Living Car Free - Are Your Friends & Family Making Fun Of You?

I went car free a little over a month ago when I had to turn in my lease and was to fed up with gas prices to get a new vehicle. Plus I didn't want another $250/mo car payment.

Ever since then I keep hearing wisecracks from my friends and family and it's starting to drive me nuts. Almost to the point where I am going to tell them all where to go if they don't knock their crap off. It was ok at first but it's getting old now.

I left someone house one time and as I was pedaling down the driveway I hear "GO! GO! GO! GO PEDALING FOOL GO!" which inspired my screen name here...

I hear wisecracks like:

- Is it time for an oil change yet?
- You gonna take that to Bell Tire and get new tires soon?
- When winter comes are you going to get chains put on your tires?
- You're washing your bike? Are you going to wax it too?

I guess it will be poetic justice when they decide to get a bike too...
I rode past the gas station this morning by my house... $4.15/gallon!
I was hoping someone I knew would be filling up so I could yell "$0 Per Gallon Baby!!!!"

Soon I will also be able to give them my "fat" clothes to wear since I have dropped 20 pounds already and still going strong. I am almost under 200 pounds for the first time in over 10 years! I feel great!

My standard reply to folks that give me greif over my bike riding is;

I get 50 miles to the hamburger. How many miles per gallon do you get?

Also it is so nice to ride by a gas station and laugh at all the people there filling up.

50 miles per hamburger... LOL
I told one guy "keep laughing, when I am under 200 pounds and you are over 300 then we'll see who's laughing!"

He got offended pretty quick and he doesn't say anything to me anymore...
Sucks to have to be mean like that but if that's what it takes to shut people up...

I went car free a little over a month ago when I had to turn in my lease and was to fed up with gas prices to get a new vehicle. Plus I didn't want another $250/mo car payment.

Ever since then I keep hearing wisecracks from my friends and family and it's starting to drive me nuts. Almost to the point where I am going to tell them all where to go if they don't knock their crap off. It was ok at first but it's getting old now.

I left someone house one time and as I was pedaling down the driveway I hear "GO! GO! GO! GO PEDALING FOOL GO!" which inspired my screen name here...

I hear wisecracks like:

- Is it time for an oil change yet?
- You gonna take that to Bell Tire and get new tires soon?
- When winter comes are you going to get chains put on your tires?
- You're washing your bike? Are you going to wax it too?

I guess it will be poetic justice when they decide to get a bike too...
I rode past the gas station this morning by my house... $4.15/gallon!
I was hoping someone I knew would be filling up so I could yell "$0 Per Gallon Baby!!!!"

Soon I will also be able to give them my "fat" clothes to wear since I have dropped 20 pounds already and still going strong. I am almost under 200 pounds for the first time in over 10 years! I feel great!

They're just bitterly jealous that your mode of transport costs a fraction of what theirs does.

If they're not, then they will be soon.

I have heard others bring up to those who make fun of them, that at least when biking you aren't supporting "big oil" and "Islamic fundamentalists regimes". The conversation usually ends pretty abruptly and switches gears to something a bit lighter.

besides the "go go go go pedaling fool go" statement i dont see why the rest would offend you...
ill just answer those questions with a "hows the gas prices?"

It's not that they are offending me...
When you hear the same stuff over and over again from the same people it gets to the point where it's annoying and borderline disrespectful...

Yeah I get the same old jokes from my coworkers time and time again, and it does get old. But I know they don't mean anything by it, so I try to chuckle and joke around with them. What does bother me a little is when my own mother snickers when I run into her and my dad on the MUP and I've got something strapped to my front rack, as if the idea that I would carry something on a bike is hilarious.

yea youre right...you should definitely put them in an uncomfortable spot so they would stop bothering you. like youre washing your bike? are you gonna wax it too? just be like yea...then look over to his car and point out how dirty his car is then change the topic to gas prices and how thats affecting him...if you make him feel bad enough he wont start another bicycle topic again.

How you like those speeding tickets?
How you like that 299 car payment?
Isn't it time for another oil change?
How much that new alternator (or other car part) cost ya?
I saved $X by not driving a car last week, now I can go drinkin!!! Hey how much did you sa...... oh, that's right...

you should upgrade to better friends and family.

you should upgrade to better friends and family.

LOL... you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family.

I like to think I get 50 mpg to a soy burger. They don't knock it off; To hell with them. who cares. Thought we are the land of the free.Try to humor them first.

Well, the weight loss alone will keep you going. I think that the comments come from peoples's shock to the change in you that they cannot keep up with. This will fade. But peoples astonishment that you don't need a car may not. After decades of bicycle commuting and sometimes car-free living, people are still always offering rides and telling me to take care on the streets.

Just ride on. What you are hearing is just the sound of jealousy. :D

Answer truthefully.

"New tires" Na, most non-cyclists think their bald, but actually, their just normal road tires.. their supposed to look like that.

"gonna wax it?" Actually, there's not much paint on it, so it takes no time at all to use the Maguier's three step wax.

"Time for an oil change?" No oil, but I probably should degrease the chain and re-lube it.

"Chains on the tires?" If it gets bad enough, I'll grab a set of studded winter tires, but i think it'll be alright.

Answer truthefully.

"New tires" Na, most non-cyclists think their bald, but actually, their just normal road tires.. their supposed to look like that.

"gonna wax it?" Actually, there's not much paint on it, so it takes no time at all to use the Maguier's three step wax.

"Time for an oil change?" No oil, but I probably should degrease the chain and re-lube it.

"Chains on the tires?" If it gets bad enough, I'll grab a set of studded winter tires, but i think it'll be alright.

LOL
Good stuff... if I was only so quick witted!

LOL
Good stuff... if I was only so quick witted!

You are already a step ahead of them.

I would just laugh when they make a comment like that, then keep on laughing and point at the while you laugh... louder and louder until you are making a scene...

sweet !

"Time for an oil change?"
-Yeah, it'll cost me about 30 cents in oil/grease to get my bike in tip-top shape. Probably more like 30 bucks for your car, though. Also my tires and all my other components will last just as long as any of yours and will probably just 1/10th the money to replace.

Your friends/family sound like ass holes. If they can't respect your lifestyle tell 'em where they can go!

50 miles per hamburger... LOL
I told one guy "keep laughing, when I am under 200 pounds and you are over 300 then we'll see who's laughing!"

He got offended pretty quick and he doesn't say anything to me anymore...
Sucks to have to be mean like that but if that's what it takes to shut people up...
I'm originally from SE Michigan, and I hate to say it, but more people in your neck of the woods need to hear that. There's like this collective amnesia there (and other places, of course) about how lack of physical movement = major weight problems.

My quips:


Just keeping the Type 2 away...
What's your blood pressure?
Every time you fill a gas tank, a terrorist smiles.
I'm not into making charitible contributions to Al-Qaida.
When I look at my savings account balance, I want to hug my bike.
I was able to eliminate all my consumer debt after a year and a half of bike commuting. How's that working for you and your car(s)?
(One for Detroit especially) There's no American-made car with the kind of gas mileage I want. I've decided to wait until there is one available before I get a new one. (IMO, this is a safe declaration. :rolleyes:)


If I were still living in Detroit, I'd focus mainly on the money and supporting terrorism, saving the weight statements for the really mean people.

I'm originally from SE Michigan, and I hate to say it, but more people in your neck of the woods need to hear that. There's like this collective amnesia there (and other places, of course) about how lack of physical movement = major weight problems.

We have that in WV. I will remember your list.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say there are fat people everywhere.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say there are fat people everywhere.
You're absolutely right, but SE Michigan has a higher obesity rate than the US average and you will definitely notice it upon visiting. :(

You're absolutely right, but SE Michigan has a higher obesity rate than the US average and you will definitely notice it upon visiting. :(

And WV is the second-fattest state in the union. (Thank DOYC for MS!)

You're absolutely right, but SE Michigan has a higher obesity rate than the US average and you will definitely notice it upon visiting. :(
That's true... I seen it on the news here once not to long ago.
The bad thing is the people don't realize it and act like it's normal... I knew I was overweight and did something about it... I got a bike! LOL

You look in the online personal ads in this area and everyone says "Average" for their body type... you look at their picture and they don't even fit in the camera lens. What's wrong with this picture? (pun intended!)

obesity has picked up dramatically to this observer. and not just overweight, but the kind where people are like 400-500 lbs or more. it used to be somewhat rare to see that, but i never go a day without seeing at least a couple of people like this now. it's sad to see so many people barely able to move around.

How you like those speeding tickets?
What speeding tickets? The computer in my car doesn't let me speed.
How you like that 299 car payment?
I bought my car with cash.
Isn't it time for another oil change?
Er no. I only need an oil change when the computer says so, typically every 2 years.
How much that new alternator (or other car part) cost ya?
It doesn't. I gotta warranty on my car.
I saved $X by not driving a car last week, now I can go drinkin!!! Hey how much did you sa...... oh, that's right...
I dont drink (much). The money I saved went into my car. I guess you didn't save enough for a car?

Oh btw, I heard the weather's bad today. You got an umbrella with your bike? Oh hey you might even get to use it as a wind sail. :roflmao2:

I get a lot of flack from my parents. "How are you going to get to that job interview/store/whatever". Yeah, it does suck when it's a 16 mile ride and then I get home and realise that I forgot to take my critical application to the mail and I'm left with another 45 minute ride all up hill.

But I'm not paying $4.80 per gallon +$250 for car payment + $80/month for car insurance.

I bought my bike used and as of yet, I haven't needed new tires or anything else.

You are already a step ahead of them.

I would just laugh when they make a comment like that, then keep on laughing and point at the while you laugh... louder and louder until you are making a scene...

sweet !

:roflmao2: Yeah! Like the robot in A.I. (Speilberg) at the dinner table. That's sure to freak them out.

Not sure about the family, but get new friends? I don't know about you, but I expect my friends to respect, or at least shut up after obligatory dude you might be an idiot for doing that (if it's warranted), my choices.

I went car free a little over a month ago when I had to turn in my lease and was to fed up with gas prices to get a new vehicle. Plus I didn't want another $250/mo car payment.

Ever since then I keep hearing wisecracks from my friends and family and it's starting to drive me nuts. Almost to the point where I am going to tell them all where to go if they don't knock their crap off. It was ok at first but it's getting old now.

I left someone house one time and as I was pedaling down the driveway I hear "GO! GO! GO! GO PEDALING FOOL GO!" which inspired my screen name here...

I hear wisecracks like:

- Is it time for an oil change yet?
- You gonna take that to Bell Tire and get new tires soon?
- When winter comes are you going to get chains put on your tires?
- You're washing your bike? Are you going to wax it too?

I guess it will be poetic justice when they decide to get a bike too...
I rode past the gas station this morning by my house... $4.15/gallon!
I was hoping someone I knew would be filling up so I could yell "$0 Per Gallon Baby!!!!"

Soon I will also be able to give them my "fat" clothes to wear since I have dropped 20 pounds already and still going strong. I am almost under 200 pounds for the first time in over 10 years! I feel great!

I think NAPA is having a sale on skin thickener.

Az

Thank you ***

I went car free a little over a month ago when I had to turn in my lease and was to fed up with gas prices to get a new vehicle. Plus I didn't want another $250/mo car payment.

Ever since then I keep hearing wisecracks from my friends and family and it's starting to drive me nuts. Almost to the point where I am going to tell them all where to go if they don't knock their crap off. It was ok at first but it's getting old now.

I left someone house one time and as I was pedaling down the driveway I hear "GO! GO! GO! GO PEDALING FOOL GO!" which inspired my screen name here...

I hear wisecracks like:

- Is it time for an oil change yet?
- You gonna take that to Bell Tire and get new tires soon?
- When winter comes are you going to get chains put on your tires?
- You're washing your bike? Are you going to wax it too?

I guess it will be poetic justice when they decide to get a bike too...
I rode past the gas station this morning by my house... $4.15/gallon!
I was hoping someone I knew would be filling up so I could yell "$0 Per Gallon Baby!!!!"

Soon I will also be able to give them my "fat" clothes to wear since I have dropped 20 pounds already and still going strong. I am almost under 200 pounds for the first time in over 10 years! I feel great!



My family is actually really supportive, but I've already heard things from my co-workers.
One of which has a new nickname for me..

He simply calls me

HELMET :(

oh well! what are you gonna do? :)

oh well! what are you gonna do? :)
smack them over the head with your helmet and say "right back at ya!"

HAHAHA :roflmao:

wow. that was SURPRISINGLY entertaining.
and incredibly funny.

maybe i shall try that next time....
:troll: (we can just pretend that's a helmet in my hand ;)

I was told someone that I wanted to commute 28 miles round-trip. He emailed me and said, "I asked one of our Bicycle Safe Routes members to contact you with info from his riding that may help with your commuting. The distance is too long for regular (daily) bicycling, according to the League Certified Instructor on the Club." I replied, "No offense, but I just take that as a challenge." :notamused: I know of several people in the Commuting forum who ride that far or more. Takes all kinds. :rolleyes:

BTW, Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the country, so my skinny little white boy butt (150#, 5'11") is a major anomaly.

I'm originally from SE Michigan, and I hate to say it, but more people in your neck of the woods need to hear that. There's like this collective amnesia there (and other places, of course) about how lack of physical movement = major weight problems.

My quips:


Just keeping the Type 2 away...
What's your blood pressure?
Every time you fill a gas tank, a terrorist smiles.
I'm not into making charitible contributions to Al-Qaida.
When I look at my savings account balance, I want to hug my bike.
I was able to eliminate all my consumer debt after a year and a half of bike commuting. How's that working for you and your car(s)?
(One for Detroit especially) There's no American-made car with the kind of gas mileage I want. I've decided to wait until there is one available before I get a new one. (IMO, this is a safe declaration. :rolleyes:)




When I tell the people people I work with how much money I put in to my 401k, 2 IRAs and savings accounts EVERY week they shut up. Everyone knows what everyone else makes and they can't understand how I can do it...... I have no debt either. And yeah, I still have a car that I drive when I actually need to. But, it is 20 years old, paid, and I spend less than $200 a year in maintenance on it.

obesity has picked up dramatically to this observer. and not just overweight, but the kind where people are like 400-500 lbs or more. it used to be somewhat rare to see that, but i never go a day without seeing at least a couple of people like this now. it's sad to see so many people barely able to move around.

Rex Stout made Nero Wolfe 5'11" and 286 lbs.; in 1934 that was considered grossly obese. Now it is just chunky.

BTW, Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the country, so my skinny little white boy butt (150#, 5'11") is a major anomaly.

Given that most of Mississippi is as flat as a pancake, I'm surprised that bicycling isn't more popular there.

My church has a program in which we take donated bicycles, fix them up, and then give them to low-income people as basic transportation. This is in WV, the Mountain State. How much more would such a program be valuable in MS?

To the OP, I would mention that after a while your friends and family will tire of the sarcasm. They'll start to see you bike as just another vehicle to get you where you want to go.

At least, I certainly noticed that people stopped ribbing me after a while. And lately people have started looking on my ride as a wonderful thing, now that gasoline is so expensive.

If I were you, I'd develop a thick skin and forget about the jokes. It won't last.

Perhaps cycling is more acceptable where I live. I've been called Lance a couple of times and in winter people ask if I have studded tires, but that's as far as it goes. Once, when I showed up somewhere in a car, someone asked if my bike had broken down.

I'll get some questions about how and why I ride, but most of those are from the genuinely curious people who are considering riding more themselves.

If I treat cycling as a normal method of transportation and don't make a big deal about it, people show me respect.

obesity has picked up dramatically to this observer. and not just overweight, but the kind where people are like 400-500 lbs or more. it used to be somewhat rare to see that, but i never go a day without seeing at least a couple of people like this now. it's sad to see so many people barely able to move around.

Don't go into a Costco or Walmart.

Given that most of Mississippi is as flat as a pancake, I'm surprised that bicycling isn't more popular there.

My church has a program in which we take donated bicycles, fix them up, and then give them to low-income people as basic transportation. This is in WV, the Mountain State. How much more would such a program be valuable in MS?

Probably because folks down here would rather sit on their fat, lazy asses in the A/C than risk getting all sweaty. Granted, it does get hot and humid down here, but if you drink enough water and let you body adjust naturally to the heat, it's really not that bad. Hell, people (well, white Anglo-Saxons at least) have lived in these parts since the 1780s to the early to mid 1900s without air conditioning without problems. Freaking whiney ass wusses if you ask me.

My co-workers haven't made fun of me for quite some time, now that gas is just about 5 dollars a gallon locally, $5.20 a gallon for the ones with diesel motor vehicles. I now have to compete for parking space in the storage area at work, since one of my co-workers has recently taken up commuting to work by bicycle.

Probably because folks down here would rather sit on their fat, lazy asses in the A/C than risk getting all sweaty. Granted, it does get hot and humid down here, but if you drink enough water and let you body adjust naturally to the heat, it's really not that bad. Hell, people (well, white Anglo-Saxons at least) have lived in these parts since the 1780s to the early to mid 1900s without air conditioning without problems. Freaking whiney ass wusses if you ask me.
My family lived in Florida without A/C until about 1971 when we moved into a house with central air. Before that we had one small desktop fan for my mother to use in the kitchen. I only recall a few still hot nights when it was hard to sleep. The schools had no A/C either.

Probably because folks down here would rather sit on their fat, lazy asses in the A/C than risk getting all sweaty. Granted, it does get hot and humid down here, but if you drink enough water and let you body adjust naturally to the heat, it's really not that bad. Hell, people (well, white Anglo-Saxons at least) have lived in these parts since the 1780s to the early to mid 1900s without air conditioning without problems. Freaking whiney ass wusses if you ask me.

Do you know if such a program has been tried and failed?

^^^^^ No clue. Sorry.

I myself live car-free, but there is a major, little known environmental issue assosiated with this lifestyle. That is the issue of smug emissions. Studies have shown that commuting cyclists emit 50% more smug per mile than users of mass-transit, 75% more smug than drivers of hybrids, and and amazing 150% more smug than drivers of SUV's. We all enjoy cycling. We get it. We get what's good about it. Just don't be smug about it.

I myself live car-free, but there is a major, little known environmental issue assosiated with this lifestyle. That is the issue of smug emissions. Studies have shown that commuting cyclists emit 50% more smug per mile than users of mass-transit, 75% more smug than drivers of hybrids, and and amazing 150% more smug than drivers of SUV's. We all enjoy cycling. We get it. We get what's good about it. Just don't be smug about it.

'Nuff said. (http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/1002/) :roflmao2:

Not as much as they did last year! I'm starting to look less like the crazy one and more like the one who's ahead of the curve.


Rex Stout made Nero Wolfe 5'11" and 286 lbs.; in 1934 that was considered grossly obese. Now it is just chunky

That's an interesting observation, but people have also gotten physically larger since then. Put the defensive line of the 30's against one of today and the old guys would get turned into warm liquid goo. 200 lbs. was seen as enormous back then, but that's what I weighed when I was a thin little 20 year old.

I try to use every opportunity someone gives me, as an excuse to convince them to ride a bike. Since it has been warm out and the gas prices keep rising, i have gotten 10 other people at work to start riding on a regular basis.

My boss rides 16 miles each way every day. One guy who only rides in once in a while has a 1.5hour commute each way.

Dont make smart ass remarks or make fun of them... just get them to hop on a bike. Save the environment, save their money, lose some weight, and feel awesome.

Cant we all get along? Shouldnt we be promoting biking as opposed to being dickheads about great we are?