Living Car Free - What's your motivation for visiting LCF?

Mine is that since the outbreak of the Iraq war, I have felt it my civic duty to reduce consumption of petroleum-based products. I bought a smaller car, drove it less... but that didn't seem to reduce gasoline consumption a whole lot. Since then, I discovered bicycles and this forum... at least here there are some who have figured out how to be civic-minded while having a great time riding a bicycle.

It's easier for me to chase down the old lady on a bicycle than it is to try to outrun her.

Well, I have a lot of admiration for those of you who are car-free, especially those of you who are doing it in places like North America in general which is almost completely designed around cars.
Seriously, bravo. :beer:

Since learning about peak oil and the like, I've really started to see the need to do things differently. I think the bicycle is the single best tool we have in our current situation for living more responsible (including health-wise) lives. Energy independence, as the OP stated, is a large part of that. I myself am not car free, but over the last few months I have made big strides in replacing driving with biking. This forum provides inspiration and ideas, along with the "Commuting" forum.

Katrina was the last straw for me. My home state took two (Rita was just as powerful) big hits from global warming in my opinion and it was time I started to take personal responsibility for what our society's lifestyles have brought down on us. Maybe my own effort is tilting at windmills but the buck stops here for me.

We aren't care free - pretty hard to have a company be care free that needs to move equipment. (and thousands of seedlings) but I personally use my bike whenever I can which is most of the time.

My motivation is to leave something in the ground for the next generation.

I have been car free in the past, then car light for quite a while. I lost my job at a manufacturing facility 15 years ago when they downsized (closed and gone now) I took a job in the construction industry that put me on the road, it was the only thing I could find at the time that paid close to what I had been making prior to the layoff, but it put me back into the vehicular lifestyle:cry: it also led to a deevorce and all of the fun that goes with it. I am working on an opportunity right now to go back to very car light within the next two years. I am in a much better mood when I get my ride in every day, plus my overall health is better. I hate what cars have done to our lives, they are a tool that has been grossly misused IMHO. Kind of like killing flies on a window with a 20# sledge hammer, if you will.;) I enjoy reading about the various ways people find to cope, and what drove them to be car free/light. I have always lived fairly simply and far below my means. I really can't see the status quo as far as the environment, and energy consumption as well as the current US economy continuing for much longer, a few years at best.

I also enjoy the mechanical simplicity of the bicycle, I consider it to be traveling at a comfortable speed...fast enough to get you there, but not so fast you can't see the little things in life that matter.

Aaron:)

After moving to Banff, I found that for the use that I got very little use out of my little SUV for the amount I was paying in insurance and fuel. Usually, I ended up helping people move or lending it out. So, I sent it away, and I very seldom miss it.

As for why I joined the forum, I searched on google for bike inormation, and this was the first listed. I gave it a try, and I've been finding pertinent information, opinion, and support.

unfortunatly im not car free but i daydream about it alot................but for some reason i always came up with a reason to "just drive there"...........its easier..........its faster.........wont get rained on...........its too hot outside...ect

i think katrina had a large effect on everyone.........where i live they're pushing bikes and are expanding the bike trails but if you wanna go somewhere besides the trail its not as easy......but im trying............i was really happy to find this forum and to see how many other people are into bikes............i ask my friends to ride bikes and they look at me funny......granted im 39 but im still a kid inside......i already try to drive as little as possible ..............for me its about bein lazy.....plain and simple

thx for helpin me get out there and ride

I became carfree mostly for environmental reasons, but also to save money. After three years being carfree off and on (this time for good), I'm still literally the only adult I know who doesn't own a car, and my friends and family still think I'm a bit odd. (My 13 year old students actually laugh at me when they see me curising around the neighborhood on the bike.) I come to LCF to get information about how to be carfree more comfortably and efficiently, and also for inspiration. Sometimes it gets a bit lonely out there, among the BMWs and Escalades...

My husband and I never got around to buying a car. At first it was because we were poor students. When the people I knew working in earth sciences started biking to work and hanging their clothes out to dry, I figured staying car free would be an easy way for me to support responsible consumption.

I admire all those who build their lifestyles around owning a car and then become car free. It is much harder to change than to just keep doing the same old thing.

I have always never liked to drive but I had a car once for about two or three months twenty three years ago. Plus I'm lazy, no car= less money = less work:D

One of the reasons I plan on staying carfree, is my terrible luck with cars. With a bike there are no surprise $300 repairs every few months. Occasionally there are surprise issues with the bike, but they are usually quick and cheap fixes.

I'm a wannabe however it's unlikely in my lifetime.

Party Line answer:
Self sufficiency

Actual answer:
I really like to ride and need to know how to get the eggs home w/o breaking them.

As for oil, giving up High Fructose Corn Syrup (used in practically everything), maltodextrin (used in beer, GU gels and Gatorade) and the boatload of other deriviatives made from #2 corn nurtured by petroleum based fertilizers, will probably go a bit farther than giving up our cars...

Honestly, greed.

I'm car light and bike commute/shop because it's cheaper than gassing my truck. When I need to do large things or long distance trips that aren't MARC accessible I'll drive. I've been bike commuting for 4 or 5 years now and love waking up that way. The political etc aspect of it just doesn't really play into riding for me.

Party Line answer:
Self sufficiency

Actual answer:
I really like to ride and need to know how to get the eggs home w/o breaking them.



Sounds about right for me too. Even though I've been car-free (in a car-lite household) for 10 years, I came here mainly for inspiration for trailers and other utility bike issues as this is where the trailer threads were when I searched.

<dons flamesuit>

I don't go in for the politics so much, too much fanaticism (from some both here and other places even when we agree:rolleyes: ) without a real approach to easing the curious or fence-sitters into the fold. The current feeling I get from the section isn't one of warmth towards those who would own a car. This isn't the Spanish Inquisition, LCF isn't the Church and nobody will let themselves be preached out of their SUV's. extreme examples to be sure, but nonetheless valid in terms of outside impressions.

That's why I keep pushing the Utility Bikes concept as a means to attract those who are curious (More "Bake Sale" than "Burning at the Stake") and want to explore getting more out of their bikes than a weekend recreational "toy"

I feel we should focus on helping these people by showing them how to build and use trailers, how to rig a set of panniers, cargo bike concepts, and that it's OK to break a sweat to get a gallon of OJ from the store.

I also think in the LCF area we could be more supportive of those "drive everywhere" folks who are looking towards starting out car-lite. Explaining simple concepts in a friendly manner such as combining trips or planning a circuitous route to maximize efficiency can go a long way towards changing people's 'tudes and make them more open to trying the same concepts on a bike. Perhaps if someone were to start a thread?
http://bestsmileys.com/thinking/1.gif

That's why I keep pushing the Utility Bikes concept as a means to attract those who are curious (More "Bake Sale" than "Burning at the Stake") and want to explore getting more out of their bikes than a weekend recreational "toy"

I feel we should focus on helping these people by showing them how to build and use trailers, how to rig a set of panniers, cargo bike concepts, and that it's OK to break a sweat to get a gallon of OJ from the store.

I also think in the LCF area we could be more supportive of those "drive everywhere" folks who are looking towards starting out car-lite. Explaining simple concepts in a friendly manner such as combining trips or planning a circuitous route to maximize efficiency can go a long way towards changing people's 'tudes and make them more open to trying the same concepts on a bike. Perhaps if someone were to start a thread?
http://bestsmileys.com/thinking/1.gif

I agree about working towards more efficient car use. I don't own a car myself, but once a week I drive my elderly Mum out in her 45 year old car so she can do her shopping. Before heading out Mum and I plan out our route and all the tasks, appointments and shops to visit for that day so that we make best use of her car. Mum can't really afford the cost of the petrol, tyres, rego and other running costs in owning a car, but with her being so frail being without a car isn't really an option for her. It's just fortunate too that her car is a 'good un' and hasn't needed much at all doing to it in the way of expensive repairs right from new. I could very easily take over most of Mum's weekly 'things to do', but I feel that it's important for Mum to retain her independence and her car is a big part of that.

As for visiting this forum, it's because I'm always on the lookout for new ideas to assist with living without a car and even in the short time I've been a forum member I've learned an awful lot that's of value.

Oops sorry - double post

ive been doin that with any vehicle for atleast 15 yrs.............stop on the way home......combine trips(2 stores in the same strip mall)............but when i was thinking about it...........ok.........i goto either one of the 2 stores..........when i goto the second store how do i lock up all my stuff i bought at the first store?....carry it all in and ask em to watch it for me?............or stop bein so lazy and make 2 seperate trips on the bike..........its like retraining my brain.........i leanred how to drive efficiently and it seems changing to a bike is less efficient (thats where the training comes in).....makin 2 trips would probly be better for me

if riayn can do it for the last 10 yrs then i can make the effort...............i know this town and its not really bike friendly...........atleast not in the way of room on the road.......and its very crowded

and i joined the forum because i made a utility bike to do the trips i would have used my truck to do..........just riding a bike for fun wasnt helping anything beyond my fitness............my first experience at the grocery store was great............they let me pull my bike into the covered area where the carts are...............and my first trip to the brush dump to drop off recycling stuff was also great.........it had rained for a week and i was able to pull up between the dumpsters to the tiny dry spot ............then when i left i asked if i could leave out the exit and the guy said "your on a bike".............like i could do anything i wanted............i had a smile the whole way home...............thats right before i joined the forum.............been lurkin for about a yr but i felt it was time to join

i hope i didnt stray off topic too much

I'm a wanna be car free redneck, but it ain't lookin to good yet,,,,,,Wife just got Toyota Prius, get 9 million mpg and beins it's new she wants to drive me everywhere.
and my job is parked in my driveway, I am applying for a job where I could ride to work.

I want to ride to Church,, sweat issue,,, ?????

As for visiting this forum, it's because I'm always on the lookout for new ideas to assist with living without a car and even in the short time I've been a forum member I've learned an awful lot that's of value.
Greetings, Sianelle! Hope you continue to enjoy LCF!

I have personal and philosophical reasons for being carfree. I won't go into them now, because I think the OP's question was why do you use this forum, not why are you carfree.

I use this forum partially for practical advice, as several others mentioned. Also, a bit for inspiration, though I don't really need much inspiration. I'm already very commited to being carfree and very comfortable with my choice. Also, I don't have any desire to inspire others to become carfree, unless that is their freely formed wish. In other words, I have no desire to proselytize or brainwash people into junking their cars. That's their choice to make, not mine. Of course, I'm glad to be supportive and helpful if somebody has freely decided to become carfree or carlite.

I think my main reason for coming to the forum is to join in a community of people who share my interests and values. Even when we have disputes here, we have a core understanding that bonds us as a community. My friends and relatives (whom I love very much) are mostly car-dependent, and they really don't understand my decisions at a gut level. I can come here and feel that people do understand me, and respect my choices about transportation. I appreciate that a lot.

In my opinion, we should be able to talk about anything we want to here, including politics and philosophy. These topics are a part of being carfree for many of us. Of course, obviously not for all of us. Those who aren't interested in politics should be able to skip threads that are (as indicated by their titles on the index page) intended to be about politics. Those who are interested in politics, OTOH, should not inject their political thinking into threads that are obviously not intended to be about politics.

A little mutual respect goes a long ways.

I'm a wannabe however it's unlikely in my lifetime.

Why? (This is a question, not a criticism: I'm just curious.)

I want to ride to Church,, sweat issue,,, ?????

I ride to church, and I have to go up a steep hill to get there. So far, neither God nor the other parishoners (sp) have complained...

I ride to church, and I have to go up a steep hill to get there. So far, neither God nor the other parishoners (sp) have complained...

Let me know if God ever complains:D;)

Aaron:)

I have personal and philosophical reasons for being carfree. I won't go into them now, because I think the OP's question was why do you use this forum, not why are you carfree.

I use this forum partially for practical advice, as several others mentioned. Also, a bit for inspiration, though I don't really need much inspiration. I'm already very commited to being carfree and very comfortable with my choice. Also, I don't have any desire to inspire others to become carfree, unless that is their freely formed wish. In other words, I have no desire to proselytize or brainwash people into junking their cars. That's their choice to make, not mine. Of course, I'm glad to be supportive and helpful if somebody has freely decided to become carfree or carlite.

I think my main reason for coming to the forum is to join in a community of people who share my interests and values. Even when we have disputes here, we have a core understanding that bonds us as a community. My friends and relatives (whom I love very much) are mostly car-dependent, and they really don't understand my decisions at a gut level. I can come here and feel that people do understand me, and respect my choices about transportation. I appreciate that a lot.

In my opinion, we should be able to talk about anything we want to here, including politics and philosophy. These topics are a part of being carfree for many of us. Of course, obviously not for all of us. Those who aren't interested in politics should be able to skip threads that are (as indicated by their titles on the index page) intended to be about politics. Those who are interested in politics, OTOH, should not inject their political thinking into threads that are obviously not intended to be about politics.

A little mutual respect goes a long ways.

Well put Roody! :beer:

I agree with every point. I do quite often skip over threads that don't interest me, some people don't realize that it isn't necessary to respond to every thread or to ones that don't interest you. And in a few extreme cases I have found the "ignore" button to be very handy:rolleyes:

I have learned many things from this forum that weren't directly related to cycling...from a link provided during a discussion of purchasing locally produced food, I discovered there is an organic farm less than 10 miles from my house. I had been buying local produce from another source but it wasn't organic. Also the organic farm has green houses and produces lettuce and tomatoes year round.:D

LCF to me comprises more than just the nuts and bolts of the actual bicycle and its use. I think of it kind of like a sports bar where you have baseball fans, football fans and basketball fans. They are all sports fans, but each has their own choices and preferences. The discussion may even get a bit heated at times, but come the end of the day hopefully they can respect each others point of view. (Difficult I realize during playoffs:D)

Aaron:)

Why? (This is a question, not a criticism: I'm just curious.)
Complicated answer to a simple question. For starters there are other people that are not physically or physiologically able to do that and I wish to keep those people in my life. Eventually we are all going to change and the people that come to this forum are the ones that are making it happen but the car culture that has developed in the last 100 years will not go away in the next 20. It will take as long to change it to something more suitable as it did to make what we have now. I may have 20 years left but I doubt it. If I am anything like my ancestors then I've about 10. I intend to spend as much time with my granddaughter as is possible during that time and without a car that can not happen. We are car light however and no car moves unless there is a specific purpose. With very few exceptions all trips are multi-purposed. I am actively steering the grandchildren down a path of human powered and electric vehicles.
Thanks for asking. Every time I'm asked I become more resolved to do move.

Yes, from all that I've heard on BF, SE Louisiana is not an easy place to be car-free.

Complicated answer to a simple question. For starters there are other people that are not physically or physiologically able to do that and I wish to keep those people in my life. Eventually we are all going to change and the people that come to this forum are the ones that are making it happen but the car culture that has developed in the last 100 years will not go away in the next 20. It will take as long to change it to something more suitable as it did to make what we have now. I may have 20 years left but I doubt it. If I am anything like my ancestors then I've about 10. I intend to spend as much time with my granddaughter as is possible during that time and without a car that can not happen. We are car light however and no car moves unless there is a specific purpose. With very few exceptions all trips are multi-purposed. I am actively steering the grandchildren down a path of human powered and electric vehicles.
Thanks for asking. Every time I'm asked I become more resolved to do move.

Yeah, the switch to carfree won't be possible for everybody until a much better infrastructure is in place. In the meantime, people like you do a world of good by using your car deliberately, and finding ways not to use it whenever you can. A lot of people being carlite is just as effective as a few people being carfree, although I think both are better than either alone!

Besides conserving and reducing congestion, one thing that both carfree and carlite people accomplish is creating a demand for non-car alternatives. We are the market for commuter and utility bikes, pedestrian crossings, saner traffic laws, decentralized services, and so forth. By creating the demand, we ensure that the supply will follow. And that makes it easier and easier for others to become carlite and carfree.

I'm a care free cyclist because I'm a cheap bastahd addicted to endorphins.

I have learned many things from this forum that weren't directly related to cycling...from a link provided during a discussion of purchasing locally produced food, I discovered there is an organic farm less than 10 miles from my house. I had been buying local produce from another source but it wasn't organic. Also the organic farm has green houses and produces lettuce and tomatoes year round.:D


That's a good point. You join a community of cyclists and that community has interests that go beyond cycling. For example, there's probably a tenuous link between living carfree and organic lawn care. However, I've picked up more information on lawn care, organic style, than from any other source. Problem is that in researching many topics, particularly on the Internet, you get deluged with commercial data or information that is highly suspect. LCF is a great way to connect with folks who have similar outlooks and similar problems. People who can speak from their experience. I guess some of the information is less than correct, but that usually gets worked out by other posters.

Of course, not all the information or ideas are useful to me right at the moment. But I've already seen some of the more far-fetched ideas bear some fruit. The idea of peak oil seemed like science fiction when I read about it first. But, as I've read more on the topic and as certain world-wide events have come to pass, I'm beginning to think it isn't that far-fetched an idea at all.

I visit here because of some common shared interests, and constitutions. Seems to be some intellect, creativity and free thinkers here, and that's good my friends. Thank you.

I visit because it keeps me motivated to be as car lite as possible. The ideas, the stories, and knowing that other people out there are car-free or car-lite by choice, and they probably know how good it feels to say they don't need a car to live their lives.

I have personal and philosophical reasons for being carfree. I won't go into them now, because I think the OP's question was why do you use this forum, not why are you carfree.

I use this forum partially for practical advice, as several others mentioned. Also, a bit for inspiration, though I don't really need much inspiration. I'm already very commited to being carfree and very comfortable with my choice. Also, I don't have any desire to inspire others to become carfree, unless that is their freely formed wish. In other words, I have no desire to proselytize or brainwash people into junking their cars. That's their choice to make, not mine. Of course, I'm glad to be supportive and helpful if somebody has freely decided to become carfree or carlite.

I think my main reason for coming to the forum is to join in a community of people who share my interests and values. Even when we have disputes here, we have a core understanding that bonds us as a community. My friends and relatives (whom I love very much) are mostly car-dependent, and they really don't understand my decisions at a gut level. I can come here and feel that people do understand me, and respect my choices about transportation. I appreciate that a lot.

In my opinion, we should be able to talk about anything we want to here, including politics and philosophy. These topics are a part of being carfree for many of us. Of course, obviously not for all of us. Those who aren't interested in politics should be able to skip threads that are (as indicated by their titles on the index page) intended to be about politics. Those who are interested in politics, OTOH, should not inject their political thinking into threads that are obviously not intended to be about politics.

A little mutual respect goes a long ways.

:beer:

I want to ride to Church,, sweat issue,,, ?????

There's an entire thread in the forum on riding to church. I ride to church four miles over rolling hills, and I don't have any problems with sweat.

Mine is that since the outbreak of the Iraq war, I have felt it my civic duty to reduce consumption of petroleum-based products. I bought a smaller car, drove it less... but that didn't seem to reduce gasoline consumption a whole lot. Since then, I discovered bicycles and this forum... at least here there are some who have figured out how to be civic-minded while having a great time riding a bicycle.

Mine is part of a general 'greening' that's been taking place since I began to lose the 143 extra pounds I was carrying. I'm trying to be less into "consumption" of many things these days. And that extends to being car-lite. The Living Car Free forum is filled with good ideas and interesting discussion. Aside from the Commuting and Clydesdales forums, I can't think of a better place to get practical information.

This is my favorite sub group and I always save it for last. I started cycling in the 80s, raced (never got out of cat 4), toured and did some car free transportation (military in the Phillipines). My turning point was when I realized I was spending $50 a month to drive 22 miles roundtrip to the bike trail to ride my bike. That and the boredom that came from riding the same trail three times a week. When I realized that my bike could provide a valid method of transportation, it opened new avenues for me. I am in the process of selling my truck leaving my family with a modest suv and a Ninja 250 motorcyle. The cycle was just purchased because I will need a method for picking my 14yoa daughter up from soccer practice etc. I see the motorcycle as a precursor to going car lite. I currently cycle between 80-90 miles per week riding to the gym, the store and just general errands. BTW there's no way I would allow my daughter to ride the four miles to school even if she didn't have to go past the high school with the bumper to bumper teenage drivers.

Because I think its an admirable goal and lessens the power of the oil gods. Along with improves air quality. And the psychology of the car culture makes us all nuts.

I ride to church, and I have to go up a steep hill to get there. So far, neither God nor the other parishoners (sp) have complained...

I am an usher, suite required,,,but, thinking of begging out as I am now the new sound guy and I sit at the way back behind the audio thing and nobody see's me, so what you say I wish to do.

Mine is part of a general 'greening' that's been taking place since I began to lose the 143 extra pounds I was carrying.

Amazing how cycling can solve multiple problems, simultaneously, eh?

Amazing how cycling can solve multiple problems, simultaneously, eh?

So, no wonder we have such diverse conversations on this board. Some seem to be off-topic, but as fanatics we can bring every subject to bear on BIKES! :)

In a capitalist system, the way you spend your money is how you vote on what exists. By spending our dollars on things other than new cars and gasoline, we are voting against them.

Every time I transport myself in a way other than my personal automobile, it's a refusal to accept and perpetuate a system that's unhealthy for everyone affected by it.

No matter the motivation for removing automobile dependence from our lives, we are all activists. We have the same goals. Car free is not always about bikes, but enthusiasm for cycling is what we in this forum have in common. That's why I'm here.

I'm very car-lite (I've driven well under a 1000 miles in the last year) but I hope to be car-free eventually. To be honest I'd be nervous about trying it where I currently live because this town is definitely not bike-friendly, but I would like to move so who knows what will happen. I avoid driving whenever possible because I absolutely HATE it. When I drive I can practically feel my stress levels rising within minutes. When I get to my destination I'm angry and frustrated. And of course there's the financial and health benifits of biking everywhere. I rarely have to buy gas, and in the first 6 months of commuting to work by bike my cholesterol dropped 40 points. My doctor sounded disappointed because I think he was afraid I wouldn't come pay him money as much anymore. :rolleyes:

I'm car-light, not car-free. My job requires I have a reliable vehicle at work in order to quickly cover news events around the community. But I don't have to drive to and from work. I have my car parked behind the office, ready to go if I need. I also will use the car for a few personal trips, probably fewer than one a month. Also, since I'm in a small community, I sometimes need to go out of town for products or services I need. While I try to do this by bike, there are times when this isn't possible. We don't have a workable transit for those (or other) purposes, although there are plenty of voices now calling for such a service.

As to why I'm visiting this forum, I'd like to get some more ideas to continue living car-light and to encourage others to do likewise.

I come here because LCF is the best, most practical, most comprehensive and most active discussion on the entire Internet about escaping car dependency.

Each of us has a different set of reasons for being here. Personally, I see absolute car dependency as the Achilles heel of western civilization. It's an issue that needs to be brought out into the open and confronted fearlessly.

We're not car free. I drive a few times a year on vacation or for business travel. But I primarily use my feet, my bike or public transit to get around town. And we won't become truly car free as long as my wife continues to be a realtor. But I must profess an intense dislike for the automobile. I hate what the car has done to our communities. However, I try not to be judgmental about those who rely upon them. Rather, I strongly believe that we must remake our communities to make walking, cycling and transit safe and accessible transportation options so people at least have a choice of mobility without a car.

I like LCF because I hate cars and thus, it is the direct opposite - and, well you know.... opposites attract !

Also, since I'm in a small community, I sometimes need to go out of town for products or services I need. While I try to do this by bike, there are times when this isn't possible. We don't have a workable transit for those (or other) purposes, although there are plenty of voices now calling for such a service.

As to why I'm visiting this forum, I'd like to get some more ideas to continue living car-light and to encourage others to do likewise.

Greetings, Newspaperguy!

One thing we on LCF should do better job of is talking about options to cycling. It isn't always possible to ride your bike to work or for shopping and most car-light folks tend to backslide into car-driving (mea culpa...) on those occasions.

However, whenever I do take my town's rather shoddy public transportation, I am amazed at what it can accomplish on so little money. Also, I am amazed that I get to meet and talk to different people. Try that from behind the wheel of your Hummer!

I come here because I want to learn how to be better at being car light. I don't think car free is practical for most families, especially if you live in the burbs. But I do think I can be car light to the tune of 70% to 90% of my travel so I come here to find better ways to do it.

I visit LCF to read and exchange ideas. I have no intention of being car-free. I just enjoy riding a bike more than sitting in traffic and I also am interested in more efficient ways of doing things.