Living Car Free - Why bikes are better, or unintentionally car-free

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I had stayed overnight, 90 miles from home, to help my girlfriend pack for a month-long trip to Alaska (work related). I drove her to the airport, then drove home. I prepared for work, and was too tired (and running late) to ride. So I hopped back in the car to drive to work.

I almost made it. The car died at an intersection, and wouldn't restart. By the sound it made, I was guessing timing belt. Luckily, there was a repair shop right there, and I pushed my car into the lot, arranged for them to look at it, and went to work.

I paid $350 to get the timing belt changed, but apparently there is other engine damage due to a piston striking a valve. :twitchy: Due to other issues with the car, it's not worth spending more money on the engine.

I bought this car new in November 2000. I've got my money's worth out of it. I'm in no position to buy another car now (new or used).

I have two bicycles, and a 33-mile round-trip commute. The weather is getting nice. My girlfriend will be gone for some time. This is the perfect opportunity to be car-free for a while. Viewing these events as a good opportunity to live car-free, and lose more weight helps me cope with the fear of not having a car. Yes, sitting here with no car, and no money to buy one is scary.

I had considered a car-free life before, but mostly gave up on the idea. I would also like to move closer to work (and into Louisville) to make this easier.

The real challenge comes with the girlfriend. She lives 90 miles away. She has a car, but tends to get sleepy on long drives. I don't want to be her undoing. :eek: She was going to look into transferring to Louisville and live with me, but she may be leery of doing so if I don't have a car. She may think I expect her to drive me around. I guess I'll just have to prove myself on the bike first.

A couple of simple suggestions:
1) For your own commuting needs, consider a strategy that will see you through the winter months. You may be able to bike in your area, but you don't want to discover this is impossible in mid-January. There's a lot of help here and in the Commuting forum for this. You could also check out urban transit for your area. When the weather is just awful, I find local buses quite convenient. I never use them in Spring, Summer or Fall, however.

2) Don't assume your girlfriend won't be onboard with the fact that you don't have a new car. You could list all the solid reasons behind what you're doing. That would probably help convince her.

3) If she can't drive the 90 miles safely, introduce her to any bus routes between your cities.

Good luck.

Welcome aboard, dcrowell!

Sorry to hear about the car, though. It kind of sucks about being forced into the car free life rather than taking it on fully willingly, but you can do it. You may not feel like it at first, but using a bike for transportation is a really great way to get around. It's fun, healthy, fun, good for the environment, and don't forget fun. :) But of course you don't have to ride a bike everywhere you go, check out the mass transit options in your area. Use them when the weather's really bad, or you have to go farther than you feel comfortable riding, or for whatever other reason riding isn't a viable option. Make sure your bikes are in good working order, and that you've got good rain gear. Trailers are nice for shopping or carrying stuff that won't fit on or are too heavy for a rack or putting in panniers.

Whether it's a fun or miserable experience depends a lot on your mindset. Take it easy at first, give yourself plenty of time to get around and find good cycling routes around town, and just enjoy the ride. I know I do, a lot more than I used to when I drove everywhere. If you let yourself have fun with it, it will be (most of the time).

I probably should have clarified things a bit. I started bicycle commuting last year, several days a week. I did it through the winter also... as long as there wasn't ice or deep snow. I have the clothing for it.

I didn't do it everyday, because, well, I'm lazy. :) Now I have more incentive to ride every day. I've really been slacking in the riding this year, due to bad weather in January and February, and spending a lot of time with the girlfriend in March and April.

I live a bit outside of the area serviced by public transportation. I would still need to ride nine miles to get to the bus. The buses do have bike racks though. So that is an option, unless I ride the recumbent.

For some strange reason I always find it easier to ride to work, than to ride home afterward. Maybe I'll ride the whole way in, and catch the bus as far as I can on the way home.

I know I won't be able to ride in ice next winter, but I will either have a car by then... or have moved.

Is it hopeless to attempt a do-it-yourself repair? There may be car mechanics forums where the resident experts can talk you through.

Is it hopeless to attempt a do-it-yourself repair? There may be car mechanics forums where the resident experts can talk you through.

I have thought about it. I have put the car up for sale on craigslist, but if it doesn't sell, I may reconsider and pull the head off.

I know the basics, but I tend to screw mechanical things up when I work on them. Sometimes, even on a bike.

Use the money from the sale of your car to buy a motor kit for your bicycle and turn it into a moped. Or buy a small motor scooter. These are options that could make living so far from work more comfortable. If you can use a bicycle to get to your girlfriends house now, then you can use a moped to go that distance too.

I prefer using my moped during winter and the pedal only bicycle for good weather. With studded tires and good judgement I get around fine on ice and snow covered roads. I keep the speed down to 20 miles per hour and even less when I see ruts and slush. I prefer the moped to a motor scooter because I can keep it upstairs in my apartment and there are no insurance requirements for it.

If it ever breaks or runs out of fuel I just pedal it. The whole kit weighs only fifteen pounds. There are pictures of it at my MySpace page. There are also pictures of my old blue and white 49 cc Honda Metropolitan scooter. It got 93 miles per gallon and the annual insurance was under $300.00. It's top speed was 39 miles per hour.

Do you have any car sharing programs in your area (Zip, or Hour car) ?

I have thought about it. I have put the car up for sale on craigslist, but if it doesn't sell, I may reconsider and pull the head off.

I know the basics, but I tend to screw mechanical things up when I work on them. Sometimes, even on a bike.
I bet you can do it. You can get by with your bike while you fix the car. You'd be in a lot more trouble if you didn't have any carfree skills.

And if you're like me, success at being car-free, evolves into the car sitting in the driveway for a long time. :)

A couple of simple suggestions:
1) For your own commuting needs, consider a strategy that will see you through the winter months. You may be able to bike in your area, but you don't want to discover this is impossible in mid-January. There's a lot of help here and in the Commuting forum for this. You could also check out urban transit for your area. When the weather is just awful, I find local buses quite convenient. I never use them in Spring, Summer or Fall, however.

2) Don't assume your girlfriend won't be onboard with the fact that you don't have a new car. You could list all the solid reasons behind what you're doing. That would probably help convince her.

3) If she can't drive the 90 miles safely, introduce her to any bus routes between your cities.

Good luck.

When dealing with women remember Murphy's Law, "What can go wrong will." No matter what Christian ideal and declarations of love may come out of a woman's mouth she is hardwired to be most comfortable with a man who accumulates wealth. How does this apply? Part of the definition of successful and status in this society is the acquisition of a car. Tell a woman you don't have a car and you're guaranteed to see her mentally disconnect and seek out another man's company. Someone who will mantain her in her comfort zone. Unless, the woman also happens to be a cyclist and has full comprehension of all ramifications and is willing to "step up" and put forth the extra effort that being part of a partially car free relationship requires. Most won't because they are ruled by emotion and worry about what others might think if they are with someone who doesn't conform with what is considered "Normal" (whatever that is). :notamused:

^^ Uhh what?

Sirrus Rider, you can replace "woman" with "human being" in that rant and it will be closer to true. Fear of standing out from the herd isn't a feminine prerogative, and neither is being ruled by emotion.

And I think I speak for quite a few women in saying that it's not whether a man has a car, but whether he has a chip on his shoulder about that car/lack of car/car-freedom. And a chip is never a good look on anyone, really.

(Also, I'm really sorry about your recent breakup - that rant seems pretty heartfelt and raw. I hope you can get some good riding in to take your mind off it for a while and start to heal).

Sirrus Rider, you can replace "woman" with "human being" in that rant and it will be closer to true. Fear of standing out from the herd isn't a feminine prerogative, and neither is being ruled by emotion.

And I think I speak for quite a few women in saying that it's not whether a man has a car, but whether he has a chip on his shoulder about that car/lack of car/car-freedom. And a chip is never a good look on anyone, really.

(Also, I'm really sorry about your recent breakup - that rant seems pretty heartfelt and raw. I hope you can get some good riding in to take your mind off it for a while and start to heal).

It isn't a rant but an experienced observation, including some informal experimentation. :)

Know thyself? If I knew myself, I’d run away.-Goethe.

Your signature line is great. Sounds more like Woody Allen than Goethe but... hey... the truth! [in my case anyway...] :)

Smallwheels,
I don't want a moped or motor on my bike. I'm a bigger wimp about weather than the physical pedaling part.

Sirrus Rider,
Uh, yeah, I don't think it'll work that way with her. If it does, then she's not for me anyway.

Platy,
I've had one phone call about the car so far. I may have asked a little too much for it. Maybe I will start working on it next weekend... assuming it doesn't sell.

Artkansas,
Having a car available (even if just sitting in the driveway) would make me feel better. I'm okay with being car-free for a few weeks though. I may regret saying that by tomorrow... Thunderstorms, and gotta get to work. :)

Nickel,
No car-sharing stuff that I'm aware of. I don't want to flat-out rent a car. It's too expensive.

I almost went looking at new cars when mine broke down, but reminded myself of my long-term goals. I really don't want or need much of a car. I really hate debt. I will probably buy another car within a month, but I'll pay cash. It'll be a beater.

Smallwheels,
I almost went looking at new cars when mine broke down, but reminded myself of my long-term goals. I really don't want or need much of a car. I really hate debt. I will probably buy another car within a month, but I'll pay cash. It'll be a beater.

If you were to go a month without a car, it will really open your eyes. Based on what information you've given in your posts so far, going car-free permanently may not be a great option for you, especially considering how far you live from good mass transit. I think most people on this forum will readily admit that car-free isn't a good option for a lot of people in the US. Different people have different needs and different goals for their lives.

It can be done for a short period of time, though, and you'll learn a lot about yourself in the process. At the very least, you'll gain quite a bit of confidence in yourself. You'll learn that you have what it takes to succeed and do what needs to be done, even when it seems the cards are all stacked against you. I hate to admit it, but I think I have a real tendency towards laziness myself. I'll ride a bike 40 miles to get somewhere I need to go, but that's only out of habit. Getting myself to do something I'm not in the habit of doing (and usually don't feel like doing because change is hard for me) is damn near impossible. Even if it's just running to the post office to drop off a package when I don't feel like it. But, I'm always glad when I get up the courage to do what needs to be done. When I complete something that was not trivial, I feel a little better about myself and that carries over to the rest of my life and I feel more confident in myself.

Just my $0.02. I don't know your situation in detail. You know yourself better than I or anyone else on a webforum can, so if you say you need a car, then you need a car and should get one. If you've been commuting back and forth to work for over a year now and have the gear it takes to do so when the weather is less than cooperative, you can do it now for a little while, while you find a new (to you) car. And you'll feel good about yourself knowing that you have what it takes to do what needs to be done when the going gets tough. And you'll probably have stories to tell when things settle back down.

EDIT: and who knows, you may find that you really like the car free thing. Then when (if) you decide to get a car, you'll be car-lighter than you otherwise would.

Lol @ everyone on a "car free forum" convincing you to drive.

...
I'll ride a bike 40 miles to get somewhere I need to go, but that's only out of habit.
...


Wow, that sounds like I habitually go on 40 mile rides. I've done that a few times, but not too often. What I mean to say is that hopping on the bike to travel places becomes a habit after a while. Lazy or no, if doing something physical becomes a habit, you can do it pretty easily. Like riding a bike everywhere.

Give the carfree thing a try for a while. If you make yourself do something for 30 days, but tell yourself that it's only for 30 days and you can always quit when it's over, you can give just about any lifestyle change a fair shot. After 30 days of being carfree, for instance, look at your life and your new routines and see if you like them or not. If you like the way things were before your car broke down better, go back to it. If you think your life is better after making the change, stick with it (and sticking with it won't be too bad since it's become habit). If you're not sure, keep it going for another 30 days or so, or tweak it a little. Then you'll know for sure whether it's right for you, and you won't wonder for the rest of your life what might have been if you'd really given car free a chance. After all, it's just 30 days...

Lol @ everyone on a "car free forum" convincing you to drive.

No. In my case I'm just expressing the need for caution.. :thumb:

But, I'm always glad when I get up the courage to do what needs to be done. When I complete something that was not trivial, I feel a little better about myself and that carries over to the rest of my life and I feel more confident in myself.

This is VERY wise. Courage doesn't mean never being afraid (that's usually just stupidity...), but going ahead and doing something despite being afraid. And you do grow a bit as a person, every time.

I don't find car-free to be a huge problem. The main factor for making it work is planning ahead. What happens if you're sick? (I stay home) What happens if you have a wreck and are on crutches for a month or two? (I hobbled to the grocery store out back) What happens when you have 120" of snow in one winter? (I developed a deep and abiding love for a well stocked pantry) What happens when you're in so much arthritis pain that moving hurts? (I take some ibuprofen and go ride my bike... holding still just encourages it)

Some problems apply to every area and every person, others are more specific. The better you are at spotting a problem area in advance, the easier it is to make it not a problem.

Lol @ everyone on a "car free forum" convincing you to drive.

It is a little weird. :)

I'm at work. I rode my bike 10.5 miles, with the other 6 miles being by bus. I have ridden the entire distance on quite a few occasions, but there was rain and wind, and I wanted to try out the bike rack on the bus.

This is only my 2nd time on the local bus service (TARC), and my first time with the bike. Very few people on the bus. It's a bit sad really.

I think I can go a month with no car. Which is good, since I just found out I owe the IRS money this year. :cry:

I have thought about it. I have put the car up for sale on craigslist, but if it doesn't sell, I may reconsider and pull the head off.


This is a little of topic, if you can get the head off, do so and take it to a machine shop. They can do everything else.

Use the bike as much as possible and keep the car usage as low as possible by cycling and using mass transit.

Michael

I didn't do it everyday, because, well, I'm lazy. :) Now I have more incentive to ride every day. I've really been slacking in the riding this year, due to bad weather in January and February, and spending a lot of time with the girlfriend in March and April.


I have to admit that I'm the same way. I'm an all-or-nothing person. I can either be a hard-core alcoholic or a strict teetotaller. Anything like "moderation" is difficult for me.

I once borrowed a car just to have it available for a life threatening health crisis with a family member. I promised myself that I wouldn't drive the car for any other reason. However, I ended up being lazy a number of times and driving it anyway. I NEVER miss the car when I don't have one, but I end up using it when I do have one.

It is a little weird. :)

I'm at work. I rode my bike 10.5 miles, with the other 6 miles being by bus. I have ridden the entire distance on quite a few occasions, but there was rain and wind, and I wanted to try out the bike rack on the bus.

This is only my 2nd time on the local bus service (TARC), and my first time with the bike. Very few people on the bus. It's a bit sad really.

I think I can go a month with no car. Which is good, since I just found out I owe the IRS money this year. :cry:

If you can go a month without the car, you can go two months. If you can go two months you can go a year. If you can go a year you can go forever. Like any new skill set, it gets easier with practice, never harder.

Remember to be flexible and "think outside the cage."

If you can go a month without the car, you can go two months. If you can go two months you can go a year. If you can go a year you can go forever. Like any new skill set, it gets easier with practice, never harder.

Remember to be flexible and "think outside the cage."

Well, it's for real now. I sold the car, and it was towed away. I'll use the money to pay the @#$# IRS.

I just find it funny that my first few car-free days are rainy and stormy. Wish me luck.

The first few days are both scary and exciting at the same time. I'm glad you were able to sell the car. From you you said before, it sounded like it was in bad shape, so it's good you could find someone to buy it.

Congrats and good luck :thumb:

Well, it's for real now. I sold the car, and it was towed away. I'll use the money to pay the @#$# IRS.

I just find it funny that my first few car-free days are rainy and stormy. Wish me luck.

You can do it! Here we have 30 mph winds and blowing dust.

Do you have the option to move anywhere?

I always move right next to work (mass transit) . I can show up with the flu if I need to. So I move a lot and I have lots of jobs. Which makes you have or buy less stuff.
Bus available to 90 miles away? I can take a $35/17 dollar ride to Tucson AZ. 90 miles.

Buy your woman a bike rack and meet here after you do you sixty. Drive her back and let her sleep :)
Two days of sixty miles after a day of rest & some loving is not to hard to do.

You can do it! Here we have 30 mph winds and blowing dust.

Do you have the option to move anywhere?

I always move right next to work (mass transit) . I can show up with the flu if I need to. So I move a lot and I have lots of jobs. Which makes you have or buy less stuff.
Bus available to 90 miles away? I can take a $35/17 dollar ride to Tucson AZ. 90 miles.

Buy your woman a bike rack and meet here after you do you sixty. Drive her back and let her sleep :)
Two days of sixty miles after a day of rest & some loving is not to hard to do.

Well, one week down. I did get a ride into work one day, and borrowed a car to get home, then drove the car (with the bike on it) back to work, and rode home.

The girlfriend issue is solved, as she is now my fiance! She doesn't mind that I don't have a car.

We will live together here at my house (once she transfers job locations) until we buy a new house together. Then I want to live within easier cycling distance... and on the bus route. She's with me on this, but she wants to keep her car. Having a car available will be nice.

There's still no guarantee I won't buy a cheap used car at some point, as we probably won't be able to buy a new house until next year, and I don't think I can manage car-free in the winter from my current location.

Congratulations on your engagement!