Living Car Free - Carfree Cycling -- How to get started -- Noobs and lurkers please join in!!

I've been a carfree cyclist for several years, and it seems easy and natural to me now. But I vaguely remember that it wasn't always easy, and I could have used some help. (In fact, I sometimes still need help, and I've found that the people on this forum are good at providing it.)

That's the purpose of this thread--to start at the most basic level and provide some support and guidance to those who are new to carfree living, and/or new to cycling. No question is too simple for this thread! So, if you're wondering how to change gears on a bike, or how to signal a left turn, or where to park the thing while you go into a store, or anything else at all, this is a great place to ask.

I really hope to get some new members involved in this thread. Obviously, some new members have a need of information, and they are encouraged to ask questions on this thread. Less obvious, maybe, is the fact that novices are often most qualified to give advice to other noobs who are just slightly less experienced or knowledgeable than themselves. "Experts" often give advice that's too detailed or opinionated to be useful to the new carfree cyclist. Other newbies are likely to give advice on the level that's needed. In other words, someone who's been riding for a month is often able to give better advice than somebody with a PhD in bike-ology, since they're more aware of the problems faced by a true beginner.

So I hope many of the newbies and lurkers will get involved in this thread. I know a lot of you have questions that you might have thought were "stupid". Here's a place to ask those questions. Also, if you're new, here's a chance to answer some questions for the first time, and find out how rewarding it can be to help others on an internet forum. And of course our regular bike-ologists will also be getting involved, so don't worry about making a mistake.



If you've never posted on Bikeforums before, it's really quite simple. First follow the links to register, a process that takes less than a minute, usually, and is totally free. Then click on one of the buttons in the thread that has the word "Reply." Just type in your message and submit it.

How did you guys prepare to go Carfree? Currently I would say I am close to car lite. But it seems like there is more to it then just "stop driving." What kind of gear did you get? Did you have a backup plan? What were your first experiences?

Thanks for doing this because I have a lot of questions. :)

How did you guys prepare to go Carfree?
That's a great question to kick off this thread. I started going car light in 2002 by using the city bus system for my work commute, and walking for errands in my neighborhood. I saw other riders loading and unloading their bikes on the bus racks. At one point I asked a cyclist to show me how to work the latches and clamps on the bus's bike rack. Not long after that I got my own bike.

My first shot a car free was easy...I never had one that ran:p and couldn't afford to keep it running as it were. I basically ran car free from 1976 until I got married in 1982(first time) then stayed car light until 1996. The second time around is a lot harder...I am still working on it:o My "big" advice is to really think about any decisions that will affect your carfree/light lifestyle. Quite often alternatives to the car are staring you right in the face but it is easier to just make an excuse and use the car. Work on long range plans along with alternates...that is what I am doing at the moment...now if that durned lottery ticket would just pay off.....:rolleyes: It can be done, for some people in some situations it is easy, the rest of us have to work at it, but I think the payoff is worth it in the long run. The only other advice is don't advertise that you are car free, just let people think you are into it for the fitness. Also have more than one bike or good access to mass transit.

Aaron:)

I'm not there yet, but as much as possible I'm car-free, eg: I ride most days anywhere between 30-80 kms, I ride to work, do messages and pay bills by bike etc. As much as possible I use my BoB trailer for grocery shopping...... (just got to get the wife's head around that one though), and my son and I often ride our tandem to outings and meeting with friends and even my wife is starting to come with me to do messages.
It's just that the family needs me there to drive them at times, in other words, they want my companionship, so until they catch the cycling bug, that's my lot.

I want to be carfreee, but it's easier to drive sometimes. Plus there are days I'm just too ****ing tired.

The hardest part for me is doing all of my days errands, say running to the post offices, grocery store, hardware store, home. Especially when they are all spread apart like that.

Also having to do things more frequently, like grocery shopping.

How did you guys prepare to go Carfree? Currently I would say I am close to car lite. But it seems like there is more to it then just "stop driving." What kind of gear did you get? Did you have a backup plan? What were your first experiences?

Thanks for doing this because I have a lot of questions. :)

I don't remember how I first became carfree, because it was so long ago, it was in the early 1970s, and as they say, if you remember the early 70s, you weren't really there. ;)

But I do remember when I became a carfree cyclist, as that was only about 5 years ago. I had a very crappy bike, but that's OK, to start out with a POS bike. I just started by taking very short trips, mostly on residential streets and the bike trail in my city. My first rides were just for fun and exercise.

I remember the first time I went to the farmer's market, about 2 miles away, and bought a couple things and carried them home in plastic bags. I felt so happy and proud, realizing that a bike is really a form of transportation. I bought a backpack the next day and life became much easier.

I think I practiced my first commute for a month, even though it was only 7 miles round trip. I was so nervous the first time I rode home from work. I worked evenings, so this was also the first time I rode in the dark, and I didn't even know about lights at that time. :eek: But I survived, and that winter, just a couple months later, I learned by trial and error how to ride in the cold and snow.

My advice if you're new to riding, based on my own experience:
Any bike is fine when you're first starting. After a while, you'll figure out what kind of bike(s) are really right for you.
Don't sweat the gear and equipment at first either. You'll figure it out gradually, but pretty quickly. The important thing is to just start riding on/with whatever you have.
Make your first rides fun. Don't worry about trying to accomplish a lot. Just explore your neighborhood and start to get a feel for bikes and riding. It is supposed to be fun, dammit! :)
Make early rides short. The muscles you use for riding are different and you need to build up to it gradually.
However, do challenge yourself. Try new things and greater speeds and distances. Just don't try to do everything all at once.

Ok i'll bite...i'm planning to be car free by the end of this month.

any car-free people:

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?

Also, do you ever get depressed/frustrated by your limitations? Like wanting to be able to go somewhere but its too far to ride or will take too long?

Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?


How has your life changed since being car-free? Has it made life better or worse overall?

Oh yeah one more q - security-wise: How do you lock your bike personally?

And what do you do if theres nothing to lock your bike to?

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?
Lots of people get their panties bunched up when they interact with a carfree person. At first it's difficult to deal with that. Later on it's just amusing.


Also, do you ever get depressed/frustrated by your limitations? Like wanting to be able to go somewhere but its too far to ride or will take too long?
This is true to some extent. However, there is a compensation. You get to know your local area much better and discover resources you would have never noticed from a car.


Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?
Not really. I live a lot more locally now. Maybe it works out because I'm fortunately located in a well balanced urban area. If I were way out in the exurbs or a rural county, it might not have worked out so well.


How has your life changed since being car-free? Has it made life better or worse overall?
It's much, much better. I'm in my mid 50s, my kids are all grown and I'm technically single, so I have minimal family responsibilities. For me, the only thing standing in the way of early retirement was that I would have to carry my own private health insurance policy. The savings of not owning a car almost exactly covers the cost of my medical insurance, making early retirement possible.


Oh yeah one more q - security-wise: How do you lock your bike personally?
I have three bikes. For two of them I carry a U-lock and a cable lock. The third is my beater, an old Sears 3-speed I fished out of a dumpster and did some minimal repairs on. When I ride my beater I don't even bother to lock it up. One of our regular posters, chephy, pointed out that a beater should be just sketchy enough so that it would be a relief if it gets stolen, so that's the attitude I've taken toward it.


And what do you do if theres nothing to lock your bike to?
There's always something to lock to, the only question is how far away are you willing to park.

Ok i'll bite...i'm planning to be car free by the end of this month.

any car-free people:

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was getting up the initiative to go car-free in the first place. Fortunately, my car was a piece of crap, and my attempts to fix minor mechanical problems always seemed to turn them into major problems. Sooner or later, it was such an adventure just figuring out how to get the engine started, that it was a real relief to remember that I'd been talking about going car-free anyway for other reasons...so why not now?

Once I started riding everywhere, it was way easier than driving my rapidly disintegrating entropy-mobile.


Also, do you ever get depressed/frustrated by your limitations? Like wanting to be able to go somewhere but its too far to ride or will take too long?
No. Even if I never left a twenty-mile radius around my home, there's more interesting stuff to do than I ever have time for anyway. When I do want to do something further away, my favorite ways of dealing with it, in order of preference, are:

1) Cool! Great excuse for a long bike ride!
2) If there's no time for a long bike ride, I'll take a bus or a train, or grab a ride with someone else who's going to the same event. Bring something to read, and it's less wasted time than driving.
3) Last resort: rent a damned car. Definitely the least enjoyable of the three options. Cars feel claustrophobic now that I'm used to a bike, and I've lost my tolerance for traffic jams and parking-space hunts.

When I first gave up owning a car, I figured I might need to rent one once a month or so. Turns out it's more like two or three times a year. Still, I'm glad the option is there; on the rare occasion that a car really would make my life better, I go ahead and drive one.


Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?
No. Exactly the opposite; I end up doing a greater variety of things and enjoying them more.


How has your life changed since being car-free? Has it made life better or worse overall?Way better. The regular exercise is great for my physical and mental health. I know things about my town and the surrounding landscape that would never have noticed in a lifetime of driving past it. And now I look forward to the process of getting to places, as much as to whatever I'm going to do when I get there.


Oh yeah one more q - security-wise: How do you lock your bike personally?
And what do you do if theres nothing to lock your bike to?
I use a Kryptonite U-lock. It's a combination lock, because I have a bad habit of losing keys. (I used to lose car keys all the time when I had them.) My lights and panniers are easy to snap on and off, so I usually take them with me when I park the bike.

A U-lock plus a chain would be even safer.

If there's no safe place to park, then I'll either bring the bike inside with me, or park it somewhere safer and walk a block or two to my destination. Almost always, though, there's a good parking place right outside wherever I'm going. Street signs, parking meters, and fences all work fine during the daytime in well-traveled areas. (Careful with street signs late at night, though...people have been known to unbolt the sign from the post, then lift the bike off.)

great thread!

Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?


To me, this can be the mose significant drawback to being car-free. I live in a city where being car-free is as just about as easy as it gets: excellent bus service, and convenient, though a little expensive, train service to pretty much anywhere.

I don't so much mind going to the store, or running errands on my bike. Yes, a car would be easier, but most of the time, I enjoy it, and the rest I slog through, if need be. (Heck, I carried a 3x4x5 foot box with a new gas grill on the trailer the other day -- that was a sight). My wife takes the kids to school on the bus, and I pull them in the trailer and on the ride-behind on the weekends.

The trouble is that we are a fairly "outdoor-sy" family, and we like to go on hikes in the woods, or to the beach, and we are limited in our selection by either proximity or bus service. Add to that getting my wife and kids to playgroups, and it can be difficult, since it gets to be a hassle to be asking for a ride for the kids to/from the train stop, or to a place without bus service.

Somehow, we have made it all work so far. In all honesty, when we move back to the US, or if we take up more permanent residence here, we will likely buy a car, mostly to overcome the drawbacks listed above (although maybe not, depending on the circumstances). Hopefully, though, we will retain as much as we can from our current lifestyle and not rely on it too much.

In short: Living car-free can be difficult, but once you do it, you realize how easy it is do so much without one.

I am car light. I am a kids softball and soccer coach. How do I do car-free with 5-7 kids of ages 5-10 to haul around, anywhere from 3 to 15 miles?

Kids are hands-down the hardest part of living car-lite for me. I've spent a lot of time & energy making it possible for them to join me, but as they get older it becomes apparent that they just aren't enjoying it like they did when they were younger. I'm afraid that my encouragement is creating a distaste for them, which is causing me to back off a little for now. Consequently, I am missing out on the long rides that I've come to need and appreciate. Car-free with kids seems a daunting proposition.

Kids are hands-down the hardest part of living car-lite for me. I've spent a lot of time & energy making it possible for them to join me, but as they get older it becomes apparent that they just aren't enjoying it like they did when they were younger. I'm afraid that my encouragement is creating a distaste for them, which is causing me to back off a little for now. Consequently, I am missing out on the long rides that I've come to need and appreciate. Car-free with kids seems a daunting proposition.

+1.

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?

My biggest challenge is still owning a car. I use it for trips home (about 100 miles, there is no train in my town) and epic grocery shopping.


Also, do you ever get depressed/frustrated by your limitations? Like wanting to be able to go somewhere but its too far to ride or will take too long?
No. At first, when I was only commuting a day or two a week, if I ws feeling lazy I'd give in and take the car. I recently moved to a tiny college town and I've been riding every day, if only a few miles, plus recreational rides here and there (hooray for cycling club!) and hanging out with other biking type people, so it's far easier to ride. And the car just seems that much less easy. It's kind of a pain to drive, actually. I used to feel guilty for driving, even when I did it more, but now I don't mind it as much since I do it so seldom.



Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?
No. I do more with my bike than I ever did with a car.



How has your life changed since being car-free? Has it made life better or worse overall?
I think this response is probably like anyone else's--I'm healthier, happier, and have more money in my pockets. There is absolutely no reasonable downside to cycling over driving. Except maybe kids, but that's not an issue for me.



Oh yeah one more q - security-wise: How do you lock your bike personally?
I lock it to a bike rack, if available, or a sign or light post. U-lock through the rear wheel, between the stays and a thick-ish cable to secure the saddle and front wheel to the frame. I'm considering replacing my quick-release with locking skewers or even just bolted ones.



And what do you do if theres nothing to lock your bike to?
Take it with me. That is extremely rare, though. A bike can be locked to anything secure. Not always with my favorite U-lock method, but definitely with a cable or chain.

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?

I would say:

1) Inclement weather. When there's snow and ice on the road (which gets thrown to the right of the road), and/or it's snowing outside, then I have to either walk to work (too long, and difficult itself) or take the bus. Even often when it's raining I take the bus.

2) Moving. Not having a driver's license, I can't even get a U-Haul, so when I have to move from one place to another, I have to get a moving company, and it can be difficult to find one available at the particular time I need to move.

3) Inhaling the filth that trucks, buses, and cars put into the air. Interestingly, even if I were in a car, I would still have to inhale the stuff though it would be less obvious -- I've read that some of the worst air is inhaled by passengers in taxis. When possible, I try to travel roads with less traffic.

4) A certain degree of mental stress in dealing constantly with cars. Again, I choose roads less traveled.

5) Bumps (potholes, etc.). At times I've arrived at my job with my head hurting slightly because of all the bumps I have to go over. I'm looking into bicycles with better suspension than my beloved Challenge Hurricane.

6) Transportation of groceries being limited. Alas, a bicycle simply can't bring back nearly as many groceries as a car. Still, if one has a good pannier, one can bring back a not insignificant amount. Perhaps two or more trips might be necessary.

Also, do you ever get depressed/frustrated by your limitations? Like wanting to be able to go somewhere but its too far to ride or will take too long?

On rare occasion. Fortunately, in the Internet Age, there are more ways to meet this limitation. For example, there was this one conference that I would have liked to have attended but it was a few hundred miles away. Solution: I got the papers read at the conference from an online archive.


Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?

A little bit, but not much. Often there is more than one good thing that I could do, so I just do the good thing that doesn't require the car.


How has your life changed since being car-free? Has it made life better or worse overall?

I have always been car free. I never had a driver's license to begin with. I have saved LOTS of money over the years being carless, and in addition, the exercise has kept me moderately slim, so therefore, my life is better overall.

Oh yeah one more q - security-wise: How do you lock your bike personally?

I must admit to using a cheap combination lock, but then my Hurricane is pretty old, and not many people can ride a recumbent.

And what do you do if theres nothing to lock your bike to?

Take my chances.

This is awesome, a great idea (make it a sticky?).

I'd say the biggest questions I get are what a person needs to get (cost) and learn to be able to be a carfree cyclist. IOW, how much will they be looking at spending (and on what) to be able to ride in hot and cold weather, to keep up their bike and what skills will they need. I think people usuallt both over and undershoot the estimated costs. It's not going to cost $3000 (unlike road biking) but it's not going to be $50 either. I think for most people it'll be in the range of $200-$600 that first year (assuming you need to buy a bike).

Things you'll need:

1. Bike
2. Fender
3. Light
4. Shoe covers, gloves, face mask.
5. Chain lube, chain tool, spare chain link.
6. Cycling tool (allen wrenches, etc) that can be carried.
7. Portable bike pump (for on the bike)
8. Patch kit/spare tube.
9. Bike bag to carry stuff.
10. Ability to change flat tire.
11. Helmet
12. mirror (for most people)
13. Bike lock.
14. Either backpack or panniers.
15. Bike insurance (I think most people can cover this with their home insurance)

Am I missing something?

First time responder here. Hey.

We went car-free when the Car Repairs of Damocles came crashing down. (http://spiritualmonkey.livejournal.com/307623.html) We didn't so much prepare to live car-free as much as I stumbled and ignored our way into it. Luckily, we had bikes in storage that only took a little bit of refurbishing to get them rolling.

The combination of a bike and a monthly bus pass get me just about anywhere I need to go in the greater Bay Area. I live in Oakland and work as a catering bartender all over the place, so I'm constantly rolling to gigs with a change of clothes in my Chrome bag, a ziploc full of baby wipes, and a microfiber camp towel.

Yeah, I suck exhaust fumes while pedaling. So what? Are you telling me you've got some hermetically-sealed air-filter system in our gas burner? At least you're exercising on a bike while you breathe urban air.

Overall, MUCH BETTER LIFESTYLE! No gas to buy, no broken windows to fix, no insurance, no EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, tighter ass an over all improving health (including better, more frequent sex), I feel so much more in tune with my environment. I stop into store and explore new neighborhoods rather than burning dinosaurs and pushing a ton of steel around just so I can be kept isolated in my box till I arrive at my destination.

The world is a smaller, healthier, less stressful, more interesting place on a bike.

The median price for a new car today is HALF the median income for a US Family. And we're fighting wars in Mesopotamia over what's left of the dinosaur juice in the ground.

I say ditch the car as soon as you can and get a bike. Not only will you feel healthier, but ask yourself if you really can afford all that gas and insurance and broken windows and car payments and pollution and war and soft, jiggly, jelly-like unexercised butt you get from sitting on it all day, even when running errands?

Simple three step program:

Step 1: Crash car into tree, face plant into windshield now optional!!
Step 2: Buy bike
Step 3: Ride bike

One of the biggest challenges for me was getting used to riding in bad weather. I rode last winter for the majority of the time, but walked when the snow was really bad. This year, I will not be walking, as I am determined to be comfortable biking in every situation that presents itself.
Do those of you who have to deal with severe winter weather buy better tires/chains, etc? I ride on old, skinny, bald street tires and use a little extra caution, but I have a feeling that might not cut it in the heavy snow or ice.
I also want to say, for those of you who have not attempted the winter biking yet, it is one of my favorite things to do on a morning when it's so cold you can hardly breathe. With some layers the cold doesn't even matter anymore. It's refreshing. I'm almost looking forward to it now.

The world is a smaller, healthier, less stressful, more interesting place on a bike.



YARRR Matey!!!

Welcome to LCF. Your blog (http://spiritualmonkey.livejournal.com/307623.html) is one of the best I've ever read. I hope you link to this forum.

In relation to donr's post about cost and gear that you need. Can any other car free cyclists chime in on recommended gear needed for both hot and cold weather cycling? Did you buy the best or did you hit up the Goodwill? What are some things to save on and what the things to spend more on?

Thanks:)

I think about this pretty regularly. I live 1.8 miles from work, 1.6 miles from an Amtrak station, .6 miles from groceries, 1.4 - 1.7 miles from my favorite watering holes. It never snows here, but the rain and heat can be vicious. Work has a small protected bike rack, and a distinct lack of car parking. I have the option to telecommute some days. There is no bike shop here, or within reasonable riding distance, which is my biggest concern. Car costs are around $450/mo for me, so I'm feeling like killing that expense would be wise, especially with everything so close.


I'm weak, I know it. I have two weaknesses:
I'm prone to poor scheduling in the morning, so I'm always running slightly late when going by car. Switching to a bike when I'm already late seems wrong.
I love cars. I love trucks too. I love little ones, and big ones. I love the quirky Land Rovers and the cheeky Miatas; the absurd Hummers and the plucky Samurais; the refined C-Class and the noisy old 300TD wagons. I can't help it.Yeah. I'm weak. I own that. The only other thing is a habit for visiting a friend who lives several miles down a notoriously dangerous two-lane late at night. I simply can not find a bike friendly alternate route for this narrow, shoulderless, curvy, bit of asphalt.

"Switching to a bike when I'm already late seems wrong."

The difference is this: Getting on a bike is something to look forward to. Getting in a car, not so much.
What is it that you like about cars so much, looking at them and driving really fun ones or driving the one you have?
Even now, when I'm in someone's car, I like to stick my head out the window so I feel a bit less trapped.:rolleyes:

"Switching to a bike when I'm already late seems wrong."

The difference is this: Getting on a bike is something to look forward to. Getting in a car, not so much.
What is it that you like about cars so much, looking at them and driving really fun ones or driving the one you have?
Even now, when I'm in someone's car, I like to stick my head out the window so I feel a bit less trapped.:rolleyes:
Having and driving really fun ones. I've been looking at ditching my VW and picking up a used MR2 Spyder. I've owned a few sports cars in the past, and I miss them. Believe me, when the top is down, and you're so low, you feel like your butt is on the pavement, there is a certain visceral thrill. It's like a drug. I suppose a little morning discipline and a few months of carfree life would go a long way toward a sizable down payment on a slick little two-seater. Besides, I need some way of getting to the not-very-local bike shop, no?

(Not directed at Hugo: I realize my sentiments deviate from the carfree doctrine, but hey, I'm reading the brochure and being honest, so please, don't flame me, cool? I still enjoy being on a bike, and isn't that what matters? I do occasionally ride to work, to get groceries, to have dinner, and any number of other errands.)

Where I live, it will rain, and get so humid and hot you feel damp walking out to the car. How do you show up moderately dry when the humidity is near 100% and the temps are near 90f? Also, how do you show up moderately dry when rain starts to get very severe? I work in an office, and I don't have showers or any sort of changing facilities at work, save for a bathroom stall. For me, riding to work is mostly a winter thing because of this.

I think about this pretty regularly. I live 1.8 miles from work, 1.6 miles from an Amtrak station, .6 miles from groceries, 1.4 - 1.7 miles from my favorite watering holes. It never snows here, but the rain and heat can be vicious. Work has a small protected bike rack, and a distinct lack of car parking. I have the option to telecommute some days. There is no bike shop here, or within reasonable riding distance, which is my biggest concern. Car costs are around $450/mo for me, so I'm feeling like killing that expense would be wise, especially with everything so close.

This sounds like a pretty good set-up, although no location is perfect. I go to my LBS less than once a month. In fact sometimes I'll go 6 months or more without seeing them. Almost everything can be bought on line that can be bought from the LBS.


I'm weak, I know it. I have two weaknesses:

I'm prone to poor scheduling in the morning, so I'm always running slightly late when going by car. Switching to a bike when I'm already late seems wrong

You're less than 2 miles from work, or less than 10 minutes by bike. It's probably faster to ride than to drive!


I love cars. I love trucks too. I love little ones, and big ones. I love the quirky Land Rovers and the cheeky Miatas; the absurd Hummers and the plucky Samurais; the refined C-Class and the noisy old 300TD wagons. I can't help it.

You don't actually own all those vehicles, do you? I mean, you can still love cars even if you don't own one. I love giraffes, but I don't have one in the back yard. Also, you might end up transposing that love of cars over to bicycles. They're as beautiful as cars, and almost as varied.


Yeah. I'm weak. I own that. The only other thing is a habit for visiting a friend who lives several miles down a notoriously dangerous two-lane late at night. I simply can not find a bike friendly alternate route for this narrow, shoulderless, curvy, bit of asphalt.

Are you sure there's no alternate route? If you'd like, you could post a link to a Google map (or use the Bikely app (http://www.bikely.com/)) of the area and we could try to help you figure out a different route. Or maybe you could meet your friend at one of those watering holes that you mentioned?

This sounds like a pretty good set-up, although no location is perfect. I go to my LBS less than once a month. In fact sometimes I'll go 6 months or more without seeing them. Almost everything can be bought on line that can be bought from the LBS.



You're less than 2 miles from work, or less than 10 minutes by bike. It's probably faster to ride than to drive!



You don't actually own all those vehicles, do you? I mean, you can still love cars even if you don't own one. I love giraffes, but I don't have one in the back yard. Also, you might end up transposing that love of cars over to bicycles. They're as beautiful as cars, and almost as varied.



Are you sure there's no alternate route? If you'd like, you could post a link to a Google map (or use the Bikely app (http://www.bikely.com/)) of the area and we could try to help you figure out a different route. Or maybe you could meet your friend at one of those watering holes that you mentioned?

Thanks for your advice.

I've taken the bike and the car to work enough to know that driving is about eight minutes faster. That's keeping in mind I usually have to park across the street (about a city block away) when going by car, while the bike has me parking five feet from the door. I don't know how to align that number with your 10 minute number. There are no traffic lights, but a whole mess of stop signs. I'm looking at about fifteen minutes by bike. To avoid arriving sweaty, I impose a speed limit of ~12mph. The marked speed limit is 25MPH the whole way. I ride and drive the exact same route, having tried several others.

And no, I don't own all of those vehicles. I probably would own some of them, if I had the means.

And this friend's house really is only accessible by this route. I've done the google thing, and there just isn't anything else, unless I want to try following the train tracks - something that seems patently unwise. Also, I'm currently quite fond of bicycles, which is why I'm here. I'm saving up for a mid-range fitness or light mountain bike right now. Something flat-handlebar yet quick.

Thanks for the bikely link. Cool site, but there's nothing within an hour of me.

I'm seriously considering going car lite.

Got another question!

Does your attitude towards transport affect your attitudes towards other things in life?

ie. Not always taking the laziest/easiest/fastest option or solution?

Got another question!

Does your attitude towards transport affect your attitudes towards other things in life?

ie. Not always taking the laziest/easiest/fastest option or solution?

Speaking for myself, I really am lazy. I figure that most Americans work about 8 hours a week to earn the money to pay for their car and related expenses. Well, I work only 4 days a week. I owe that extra day off every week to my carfree status. (And I often spend it riding my bike, of course.)

But I think my transport does affect my attitudes in other ways. For One thing, I love the outdoors, the planet and the beings who inhabit it. I don't feel that cars fit well with that interest. Also, I think I tend to go deep more than broad, and with bikes and walking I see more of the world right in my own neighborhood.

This would be a great topic for its own thread. Maybe you will start one, Nitram? :)

In relation to donr's post about cost and gear that you need. Can any other car free cyclists chime in on recommended gear needed for both hot and cold weather cycling? Did you buy the best or did you hit up the Goodwill? What are some things to save on and what the things to spend more on?

Thanks:)

My first car free bike was a 1972 Raleigh Sports that I purchased in 1982 for the princely sum of $25 from the local hock it shop.:D BTW still have the old girl.

I think a lot of people fall into the trap that they can't ride if they don't have XXXX. I always took the view of run what ya brung, get on what ya got and ride! I haunt the thrift shops for things like wool sweaters, and good quality wind shells, and of course a good deal on another bike. When I bought my Raleigh I was about down to my last dollar and HAD to have a way to get to work and school. I knew the Raleigh was dependable and best of all it was cheap. What was sad in a way is that I had/have been involved in cycling most of my life. In the mid 70's I was a hard core road racer and tourist. Prior to the purchase of that Raleigh I had several bikes that cost close to $1000 in 1976 dollars.

I think the best way to go is to buy a decent quality used bike, if you don't know what one is ask. Look for brand names like Trek, KHS, Giant, etc. Get one that fits, which in most cases is pretty easy. Then learn how to keep it running. Then add to the collection of things you think you need as you gain experience in your style of riding.

Aaron:)

I think the best way to go is to buy a decent quality used bike, if you don't know what one is ask. Look for brand names like Trek, KHS, Giant, etc. Get one that fits, which in most cases is pretty easy. Then learn how to keep it running. Then add to the collection of things you think you need as you gain experience in your style of riding.

Aaron:)

I can't emphasize enough how good Aaron's advice is. I've seen many new riders on Bikeforums who are so worried about getting the exact right bike and equipment that they never even start riding.

And it's similar for an experienced rider who's thinking about going carfree. Any bike you can ride will work as a transportation bike. Mountain bike, Orbea Orca, beach cruiser, whatever. "Run what ya brung"

Aaron--I love what you said: "run what ya brung." I'm gonna put it on my sig. You got a problem with that? Purple letters are OK?

Ok i'll bite...i'm planning to be car free by the end of this month.

any car-free people:

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?

The greatest challenge for me was dating. It drove me to get my first car in my 30's. Strangely, now that I'm much older, women are more secure and don't care if I have one. But I make sure to pay for the meals if they pay for gas. Have to let them know that I have money.

Beyond that it was laundry. Get an apartment or house with laundry facilities.

The key is planning. Try to find a part of town where all the things you need are close by, bank, stores, movies, bars, post office and there is good transportation to other parts of town and airports, bus stations and train stations.

Yes, there are frustrations. But most of them are cured by getting on your bike. I tend to find a way to do stuff. If it's needed, I fly or rent a car. Perfectly car-free is rare. But every day car-free is good.

It's hard to say if its better or worse. I started on my bike in 2nd grade and car-free happened when I moved out on my own. But it quickly proved itself when I survived my first month while working at minimum wage.

Bicycles have always been my friend. Since you sound like you are young, invest the money that you would otherwise spend on a car and you will do surpassingly well. But start now.

Physically it has helped because I'm now in much better shape than the average 50 year old. Of all the decisions of my youth, taking to the bike was the best one I made.

I've had many locks over the years. Now, for my commuter bike I use a curly cable. But it's a pretty low bicycle theft area and the bike is a 15 year old freebie. I just got a nice recumbent and am shopping for something on the level of a Kryptonite New York Noose.

Have more than one bike. Get a beater that will get you to work as a back up bike when your regular bike is in need of service.

If there is nothing to lock my bike to, I lock it to itself right next to the entrance of the store, or I just don't stop.

In relation to donr's post about cost and gear that you need. Can any other car free cyclists chime in on recommended gear needed for both hot and cold weather cycling? Did you buy the best or did you hit up the Goodwill? What are some things to save on and what the things to spend more on?

Thanks:)

I have a good bike I use when there's no snow on the ground (February or March to November.) I use that bike for everything including touring, recreation and commuting. It's not top of the line, but I paid for it because I knew I'd get a lot of use out of it.

For winter, I have a 20-year-old Asama mountain bike that was given to me. I don't care if this one gets some winter grit and wear. I commute around town and do some recreational riding in winter, but I'll log a lot more distance when the snow is gone.

The winter bike has cheap accessories on it. I got the rack at a yard sale and I used a bottle cage from another bike. As long as it runs, I'm happy. The good bike is treated with a little more love. I've spent money on good quality equipment (but again not top of the line) and I'll spend money on keeping it maintained. I want this bike to last at least 20 years. I also need to know it can hold up if I'm touring a few hundred kilometres from home.

Part of the reason for the two philosophies is because I can log five to 10 times the distance each month in warmer months than in cooker ones.

Got another question!

Does your attitude towards transport affect your attitudes towards other things in life?

ie. Not always taking the laziest/easiest/fastest option or solution?

Good question. I find I'm much more in tune to my community. By car, I can get into the nearest city in about 20 minutes. By bike, it's at least an hour. I'll think twice before I make the trip. One could say I've become much more content here.

Also, because I ride year-round in conditions ranging from 40 Celsius heat to -20 C with snow and ice, and because I've ridden on all sorts of roads, trails and highways, I feel as if I can accomplish anything. I can use the same approach towards cycling and towards workplace challenges or personal dilemmas.

The greatest challenge for me was dating.


Funny you say that. My next question was going to be:

'Do car-free guys get more or less girls?'

Thanks for the replies peoples! Been a good read

In Melbourne, Australia, there was a competion run by the local ABC radio station which had groups of 2 leaving together from the same location ie A cyclist and a car driver leaving from the eastern suburbs about 25kms out, then a cyclist and a train traveller leaving from the north, a cyclist and bus... etc etc. In every instance the cyclists were the first to arrive in the CBD.... I think that says it all.

I can't emphasize enough how good Aaron's advice is. I've seen many new riders on Bikeforums who are so worried about getting the exact right bike and equipment that they never even start riding.

And it's similar for an experienced rider who's thinking about going carfree. Any bike you can ride will work as a transportation bike. Mountain bike, Orbea Orca, beach cruiser, whatever. "Run what ya brung"

Aaron--I love what you said: "run what ya brung." I'm gonna put it on my sig. You got a problem with that? Purple letters are OK?

Go for it...that is an old drag racing term:D

Aaron:)

What are the greatest challenges you face in being car-free and how have you overcome them?

Oddly, the greatest challenge to being car-free is that my husband and I both work at the same place, have the same days off, same start/end time. Sounds great, eh? But we work strange hours, and although I am happy to ride the bike in dark/cold/rain--he is not. So, we carpool. He really doesn't want to be carfree. So, we drive in together, I ride home and (used to) run errands whilst he made his way home. Not a satisfactory solution, but it beats him driving all over the Pacific Northwest to do things. I'm also preparing for the eventual day when my husband's demise will mean that I have no reason to have a vehicle. I wish to remain as active as I can, and cycling is one way to stay connected to the neighbourhood, and to life.

Also, do you ever get depressed/frustrated by your limitations? Like wanting to be able to go somewhere but its too far to ride or will take too long?

No, I don't. I've gotten used to riding anywhere within a 30 mile radius of home. It's far more frustrating to me to get off work at 4.30 in the morning, because it's impossible to get shopping done at a convenient time. It's not because it's too far, or takes too long, however.

Do you end up doing less things/missing out on things because of not having a car?

As I said, I'm not carfree, but car lite. Never went in much for parties or other forms of social activity. I do like getting out birdwatching/wildlife viewing, but there's plenty to keep me busy right here. If I were carfree, there'd be options to get to many of these places even without a car--buses and trains for a start.

How has your life changed since being car-free? Has it made life better or worse overall?

I'm not car free, but working toward and aspiring to that condition. My life has changed for the better since I have stopped relying on automobiles. It isn't that cars aren't handy for certain applications (I really would not enjoy hauling the three cats over to the vets on the bike, although it would be possible), but it's certainly not an end all be all. Most people try to cram too much into a day. Our ancestors did not try to fit 50 hours worth of work into 24 hours. There was a time and a place for doing certain things. For instance, my greatgrandfather would not think about eating fresh melons in December. We think nothing of that practice.

Oh yeah one more q - security-wise: How do you lock your bike personally?

I just keep my eye on the bike when possible. However, all my bikes (with one exception) were inexpensive. I'm not going to scream if one goes missing.

And what do you do if theres nothing to lock your bike to?

Not worry unduly...or bring it in with me.

I do see where having children presents a problem. The solution would seem to be to limit the number of extracurricular activities in which one's children are engaged--but that seems to be an unpopular option.

East Hill

'Do car-free guys get more or less girls?'



I guess that depends on what kind of girls you want to date. :)

And that brings up another question: Do car-free guys care about the car/material goods status of a girl? Would you feel okay with dating someone who drove 4 blocks instead of walking or biking?


- An unrelated question: Is there any good way to stop on ice? I would like to hear some winter-riding techniques from people who have been doing it longer than me.
Riding on ice or snow and in rain is not the same as riding dry streets and I think a common fear is losing control in traffic, since the risk is much higher. Has anyone had a problem with this?

Thanks!

- An unrelated question: Is there any good way to stop on ice? I would like to hear some winter-riding techniques from people who have been doing it longer than me.
Riding on ice or snow and in rain is not the same as riding dry streets and I think a common fear is losing control in traffic, since the risk is much higher. Has anyone had a problem with this?

Thanks!

The best way to stop on ice is to run studded winter tires. The improvement in handling is amazing. However, they'll slow you down on dry pavement, and they don't help much in fresh snow. But they're overall good for the mix of packed snow and ice we have here in Michigan for much of the winter. I use them, but many riders choose not to.

If you don't have studs--


>Test your brakes and steering every couple minutes so you know what would happen if you had to do a sudden maneuver.

>Put the seat a little lower and use your "foot brakes" along with judicious application of the hand brakes.

>Use the front brakes less in slippery conditions (a rear skid is much easier to handle than a front skid.)

>Don't change velocity any more than you must if the pavement's real slick. That is, don't steer, speed up, or slow down unless you have to. Above all, don't brake and steer at the same time.

>Make your turns of the upright variety, rather than leaning into them.

You'll soon learn to read the varying concditions you run across in winter weather. All in all, winter riding is the funnest riding of the whole year, IMO. Especially fresh snow on a cold night. :)

Especially fresh snow on a cold night. :)

Those are EXCELLENT winter riding tips (some of which I got to put into actual practice this past winter :) ).

I don't think there's anything quite like getting out on a trail where no human feet have trodden, early in the morning, sun just rising over the Cascades, and there you are, rolling down the path on fresh new snow, with the snow glinting like sparks thrown from fireworks....

Peaceful, quiet, the only sound is your breathing, perhaps some birdsong, and the sound of your tyres on the snow.

East Hill

So after reading some posts...

It would be OK to use my Specialized MTB at my winter commuter as long as a take care to clean in and lube it regularly? My other bike is not top of the line, but like one member posted. I have invested time and a little money into it. Snow is not a problem here, just a lot of rain. So they don't salt or gravel the roads here in town.

Hugo,
I remember my first venture onto snow/ice with bald tires. It was bad. If you want to ride in the winter my opinion is to get a decent set of studded tires. In most conditions you can then ride like you normally do, only much slower. The only thing to watch out for is studs that are not hard enough. Make sure you get carbide studs. My tires set me back ~$120, but for the ease of riding through anything (save snow >8") they are well worth it. The answer to stopping on ice is easy, get studded tires, then hit the back brake.
Tim.

Hugo,
I remember my first venture onto snow/ice with bald tires. It was bad. If you want to ride in the winter my opinion is to get a decent set of studded tires. In most conditions you can then ride like you normally do, only much slower. The only thing to watch out for is studs that are not hard enough. Make sure you get carbide studs. My tires set me back ~$120, but for the ease of riding through anything (save snow >8") they are well worth it. The answer to stopping on ice is easy, get studded tires, then hit the back brake.
Tim.


I have one issue with getting studs. What do I do when there is no snow or ice? Does riding asphalt ruin them or is the problem more of a difficulty issue? I rode bald tires last year and it wasn't too bad, but we didn't even get snow until nearly spring.
Thanks for the tip though - I don't know anyone who's actually used studded tires, so it's a bit hard to know if they're worth the money for 4 or 5 months of possible ice.

So after reading some posts...

It would be OK to use my Specialized MTB at my winter commuter as long as a take care to clean in and lube it regularly? My other bike is not top of the line, but like one member posted. I have invested time and a little money into it. Snow is not a problem here, just a lot of rain. So they don't salt or gravel the roads here in town.

A MTB makes a great commuter for all seasons. If you're doing street riding only, put some slick tires on it. If you're doing mixed street/trail riding you can use either slicks or knobbies, as you prefer. You're faster with slicks but you also get more flat tires and bent rims.

A MTB with suspension might make it harder to put on fenders and racks. Whenever you see a good-quality older MTB with no suspension, buy it! Unfortunately these are a dying breed. :(

Is there a great rear rack option for a mountain bike that has no pre-drilled mounting holes? My bike does have a disc brake mount (uses V-brakes) but only on one side. I'd love to be able to securely mount a milk crate back there.

I have one issue with getting studs. What do I do when there is no snow or ice? Does riding asphalt ruin them or is the problem more of a difficulty issue? I rode bald tires last year and it wasn't too bad, but we didn't even get snow until nearly spring.
Thanks for the tip though - I don't know anyone who's actually used studded tires, so it's a bit hard to know if they're worth the money for 4 or 5 months of possible ice.

That is the $64 question when it comes to studs. Riding asphalt doesn't ruin them, but they do wear down eventually. And they're pretty expensive.

How many days a year do you really need them? If you do all your riding on plowed city streets and highways, they are probably more of a bother than a help. In most places there are only a few days where there's an actual ice storn and the choice would be between riding with studs and not riding at all. (They probably get more ice days down south than we do in MN or MI.)

But there are conditions besides ice storms that call for studs. One is climbing hills. You'll walk up a lot of hills on packed snow if you have slick tires, but you'll ride up those same hills with studs. Here, they almost never plow side streets, so soon after a snow, the side streets are basically all ice. Studs are good there too. If you take short cuts in alleys, parks and trails you should consider them.

But the best use for studs is ice biking, that is, riding on frozen lakes and rivers. I guarantee there is no way to have more fun on a bike than ice riding! :)