lite for over a year, and have driven my car only once this year. I'm keeping it for mostly emergency reasons, but now am thinking of selling it. I can't believe how much money not driving a car has saved me. More importantly, I love the lifestyle change, and improvement in my quality of life that has come along with it.
:fades back into the shadows:
I've been car lite for over a year, and have driven my car only once this year. I'm keeping it for mostly emergency reasons, but now am thinking of selling it. I can't believe how much money not driving a car has saved me. More importantly, I love the lifestyle change, and improvement in my quality of life that has come along with it.
:fades back into the shadows:
Bikepacker67
06-29-07, 06:30 PM
It's always good to get some fresh meat
Be gentle now.... don't go prancin' all over them.
:D
Be gentle now.... don't go prancin' all over them.
:D
vulpes
06-29-07, 08:30 PM
When I see large numbers I glance at the adjacent forums and they're up too. Living Car Free rarely has more than "Over Fifty" when I compare.
Once the well off, conservative, Republican, N+1's that have no clue what is happening in the world outside of their own petty, sef-indulgent little world, over fifties get a clue, who knows what might happen.
Once the well off, conservative, Republican, N+1's that have no clue what is happening in the world outside of their own petty, sef-indulgent little world, over fifties get a clue, who knows what might happen.
gerv
06-29-07, 11:00 PM
When I looked in today, the Living Car Free subforum had 57 viewers. Did some big blog or news source link to us?
One thing to keep in mind is that this forum (and I guess the Commuting forum) is a major nexus for bicycle transportation on the Internet. If you want to find out how to survive suburbia, get groceries w/o a Hummer, get to work.... this is where you go. I'm guessing interested folks googled and landed here.
Edit: personally, that's why I like it when the forum is less about invective and more about information...
One thing to keep in mind is that this forum (and I guess the Commuting forum) is a major nexus for bicycle transportation on the Internet. If you want to find out how to survive suburbia, get groceries w/o a Hummer, get to work.... this is where you go. I'm guessing interested folks googled and landed here.
Edit: personally, that's why I like it when the forum is less about invective and more about information...
Dahon.Steve
06-30-07, 09:19 AM
The high price of gas is forcing people to look at alternatives. I suspect more and more people will come here looking for advice they already know. It's time to sell the car.
I also happen to believe this forum attracts people that want to argue with us who are already car free since they are not. They continue to hold onto their beliefs that you need motor transport and nothing will change that. Yet, these individuals know that deep inside, they are attracted to ideal regardless of what they post.
I also happen to believe this forum attracts people that want to argue with us who are already car free since they are not. They continue to hold onto their beliefs that you need motor transport and nothing will change that. Yet, these individuals know that deep inside, they are attracted to ideal regardless of what they post.
wahoonc
06-30-07, 09:45 AM
Maybe searchbots too. I don't know how Joe has the forums set up, but on one that I moderate the bots are counted in as guests. If you run just about any search engine for bicycle commuting or car free living this site is high on the list.
Aaron:)
Aaron:)
Roody
06-30-07, 02:02 PM
Once the well off, conservative, Republican, N+1's that have no clue what is happening in the world outside of their own petty, sef-indulgent little world, over fifties get a clue, who knows what might happen.
Every generation thinks it has invented the world, or at least the bicycle. Well young whippersnapper, I was a carfree commie before you were born, probably. No longer a commie, but still carfree! :p
Every generation thinks it has invented the world, or at least the bicycle. Well young whippersnapper, I was a carfree commie before you were born, probably. No longer a commie, but still carfree! :p
Roody
06-30-07, 02:04 PM
Maybe searchbots too. I don't know how Joe has the forums set up, but on one that I moderate the bots are counted in as guests. If you run just about any search engine for bicycle commuting or car free living this site is high on the list.
Aaron:)
FYI, Joe Gardner sold Bikeforums to a professional web company a while back. Maybe that has something to do with increased traffic, I don't know.
Aaron:)
FYI, Joe Gardner sold Bikeforums to a professional web company a while back. Maybe that has something to do with increased traffic, I don't know.
gerv
07-01-07, 07:18 AM
When I looked this morning (Sunday... 8:25am) there were 16 viewing. There were 122 viewing in the Commuter and 168 viewing in the Mechanics forums. But then Winter Cycling had only 5. :)
ericy
07-01-07, 08:13 AM
FYI, Joe Gardner sold Bikeforums to a professional web company a while back. Maybe that has something to do with increased traffic, I don't know.
That is kind of interesting. Some time ago, I clicked on the link to get rid of the advertising, and donated some money, but the advertising never went away. Joe did seem to get the money (at least according to PayPal), but I never did get around to pushing the point.
That is kind of interesting. Some time ago, I clicked on the link to get rid of the advertising, and donated some money, but the advertising never went away. Joe did seem to get the money (at least according to PayPal), but I never did get around to pushing the point.
vulpes
07-01-07, 10:10 AM
Every generation thinks it has invented the world, or at least the bicycle. Well young whippersnapper, I was a carfree commie before you were born, probably. No longer a commie, but still carfree! :p
I'm 52. How old are you Roody, a hunderd? :D
I'm 52. How old are you Roody, a hunderd? :D
bhtooefr
07-01-07, 02:35 PM
And you don't have the red star... hmm... I'd shoot him or one of the other admins a PM...
Anyway, I've seen this on other forums, too. One diesel car forum I'm on... every time gas goes up, they get a record number of visitors. In fact, the active visitors almost exactly tracks gas prices. :eek: :lol:
Anyway, I've seen this on other forums, too. One diesel car forum I'm on... every time gas goes up, they get a record number of visitors. In fact, the active visitors almost exactly tracks gas prices. :eek: :lol:
ericy
07-01-07, 02:40 PM
Anyway, I've seen this on other forums, too. One diesel car forum I'm on... every time gas goes up, they get a record number of visitors. In fact, the active visitors almost exactly tracks gas prices. :eek: :lol:
Hehe. I recognized your name from over there - I wonder how many others there are who are in both forums .
Hehe. I recognized your name from over there - I wonder how many others there are who are in both forums .
Roody
07-03-07, 11:49 AM
I'm 52. How old are you Roody, a hunderd? :D
I'm 52 also. How come you're ragging on over-50s? Or did i misunderstand your post?
I'm 52 also. How come you're ragging on over-50s? Or did i misunderstand your post?
vulpes
07-03-07, 11:55 AM
I'm 52 also. How come you're ragging on over-50s? Or did i misunderstand your post?
I hung out in their forum for while and did a little posting. That's just my honest opinion of the close-knit group that makes it their home. Not my type.
I hung out in their forum for while and did a little posting. That's just my honest opinion of the close-knit group that makes it their home. Not my type.
Roody
07-03-07, 12:00 PM
I hung out in their forum for while and did a little posting. That's just my honest opinion of the close-knit group that makes it their home. Not my type.
Oh sorry I didn't know you were talking about that forum. I thought you meant all people over 50. I never go to the 50+ forum either.
funny, I thought you were in your 20s. Maybe because your politics are fairly radical?
Oh sorry I didn't know you were talking about that forum. I thought you meant all people over 50. I never go to the 50+ forum either.
funny, I thought you were in your 20s. Maybe because your politics are fairly radical?
vulpes
07-03-07, 12:07 PM
Oh sorry I didn't know you were talking about that forum. I thought you meant all people over 50. I never go to the 50+ forum either.
funny, I thought you were in your 20s. Maybe because your politics are fairly radical?
Yeah, either I never completely grew up or I'm in my second youth. I have a 26 year old son that's not as radical as I am.
funny, I thought you were in your 20s. Maybe because your politics are fairly radical?
Yeah, either I never completely grew up or I'm in my second youth. I have a 26 year old son that's not as radical as I am.
I-Like-To-Bike
07-03-07, 12:22 PM
I hung out in their forum for while and did a little posting. That's just my honest opinion of the close-knit group that makes it their home. Not my type.
Vulpes, I don't agree with most of your observations but agree with your impressions about the Foo-ish nature of the cutsie commentary by the Kaffee Klatch Clique that dominates the posting on the +50 list.
Vulpes, I don't agree with most of your observations but agree with your impressions about the Foo-ish nature of the cutsie commentary by the Kaffee Klatch Clique that dominates the posting on the +50 list.
Platy
07-03-07, 01:27 PM
LCF leans more than a little to the earnest & opinionated side. That's not everyone's cup of tea. The world needs kaffe klatchs too.
Thomasdregos
07-03-07, 09:42 PM
Once the well off, conservative, Republican, N+1's that have no clue what is happening in the world outside of their own petty, sef-indulgent little world, over fifties get a clue, who knows what might happen.
I don't see where either party has an actual clue. The Republican party does not care much about the National Parks, however, the Democrats passed NAFTA! We spent considerable energy ensuring product and transportation safety and then NAFTA bypasses all that work! When I look at the issues I always have to ask myself, am I scared to lose what I have or am I willing to put it all on the line? Too often it is the former. Just a personal view.
I don't see where either party has an actual clue. The Republican party does not care much about the National Parks, however, the Democrats passed NAFTA! We spent considerable energy ensuring product and transportation safety and then NAFTA bypasses all that work! When I look at the issues I always have to ask myself, am I scared to lose what I have or am I willing to put it all on the line? Too often it is the former. Just a personal view.
vulpes
07-04-07, 06:09 AM
I don't see where either party has an actual clue. The Republican party does not care much about the National Parks, however, the Democrats passed NAFTA! We spent considerable energy ensuring product and transportation safety and then NAFTA bypasses all that work! When I look at the issues I always have to ask myself, am I scared to lose what I have or am I willing to put it all on the line? Too often it is the former. Just a personal view.
True. There's actually very little difference detween the Republicrats and the Demapublicans.
True. There's actually very little difference detween the Republicrats and the Demapublicans.
bhtooefr
07-04-07, 08:29 AM
The Republicans and Democrats don't care about doing the right thing, they care about getting campaign contributions.
Real republicans and democrats... (note the lack of capitalization) I'm not sure that many exist, and the ones that do can't get enough backing to actually do anything - they're almost independent, and independent politicians can't do much at all in a plurality election.
Real republicans and democrats... (note the lack of capitalization) I'm not sure that many exist, and the ones that do can't get enough backing to actually do anything - they're almost independent, and independent politicians can't do much at all in a plurality election.
Brian
07-04-07, 02:08 PM
That is kind of interesting. Some time ago, I clicked on the link to get rid of the advertising, and donated some money, but the advertising never went away. Joe did seem to get the money (at least according to PayPal), but I never did get around to pushing the point.
Email me a copy of your Paypal receipt, and I'll take care of it. I know that Joe has had some problems with his email, but you should have noticed my email address plastered all over the forums. That's what I'm here for.
When I looked in today, the Living Car Free subforum had 57 viewers. Did some big blog or news source link to us?
As far as the record number of visitors, why would that be a surprise? Less than 18 months ago, the forums had 30k members. As of today, there are over 77k. It's not inconceivable that a few might wander around and have a look in here. But I suspect one of the reasons that there are more lurkers than regulars here may come as a harsh surprise to some.
While I promote cycling here and on my blog, and plan to one day build utility bikes and trailers, I don't post in here at all. The reason? Some people here are so vehemently opposed to cars, and many seem to feel that they are above motorists, merely because they ride a bike exclusively. That's the vibe some members give off, and it does nothing for your cause. Perhaps if you helped the curious rely on their car less, rather than criticize them for owning one in the first place, you would see this forum grow.
Cheers,
Brian
Email me a copy of your Paypal receipt, and I'll take care of it. I know that Joe has had some problems with his email, but you should have noticed my email address plastered all over the forums. That's what I'm here for.
When I looked in today, the Living Car Free subforum had 57 viewers. Did some big blog or news source link to us?
As far as the record number of visitors, why would that be a surprise? Less than 18 months ago, the forums had 30k members. As of today, there are over 77k. It's not inconceivable that a few might wander around and have a look in here. But I suspect one of the reasons that there are more lurkers than regulars here may come as a harsh surprise to some.
While I promote cycling here and on my blog, and plan to one day build utility bikes and trailers, I don't post in here at all. The reason? Some people here are so vehemently opposed to cars, and many seem to feel that they are above motorists, merely because they ride a bike exclusively. That's the vibe some members give off, and it does nothing for your cause. Perhaps if you helped the curious rely on their car less, rather than criticize them for owning one in the first place, you would see this forum grow.
Cheers,
Brian
gerv
07-04-07, 03:06 PM
Some people here are so vehemently opposed to cars, and many seem to feel that they are above motorists, merely because they ride a bike exclusively. That's the vibe some members give off, and it does nothing for your cause. Perhaps if you helped the curious rely on their car less, rather than criticize them for owning one in the first place, you would see this forum grow.
Brian, a large number of posters here -- probably a majority -- actually own cars (like me...) and I think the general idea is to, as you say, "rely on their car less". However, there are many who are fiercely proud of their carfree status. And I would applaud that. As a society, we need more and more folks who are willing to reduce their dependence on gasoline-powered transportation.
My take on this subforum is that it is one of the few resources on the internet seriously devoted to the reducing the growth of the automobile. Sometimes what lurkers may view as criticism of their car-owning status may be due to a little guilt perhaps... and that's a good guilt in my opinion.
I don't know if the subforum readership will grow. But at least it is a place where ideas can be freely floated around on the issue of transportation in this Age of the Automobile. I think if you read most posts carefully, you'll see car owners are welcome, particularly when they claim they want to reduce their car use.
Brian, a large number of posters here -- probably a majority -- actually own cars (like me...) and I think the general idea is to, as you say, "rely on their car less". However, there are many who are fiercely proud of their carfree status. And I would applaud that. As a society, we need more and more folks who are willing to reduce their dependence on gasoline-powered transportation.
My take on this subforum is that it is one of the few resources on the internet seriously devoted to the reducing the growth of the automobile. Sometimes what lurkers may view as criticism of their car-owning status may be due to a little guilt perhaps... and that's a good guilt in my opinion.
I don't know if the subforum readership will grow. But at least it is a place where ideas can be freely floated around on the issue of transportation in this Age of the Automobile. I think if you read most posts carefully, you'll see car owners are welcome, particularly when they claim they want to reduce their car use.
Foma
07-04-07, 03:15 PM
This subforum totally inspired me to get rid of my car someday. I love reading everything on it. Being in college definately helps me not drive. I RARELY drive anywhere, really only when I visit back home. I love it. Awesome subforum
nel mezzo del cammin...sta mi bici?
nel mezzo del cammin...sta mi bici?
gerv
07-04-07, 03:19 PM
This subforum totally inspired me to get rid of my car someday. I love reading everything on it. Being in college definately helps me not drive. I RARELY drive anywhere, really only when I visit back home. I love it. Awesome subforum
nel mezzo del cammin...sta mi bici?
nel mezzo del cammin della mia vita, Ho trovato la mia bicicletta... :)
nel mezzo del cammin...sta mi bici?
nel mezzo del cammin della mia vita, Ho trovato la mia bicicletta... :)
Bike-a-Boo
07-04-07, 03:51 PM
This subforum totally inspired me to get rid of my car someday. I love reading everything on it.
Same here!!
Same here!!
Roody
07-05-07, 02:48 PM
.....
As far as the record number of visitors, why would that be a surprise? Less than 18 months ago, the forums had 30k members. As of today, there are over 77k. It's not inconceivable that a few might wander around and have a look in here. But I suspect one of the reasons that there are more lurkers than regulars here may come as a harsh surprise to some.
While I promote cycling here and on my blog, and plan to one day build utility bikes and trailers, I don't post in here at all. The reason? Some people here are so vehemently opposed to cars, and many seem to feel that they are above motorists, merely because they ride a bike exclusively. That's the vibe some members give off, and it does nothing for your cause. Perhaps if you helped the curious rely on their car less, rather than criticize them for owning one in the first place, you would see this forum grow.
Cheers,
Brian
Why are you surprised to find people opposed to cars on a carfree forum? Or on any bicycle forum? Seems like a good place to be opposed to excessive driving and dangerous driving.
Now it would be a shame if people were anti-driver, but I don't see that attitude here any more here than I do on the other subforums. Probably less, in fact. The acronym "JAM" was not coined here, but on one of the other subforums, for example. Most posters here don't even know what "cager" means, although it's a common term on most of the other subforums.
We have had new people post things like "I love cars and I will never give mine up, and you are morons and losers to even suggest such a thing." These folks do not get a warm welcome. Why should they? It's a lot like a BMXer posting that road cyclists are losers because they can't do wheelies on their stupid skinny-tire bikes. "Flaming" is the nicest term for posts like that.
But, as others have pointed out, a majority of posters here are not even carfree. And those of us who are do not "hate" car owners. Everybody I know, practically, is a car owner, and I certainly do NOT hate everybody I know.
Many of us do hate the fact that the transit system in this country is almost totally devoted to the automobile. This one fact makes it hard or even impossible for many people to become carfree, even if they really want to. But I'm sure that we blame the "system" rather than blaming the individual car owners.
As far as the record number of visitors, why would that be a surprise? Less than 18 months ago, the forums had 30k members. As of today, there are over 77k. It's not inconceivable that a few might wander around and have a look in here. But I suspect one of the reasons that there are more lurkers than regulars here may come as a harsh surprise to some.
While I promote cycling here and on my blog, and plan to one day build utility bikes and trailers, I don't post in here at all. The reason? Some people here are so vehemently opposed to cars, and many seem to feel that they are above motorists, merely because they ride a bike exclusively. That's the vibe some members give off, and it does nothing for your cause. Perhaps if you helped the curious rely on their car less, rather than criticize them for owning one in the first place, you would see this forum grow.
Cheers,
Brian
Why are you surprised to find people opposed to cars on a carfree forum? Or on any bicycle forum? Seems like a good place to be opposed to excessive driving and dangerous driving.
Now it would be a shame if people were anti-driver, but I don't see that attitude here any more here than I do on the other subforums. Probably less, in fact. The acronym "JAM" was not coined here, but on one of the other subforums, for example. Most posters here don't even know what "cager" means, although it's a common term on most of the other subforums.
We have had new people post things like "I love cars and I will never give mine up, and you are morons and losers to even suggest such a thing." These folks do not get a warm welcome. Why should they? It's a lot like a BMXer posting that road cyclists are losers because they can't do wheelies on their stupid skinny-tire bikes. "Flaming" is the nicest term for posts like that.
But, as others have pointed out, a majority of posters here are not even carfree. And those of us who are do not "hate" car owners. Everybody I know, practically, is a car owner, and I certainly do NOT hate everybody I know.
Many of us do hate the fact that the transit system in this country is almost totally devoted to the automobile. This one fact makes it hard or even impossible for many people to become carfree, even if they really want to. But I'm sure that we blame the "system" rather than blaming the individual car owners.
Platy
07-05-07, 05:18 PM
Brian's blog has an article about the Living Car Free subforum. It's the July 4 entry.
Link (http://www.industryoutsider.com/)
The article has a little different slant than Brian's post in this thread though the substance is the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this sub forum has become the premiere Internet resource for carfree living. We have plenty of substantive discussion about the mechanics of carfree and car-lite living.
Link (http://www.industryoutsider.com/)
The article has a little different slant than Brian's post in this thread though the substance is the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this sub forum has become the premiere Internet resource for carfree living. We have plenty of substantive discussion about the mechanics of carfree and car-lite living.
Brian
07-05-07, 05:27 PM
Brian's blog has an article about the Living Car Free subforum. It's the July 4 entry.
Link (http://www.industryoutsider.com/)
The article has a little different slant than Brian's post in this thread though the substance is the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this sub forum has become the premiere Internet resource for carfree living. We have plenty of substantive discussion about the mechanics of carfree and car-lite living.
Hmm. Not sure if you're saying that it's good or bad. The irony here is that I really would like to see the Living Car Free forum grow.
Link (http://www.industryoutsider.com/)
The article has a little different slant than Brian's post in this thread though the substance is the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this sub forum has become the premiere Internet resource for carfree living. We have plenty of substantive discussion about the mechanics of carfree and car-lite living.
Hmm. Not sure if you're saying that it's good or bad. The irony here is that I really would like to see the Living Car Free forum grow.
Platy
07-05-07, 05:43 PM
Hmm. Not sure if you're saying that it's good or bad. The irony here is that I really would like to see the Living Car Free forum grow.
Personally, I think growth here will be very slow and we will continue to be a fringe group, until one day world events put us on the front pages of CNN, USA Today and the WSJ. Of course other people will have different opinions about that.
Personally, I think growth here will be very slow and we will continue to be a fringe group, until one day world events put us on the front pages of CNN, USA Today and the WSJ. Of course other people will have different opinions about that.
pedex
07-05-07, 05:43 PM
Brian, a large number of posters here -- probably a majority -- actually own cars (like me...) and I think the general idea is to, as you say, "rely on their car less". However, there are many who are fiercely proud of their carfree status. And I would applaud that. As a society, we need more and more folks who are willing to reduce their dependence on gasoline-powered transportation.
My take on this subforum is that it is one of the few resources on the internet seriously devoted to the reducing the growth of the automobile. Sometimes what lurkers may view as criticism of their car-owning status may be due to a little guilt perhaps... and that's a good guilt in my opinion.
I don't know if the subforum readership will grow. But at least it is a place where ideas can be freely floated around on the issue of transportation in this Age of the Automobile. I think if you read most posts carefully, you'll see car owners are welcome, particularly when they claim they want to reduce their car use.
Given how everyone is almost certainly quick to always point out here in the US that things are definitely set up to favor cars why wouldn't a car free person be proud of that accomplishment?
Seems like I don't see a whole lot of actual holier than though criticism or sniping at car owners though save for the general subject matter and post titles, but that is to be expected is it not?
The one thing I do not see much of is actual how to type posts about being car free. At first that kinda puzzled me, then it dawned on me, you know what, most of it is just common sense, it doesn't take much discussion really. The biggest step is just getting rid of the car and putting yourself in a feasible position, the rest is easy.
Isn't hard to learn what you can haul or not and how far and how many trips your willing to make to round things you need up. Unless your a complete bike rookie the bike part of the transition is usually a no brainer. It isn't rocket science, and its amazing what can be done when one applies themselves to a task.
Quote from a movie "The Hunt for the Red October" said by Sean Connery, "When Cortez got the the new world he burned his ships............" , getting rid of the car is much the same, once its gone you have lots of motivation to make things work !!
My take on this subforum is that it is one of the few resources on the internet seriously devoted to the reducing the growth of the automobile. Sometimes what lurkers may view as criticism of their car-owning status may be due to a little guilt perhaps... and that's a good guilt in my opinion.
I don't know if the subforum readership will grow. But at least it is a place where ideas can be freely floated around on the issue of transportation in this Age of the Automobile. I think if you read most posts carefully, you'll see car owners are welcome, particularly when they claim they want to reduce their car use.
Given how everyone is almost certainly quick to always point out here in the US that things are definitely set up to favor cars why wouldn't a car free person be proud of that accomplishment?
Seems like I don't see a whole lot of actual holier than though criticism or sniping at car owners though save for the general subject matter and post titles, but that is to be expected is it not?
The one thing I do not see much of is actual how to type posts about being car free. At first that kinda puzzled me, then it dawned on me, you know what, most of it is just common sense, it doesn't take much discussion really. The biggest step is just getting rid of the car and putting yourself in a feasible position, the rest is easy.
Isn't hard to learn what you can haul or not and how far and how many trips your willing to make to round things you need up. Unless your a complete bike rookie the bike part of the transition is usually a no brainer. It isn't rocket science, and its amazing what can be done when one applies themselves to a task.
Quote from a movie "The Hunt for the Red October" said by Sean Connery, "When Cortez got the the new world he burned his ships............" , getting rid of the car is much the same, once its gone you have lots of motivation to make things work !!
cerewa
07-05-07, 05:49 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this sub forum has become the premiere Internet resource for carfree living.
That may be true, although I would have expected the premiere Internet resource for carfree living (carfree living in general) to have less of a bicycling slant and more of a public-transit slant, because in developed countries public transit is what carfree people are more likely to use for their day-to-day needs.
That may be true, although I would have expected the premiere Internet resource for carfree living (carfree living in general) to have less of a bicycling slant and more of a public-transit slant, because in developed countries public transit is what carfree people are more likely to use for their day-to-day needs.
Brian
07-05-07, 06:46 PM
That may be true, although I would have expected the premiere Internet resource for carfree living (carfree living in general) to have less of a bicycling slant and more of a public-transit slant, because in developed countries public transit is what carfree people are more likely to use for their day-to-day needs.
My wife has never had a driver's license. You can do that in Australia, but not so much in Utah. She's walked in 100 degree weather and 10 inches of snow to the bus stop. And honestly, she would prefer not to do that any more. If the temperatures were more moderate, she would love to ride one of her bikes to work once in a while.
My wife has never had a driver's license. You can do that in Australia, but not so much in Utah. She's walked in 100 degree weather and 10 inches of snow to the bus stop. And honestly, she would prefer not to do that any more. If the temperatures were more moderate, she would love to ride one of her bikes to work once in a while.
vulpes
07-05-07, 08:14 PM
That may be true, although I would have expected the premiere Internet resource for carfree living (carfree living in general) to have less of a bicycling slant and more of a public-transit slant, because in developed countries public transit is what carfree people are more likely to use for their day-to-day needs.
Unless you live in one of the major metropolitan areas, public transportation can be pretty dismal. That's certainly true where I live. They just spent a few million dollars on a renovation of the court house so they can put more and more and more people in jail and earn more and more and more money in fines and court costs, but they couldn't put a damn dime into expanding the bus service or replacing the two place bike racks (that fill up fast) with higher capcity racks. Go figure. :rolleyes:
Unless you live in one of the major metropolitan areas, public transportation can be pretty dismal. That's certainly true where I live. They just spent a few million dollars on a renovation of the court house so they can put more and more and more people in jail and earn more and more and more money in fines and court costs, but they couldn't put a damn dime into expanding the bus service or replacing the two place bike racks (that fill up fast) with higher capcity racks. Go figure. :rolleyes:
rockmom
07-05-07, 08:38 PM
My wife has never had a driver's license. You can do that in Australia, but not so much in Utah. She's walked in 100 degree weather and 10 inches of snow to the bus stop. And honestly, she would prefer not to do that any more. If the temperatures were more moderate, she would love to ride one of her bikes to work once in a while.
I'm not sure my husband has forgiven me for dragging him to Utah. We haven't lived there in 6 years and he still gets a bit of scowl when I mention SLC. That was some really sketchy bus service. The light rail was nice though.
I'm not sure my husband has forgiven me for dragging him to Utah. We haven't lived there in 6 years and he still gets a bit of scowl when I mention SLC. That was some really sketchy bus service. The light rail was nice though.
Brian
07-05-07, 09:26 PM
I'm not sure my husband has forgiven me for dragging him to Utah. We haven't lived there in 6 years and he still gets a bit of scowl when I mention SLC. That was some really sketchy bus service. The light rail was nice though.
At least Australia has bus service on the weekends.
At least Australia has bus service on the weekends.
rockmom
07-05-07, 09:31 PM
To make Utah even more distasteful to my husband, we had been living in Portland, OR. That was such a lovely city. A car free dream, I tell you.
Brian
07-05-07, 09:39 PM
Joe just took a road trip to Oregon, and he lives in SLC. I hope he didn't come home depressed.
Baroque
07-05-07, 10:41 PM
Increased traffic could also be the extended holiday; lots of people have these days after the 4th off.
So what better to do than hang around the bike forums? :)
I'm looking ahead to the possibility of reducing from 2 cars to 1. Mulling it over, but it also hinges on the location of our next move and subsequent distance from home to work. Where I live now is miles from civilization and no public transportation whatsoever. It's the car or nothing.
So just reading up on the possibilities and trying to learn a thing or two, just in case....
So what better to do than hang around the bike forums? :)
I'm looking ahead to the possibility of reducing from 2 cars to 1. Mulling it over, but it also hinges on the location of our next move and subsequent distance from home to work. Where I live now is miles from civilization and no public transportation whatsoever. It's the car or nothing.
So just reading up on the possibilities and trying to learn a thing or two, just in case....
Platy
07-05-07, 11:08 PM
...it also hinges on the location of our next move...
Just before you fall in love with the next house, condo, apartment or yurt, remember to evaluate it from the carfree point of view. It's easy to forget that step before you commit.
Just before you fall in love with the next house, condo, apartment or yurt, remember to evaluate it from the carfree point of view. It's easy to forget that step before you commit.
donnamb
07-05-07, 11:15 PM
Joe just took a road trip to Oregon, and he lives in SLC. I hope he didn't come home depressed.
He kept muttering about how many bikes there were. Then I took them past the bike-thru coffee shop window... I hope they got up early enough to go. You can buy a patch kit with your latte.
He kept muttering about how many bikes there were. Then I took them past the bike-thru coffee shop window... I hope they got up early enough to go. You can buy a patch kit with your latte.
Platy
07-06-07, 12:18 AM
I see we're having another big visitor spike. If you're a visitor looking for carfree information, go to the Display Options at the bottom of the Living Car Free sub forum page, change "From the Last Month" to "From The Beginning", and click the Show Threads button. There are well over a thousand threads that can be viewed, including many with specific practical information.
Roody
07-07-07, 08:46 PM
I see we're having another big visitor spike. If you're a visitor looking for carfree information, go to the Display Options at the bottom of the Living Car Free sub forum page, change "From the Last Month" to "From The Beginning", and click the Show Threads button. There are well over a thousand threads that can be viewed, including many with specific practical information.
Also feel free to register with BF and post a new thread with your questions.
As somebody else said, this is the best carfree site on the web--especially with the great cycling slant. I think a lot of Americans, in particular, dislike public transit because you do give up some independence and initiative because you're chained to the bus schedule. With a bike you have just as much freedom and self-reliance as with a car, and maybe more.
Also feel free to register with BF and post a new thread with your questions.
As somebody else said, this is the best carfree site on the web--especially with the great cycling slant. I think a lot of Americans, in particular, dislike public transit because you do give up some independence and initiative because you're chained to the bus schedule. With a bike you have just as much freedom and self-reliance as with a car, and maybe more.
Brian
07-07-07, 09:29 PM
The two times I've checked today, we've had over 2,000 guests on the forums. But we've also had something like 500 new members sign up in just the last few days. Surely one or two would find there way here.
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