Living Car Free - Interesting turn of events....

I kind of wanted to share my story about why I became car free. I have not seen anyone post a similar story probably due to the embarrassment. I kind of want to share my story because maybe there are others like me in this forum.

First and foremost I have really started loving biking and living car free. It has really opened a whole new world to me and riding a bike everywhere is quite liberating to me. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I run errands or go to work and school. I don't feel like such a lazy arse anymore and I have gotten in much better shape than I have been in a while.

So maybe you are asking yourself "ok man, why are you car free? get to the point."

Ok well, I got a DUI in February of this year. I know its not a super noble cause of why I went car free but I have been forced to bike everywhere! At first I was really dreading it immensely. I had to really turn my life upside down to adjust to this new lifestyle. I had to move closer to school, quit a good job, pay early out rent penalty etc etc. It was a lot to handle at once.

So, now I live close to school and a new job that I have found and I bike myself all over the place. The closest shopping center/mall is about 8 miles over super hilly terrain and I head there about once every two weeks to get some exercise and get some shopping done. Its really liberating to just cruise on my bike.

TL;DR

I got a DUI, lost my license for 18 months, started biking and i REALLY enjoy it. Its like the silver lining ya know?! Also, I speak at my college about drinking and driving. I was foolish and nothing bad came out of it besides me losing some money etc.

So, I know most of you have been bikers forever, but does anyone have a similar story?

Neil

Well, congratulations on making something positive out of a negative. :thumb:

I went carfree because I hadn't yet bought a car by the time it was time to leave my father's house. Then I discovered it was doable.

I'm not car-free yet... but I'm car-lite. I find it funny how people need a life changing event to do this though. I'm actually looking forward to when I can go car-free. I'm planning my retirement in 20 years or so to be car-free, as I see really no need for the things. I'm not adverse to renting one when the need arises, but to maintain one and keep insurance and such really isn't worth the cost these days.

I find it funny how people need a life changing event to do this though.

Uhh well I was just trying to say that I'm glad it happened and that I discovered biking again. Go car free now instead of 20 years from now if its so easy then yeah? So I don't have a choice to drive, but I can walk to college and work if I wanted too. I chose to ride, and ride when I get the chance just for fun and exercise.

I'm not car-free yet... but I'm car-lite. I find it funny how people need a life changing event to do this though. I'm actually looking forward to when I can go car-free. I'm planning my retirement in 20 years or so to be car-free, as I see really no need for the things. I'm not adverse to renting one when the need arises, but to maintain one and keep insurance and such really isn't worth the cost these days.

For many people it takes a jolt to get them outside their comfort zone. People are constantly amazed to see me on a bike 5 miles to 20 miles from home. They just don't get it. They cannot imagine walking a mile to the closest grocery store. Much less riding a bike.

Aaron:)

My life-changing event was a heart attack at age 42. That was almost 12 years ago.

It really doesn't matter what the reasons are. The outcome is still the same.

Bravo. :thumb:

It's pretty standard for people to assume that since I ride a bike to AA meetings that I had a DUI. I'm eight years clean and sober. DUI is not part of my history, (or rather, getting caught at it) but it's too much like work to try and correct them.

I actually gave up the car because the expense cut into the drugs and alcohol budget.

Way to go, ryfeender! I admire your positive attitude and your willingness to share your story.

Here's my story. A couple of years ago, my somewhat troubled teenage niece came to live with us for a summer. With her parents permission, I enforced some rules that I thought would be good for her. For example, while living with us, she had to do her own laundry, clean her bedroom, and help with dinner and dishes. I limited her internet access (pretty severely) and we did a lot of physical activity together during the evenings and weekends. These were all things that she wasn't used to at home.

I signed her up to volunteer helping special needs children at the local community centre during the day while we were at work. Since the centre was only about 2.5 km from our house, I insisted that she ride a bike there rather than get dropped off and picked up. I had my old bike refurbished for her and got her a helmet and rain jacket. I walked her there a few times and then she was on her own. (Am I a mean aunt??)

Anyway, at the end of the summer, when my niece went home, I realized that I was driving 15 km each way to work and that I could use a taste of my own medicine, especially with my budding interest in helping the environment. I started riding the bike that she had ridden everyday. It's since snowballed!

I did make sure to tell my niece that her effort that summer inspired me and that I still commute by bike. She thought that was cool. :)

I actually gave up the car because the expense cut into the drugs and alcohol budget.


This is sick. You know that of course. But you were smart enough to have a budget, I've met druggies who weren't. I post in case some one starts thinking- "Hey! I can do more drugs if I go car free!" If you're thinking like that you need help. We've posted many ideas about what to do with the extra cash, better housing, vacations, education, retirement funding... recreational drugs aren't on the list. On the other hand, I have to say that there is this quality to biking around that is like a mild buzz, like a mixture of pep pill and pain killer. If I ride in the morning I come into work feeling good like I have extra oxygen in my brain or something. The difference is the biking buzz is probably good for you where the alcohol and coke and pot and junk isn't. I think I'll go start a biking buzz thread....

This is sick. You know that of course.

Of course. Why do you think they call it a disease, silly?

And it wasn't budget, per se, but rather, just eliminating competition for limited funds. No different, really, than those who think, Hey, this is a nice bridge and I have a poly tarp. Why pay rent?

Well, congratulations on making something positive out of a negative. :thumb:

I went carfree because I hadn't yet bought a car by the time it was time to leave my father's house. Then I discovered it was doable.

Well, when life gives you lemons, you have to learn how to make whiskey sours.

:D

It's pretty standard for people to assume that since I ride a bike to AA meetings that I had a DUI. I'm eight years clean and sober. DUI is not part of my history, (or rather, getting caught at it) but it's too much like work to try and correct them.

I actually gave up the car because the expense cut into the drugs and alcohol budget.

:lol:

It's been 26 years for me--long enough that I don't think much about it until I get a goofy reminder.

Neil, I will start with a thumbs-up: going car free will have a profound impact on your quality of life: everything from your overall health to huge $$$ in your pocket.

I too was forced into it due to a bad loan (I didn't get paid back) and thus I was left high and dry for a needed car repair. However, a year later I'm wondering if I really want to impress the car back into service (my wife still has one if I am really stuck).

One thing that worries me, however, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way. When you look at the statistics for bicycle accidents, there is an amazing number of them committed by riders who are BUII (bicycling while under the influence of intoxicants). Note that in almost all states, BUII carries the same penalties and will appear on your driving record exactly as a DUII will.

The problem is so many people think that well, hell, if I can't drive, I'll just bike--but then they keep drinking. The mistakes of BUII riders hugely skews the reported safety statistics for bicycling, thereby confirming the beliefs of motorists and law makers that bicycling is a dangerous activity.

I sincerely hope that the DUII was a wake-up call for you and that you have made significant changes in your personal life beyond your mode of transportation.

Neil, I will start with a thumbs-up: going car free will have a profound impact on your quality of life: everything from your overall health to huge $$$ in your pocket.

I too was forced into it due to a bad loan (I didn't get paid back) and thus I was left high and dry for a needed car repair. However, a year later I'm wondering if I really want to impress the car back into service (my wife still has one if I am really stuck).

One thing that worries me, however, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way. When you look at the statistics for bicycle accidents, there is an amazing number of them committed by riders who are BUII (bicycling while under the influence of intoxicants). Note that in almost all states, BUII carries the same penalties and will appear on your driving record exactly as a DUII will.

The problem is so many people think that well, hell, if I can't drive, I'll just bike--but then they keep drinking. The mistakes of BUII riders hugely skews the reported safety statistics for bicycling, thereby confirming the beliefs of motorists and law makers that bicycling is a dangerous activity.

I sincerely hope that the DUII was a wake-up call for you and that you have made significant changes in your personal life beyond your mode of transportation.

I agree with most of what you say, but I wouldn't assume that just because the OP had a charge, he must be a hopeless alcoholic. Maybe he is, maybe not--we don't ahve enough info to know for sure.

I agree with most of what you say, but I wouldn't assume that just because the OP had a charge, he must be a hopeless alcoholic. Maybe he is, maybe not--we don't ahve enough info to know for sure.

Unfortunately, too many people lump everyone in the OP's situation together. Hence, multiple "AA" meetings for ppl. who had 1 dui as part of the fine/sentince/etc.

Dogbreathpnw,

Thanks for the thumb's up!! And don't worry I know every single law and statute that is involved with DUI and Drinking in general. More than just losing my license this DUI has really woken me up to how foolish I have been. Using the excuse "well everybody does it" is very naive and a horrible way to justify it to myself.

On that note, I will never drink and drive, and that includes my bicycle. I could not imagine attempting to pedal my way home from the bar haha.

Thank you for the sincerity in your post.


Neil

Dogbreathpnw,

Thanks for the thumb's up!! And don't worry I know every single law and statute that is involved with DUI and Drinking in general. More than just losing my license this DUI has really woken me up to how foolish I have been. Using the excuse "well everybody does it" is very naive and a horrible way to justify it to myself.

On that note, I will never drink and drive, and that includes my bicycle. I could not imagine attempting to pedal my way home from the bar haha.

Thank you for the sincerity in your post.


Neil

That is a good attitude to have...unfortunately about 40% of the drivers involved in crashes DON'T get it:notamused: I refuse to drink and drive period and will not ride with someone that has been drinking. I will cycle a reasonably short distance after a couple of beers. And no I don't think anyone can ride a bike if they are really drunk.

Aaron:)

Congrats on going car free. But did you learn anything from the DUI?

Good job - glad to hear your foray into giving up the car is working out. Hate reading about people with multiple DUIs that keep driving and end up killing someone.

Dogbreathpnw,

Thanks for the thumb's up!! And don't worry I know every single law and statute that is involved with DUI and Drinking in general. More than just losing my license this DUI has really woken me up to how foolish I have been. Using the excuse "well everybody does it" is very naive and a horrible way to justify it to myself.

On that note, I will never drink and drive, and that includes my bicycle. I could not imagine attempting to pedal my way home from the bar haha.

Thank you for the sincerity in your post.


Neil

This is similar to what set me on the road to car freedom. Not DUI, but speeding. Everybody does that, right? It wasn't until I got a ticket in my work van that I woke up, and drove slower thereafter, never going over the limit. Until about a year ago, I noticed a general decline in my driving standards, getting impatient and frustrated, overtaking dangerously, speeding again, squealing the tyres, generally behaving like I did when I was a teenager. Finally I realised it couldn't continue, so I sold my car and bought a bus pass and a couple of new bikes. Also, but completely unrelated, I got made redundant and I no longer have a work van.

Good job - glad to hear your foray into giving up the car is working out. Hate reading about people with multiple DUIs that keep driving and end up killing someone.

One of the most shocking things to me that I have learned throughout this whole experience is this: 80% of people who get a 2nd DUI, get a third. This is absolute insanity. The people who were in my DUI classes were mostly 3rd timers or more!!! I don't want to sound like I am better than everybody else, but these people (most) were of less education and intelligence than the average person. Some of them I believe became this way because of drinking and a lot of drug use. It was quite a culture shock to be grouped with such individuals. I wasn't going to say this but eff it. I had to serve two days in jail because of the DUI, and that will (or should) certainly wake someone up. I met the most "interesting" people in there......

And I know you're thinking it.......there were no soap dropping incidents!!! sickos! :notamused:

Way to go, ryfeender! I admire your positive attitude and your willingness to share your story.

Here's my story. A couple of years ago, my somewhat troubled teenage niece came to live with us for a summer. With her parents permission, I enforced some rules that I thought would be good for her. For example, while living with us, she had to do her own laundry, clean her bedroom, and help with dinner and dishes. I limited her internet access (pretty severely) and we did a lot of physical activity together during the evenings and weekends. These were all things that she wasn't used to at home.

I signed her up to volunteer helping special needs children at the local community centre during the day while we were at work. Since the centre was only about 2.5 km from our house, I insisted that she ride a bike there rather than get dropped off and picked up. I had my old bike refurbished for her and got her a helmet and rain jacket. I walked her there a few times and then she was on her own. (Am I a mean aunt??)

Anyway, at the end of the summer, when my niece went home, I realized that I was driving 15 km each way to work and that I could use a taste of my own medicine, especially with my budding interest in helping the environment. I started riding the bike that she had ridden everyday. It's since snowballed!

I did make sure to tell my niece that her effort that summer inspired me and that I still commute by bike. She thought that was cool. :)

Actually you sound like a really cool, and caring aunt! I hope your niece is doing better!!

Ryfeender:

It sounds like the DUI snapped you out of it. Congrats! And thanks for not drinking and driving again. I lost a step-cousin years ago to a drunk driver and his parents and sister miss him terribly. I don't have a car, and don't know how to drive, but I never get in a car with anyone who's had a drink. I figure in a way if I get in with someone who's had alcohol before driving I'd be a part of the problem.

I had to serve two days in jail because of the DUI, and that will (or should) certainly wake someone up. I met the most "interesting" people in there......


Going to lockup once can be a good attitude adjustment for receptive people. It teaches them about the boundaries of acceptable behavior. Many people inclined to explore the envelope get a dose of jail time in their teenage years then go on to become respectable citizens. Like you imply, the people who don't learn are the ones we worry most about.

Making mistakes is not a good measure of a person. Trying to keep moving forward amongst one's mistakes is. Good for you.

jim

Making mistakes is not a good measure of a person. Trying to keep moving forward amongst one's mistakes is. Good for you.

jim

So true! :)

Going to lockup once can be a good attitude adjustment for receptive people. It teaches them about the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

well, anything can work well for people if they are sufficiently receptive.

prison, on the other hand, tends to breed cynicism and recidivism. i mean, if you had a friend who only ever talked about sports and you want to encourage him to stop, would locking him in a building with a thousand sports fans do the trick?

well, anything can work well for people if they are sufficiently receptive.

prison, on the other hand, tends to breed cynicism and recidivism. i mean, if you had a friend who only ever talked about sports and you want to encourage him to stop, would locking him in a building with a thousand sports fans do the trick?

You are absolutely correct about the recidivism. I studied that for a time in a few political science classes a few years ago. It is quite crazy how many people can not get out of the system once they are in it. The other problem that seems to arise after prison and getting in trouble is this: once you start down the slope, it only gets worse if you keep messing up.

That scares me a great deal and I work hard to make sure I'm not in any jeopardizing situations ever.

That being said, good analogy with sports fans haha

You are absolutely correct about the recidivism. I studied that for a time in a few political science classes a few years ago. It is quite crazy how many people can not get out of the system once they are in it. The other problem that seems to arise after prison and getting in trouble is this: once you start down the slope, it only gets worse if you keep messing up.

That scares me a great deal and I work hard to make sure I'm not in any jeopardizing situations ever.

That being said, good analogy with sports fans haha
I meant a short time for your first foray. I've known several people who went a little crazy in their youths and served some time and decided not to repeat the experience. The sports fan thing isn't right because if you aren't the criminal type then you are definitely not mixed in with your type of person. One guy is the CEO of a medium company- he said he got drunk and shot out some streetlights and locked up for it. Of course in my social world I don't cross paths with repeat offenders. The people I meet who have been locked up work hard not to repeat the experience and its for stupid things like DUI. The worst is one guy who did 4 years in Mecklenburg for coke , again he straightened up. Fortunately for him he was a roofer so he could still work after he got out. I believe the stats on recidivism but it reads like ryfeender found that the people in jail weren't his kind and he'll make an effort not to return, like the people I know.

here's the deal: prison is supposed to work by taking something away from offenders -- their freedom, access to their family &c -- and instilling in the prisoner a desire not to have that stuff taken away from them again in the future.

the problem with the model, however, is that those restrictions tend to make re-integration after release even more difficult. people lose jobs when they go to prison and return to unemployment. people have relationships dissolve when they go to prison and return to isolation. even being able to find employment or housing as an ex-con can be a serious obstacle.

the result, of course, is that re-integration is made more difficult... and this for people who, more often than not, were already having a hard time 'integrating' in the first place. add to that the fact that the ex-con has just spent potentially years adapting to prison culture, a culture that accepts criminality or even glorifies it and is decidedly anti-status-quo, and, well, what sort of result are we supposed to expect?

it's like the sports fan. locked away with other sports fans for two years, acclimatizing to non-stop sports talk, he gets released to the sports-hating world who look down on him and shun him from their non-sports conversations. is it any wonder he would choose to seek out sports fan and sink into a dark, recidivist pit of yammering about hockey?

prisons can rehabilitate people in some instances, sure. but systematically they tend to encourage alienation and recidivism, and the stats hold that up.