Living Car Free - New Forum- Living Car Free

My family has been car free since July and so far we are really enjoying the benefits and are getting used to the costs. I'm new to the sans car forum so I'll tell the story from the start.

We (wife and I) had been tired of being broke and wanted a change in lifestyle. I won't get into politics, but I made a commitment to somehow find a way to live without a car. We were currently living in Phoenix with long commutes and being without a car isn't much of an option when you have 2 small kids. Phoenix has many great qualities but it is not very bike friendly in my view. Before we moved, I had been riding 56 miles round trip (3 times a week) and when the temps hit 100+, I wasn't able to keep up the pace...time to move.

We are both teachers and decided to leave the country for several reasons. Where we chose to live was influenced heavily by cycling. We found jobs working in Holland...arguably one of the best cycling homes. I guess I'm saying that the most important thing when getting rid of the car is to live somewhere that you can operate without one. What does that mean? The place must have a good network of bike trails. What about groceries, buying big things, and getting to a late night party? Use the subways, trams, trains, when and where you can. But let's talk about your bike.

You need an all-weather bike (fenders, etc.) with water proof bags to hold what you need for everyday runs. We have bike seats on the back of each bike and a 2-seater trailer that doubles as weatherproof cruiser for the kids, or cargo space for medium loads. Have big purchases delivered. It's also a good idea to have another bike as a backup in case your commuter is inoperable and you can't repair and get to work on time. You also need raingear for different seasons.

Before I moved, I was just a on again off again bike commuter. Now it has become a lifestyle. It has been an easy transition because of the move. I am not concerned about being hit because dedicated bikes lanes are great here in Rotterdam (NL). The shopping is always close by because this is a biking culture. We'll see what happens when the dark, cold, windy winter arrives.

CONGRATULATIONS! :D
It's always nice to hear of another soul taking "the plunge."
Peace, Ritz.

WWW.TOURDEPANTS COM :eek:

I traveled car free before because I can"t drive yet so I was going to travel about a mile to the hardware store I had 2 choices bus or bike I did'nt use the bus cause it will take so long so i used my bike, So the road was up hill so it was a hard travel.the busses had a bike rack on the grill but it took to long so the way back home I went SO FAST

SO MY POINT IS : its better than walking but waiting and getting tired uphill and the time is not worth it
"Without a car or bus" ;)

was car free for 3 weeks - it was great while it lasted.
bike riding was not increased, unfortunately.

We are both teachers and decided to leave the country for several reasons. Where we chose to live was influenced heavily by cycling. We found jobs working in Holland...arguably one of the best cycling homes. I guess I'm saying that the most important thing when getting rid of the car is to live somewhere that you can operate without one. What does that mean? The place must have a good network of bike trails. What about groceries, buying big things, and getting to a late night party? Use the subways, trams, trains, when and where you can. But let's talk about your bike.


great story! thanks for the post. are you there permanently? or just on work visas? i think that's terrific and a wonderful global experience for your kids too whether you stay there or not.

i think as the world continues to become "smaller" through communications americans will seek more opportunities overseas, just many immigrants seek better opportunities in our countries. even farmers and ranchers are buying property in brazil and northern argentina where they can buy land for much less, and they are able to pay workers a very good living wage. (just one example), and look at how much beijing has changed in 10 years, (shockingly fast)

i love denver and it's my home, but i can definetely see myself living part time somewhere in an urban center like amsterdam. my first far overseas trip was to buenos aires last year, and i absolutely loved being able to walk to the laundraumat, barber, hundreds of small shops and restaurants within walking distance, and good transport.

no country is perfect, but i see nothing wrong with taking an "al la carte" view of the world based on whats economically beneficial for you, and it doesn't hurt people socially.

It Is A Fallacy (not0) No To Be Care Free It Just Takes Planning

This is my first time on a forum so please forgive any mistakes. I consider myself carless, although my household has two cars. I consider my bikes(3) as my primary means of transportation. One of the problems I have encountered has been an inability to attend as many bike trips as I would like. The two family cars are either too small or too old to make the trips. Any suggestions?

Urban Rider

i love denver and it's my home, but i can definetely see myself living part time somewhere in an urban center like amsterdam. my first far overseas trip was to buenos aires last year, and i absolutely loved being able to walk to the laundraumat, barber, hundreds of small shops and restaurants within walking distance, and good transport.


There are places in the U.S. that allow you to walk everywhere too.

I'm in Southeastern Wis. here I use the Bike for short hops to the store. sure beats useing the Pickup.

just went car free a few weeks ago..its a bit tought not being able to get into a vechicle and go anywhere at anytime..
right now my range is about 20 miles a day..though one day I hope to do 50 mile trips each way..if needed..
I am learing about alot of things..safety..weather..maint..clothing..what to eat..strorage..etc.
in 6 months I will be a expert..and such! :)

Bicycle has always been my primary mode of transportation eversince I was a kid and I have lived in 4 different countries across the globe. I am 31 now and just bought a car six months ago, but it turned out to be a craphole. I am getting rid of it in a month or so and plan to stay on bike for all around the town activities. Until I got the car, I used to do all the shopping, laundromat trips on the bike.

If everyone considered biking seriously unless its absolutely necessary to drive, I am sure America would not be facing such high fuel prices and also we will all live much healthier lives.

Two thumbs up to car-free living.

Crypticlineage

------------------------------
Trek 3500
Cannondale Alu Frame waiting

I commute so often, to work, to the store, to friends homes, to simply ride...
I went to start the car today... no go... had to get a jump start from the neighbor....
and I felt pretty ok about that :)

I do like having the option though...

great story! thanks for the post. are you there permanently? or just on work visas? i think that's terrific and a wonderful global experience for your kids too whether you stay there or not.

i think as the world continues to become "smaller" through communications americans will seek more opportunities overseas, just many immigrants seek better opportunities in our countries. even farmers and ranchers are buying property in brazil and northern argentina where they can buy land for much less, and they are able to pay workers a very good living wage. (just one example), and look at how much beijing has changed in 10 years, (shockingly fast)

i love denver and it's my home, but i can definetely see myself living part time somewhere in an urban center like amsterdam. my first far overseas trip was to <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.qklinkserver.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=92&k=buenos%20aires&st=1" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: buenos aires'; self.ql_skeyphrase='buenos%20aires'; if(window.event) self.ql_sevent=window.event.srcElement; self.ql_timeout = setTimeout('ql_doMouseOver(1)', 1000); self.ql_isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="if(self.ql_timeout) clearTimeout(self.ql_timeout); self.ql_isOverTip = false; ql_closeiframe(); self.ql_skeyphrase='buenos%20aires'; window.status='Search for: buenos aires';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(self.ql_timeout) clearTimeout(self.ql_timeout); self.ql_isOverTip = false; setTimeout('ql_closeiframe()', 1500); ">buenos aires</a> last year, and i absolutely loved being able to walk to the laundraumat, barber, hundreds of small shops and restaurants within walking distance, and good transport.

no country is perfect, but i see nothing wrong with taking an "al la carte" view of the world based on whats economically beneficial for you, and it doesn't hurt people socially.

Actually, don't sell your home town short; it's a great place for bikes nine months a year, as long as you don't live out in Highlands Ranch (which is CO's answer to Hell, and destined to become a slum some day). Denver/Boulder has one of the best bike path networks I've ever seen (it puts Seattle utterly to shame), there are a lot of nice side streets everywhere, the terrain is friendly, and there's a healthy bike culture there. Compared to most places in the US, you live in bicycle Nirvana!

I have never liked cars or been impressed by guys who used them as extensions of a certain portion of their anatomy.

I'd be a lot more impressed by a man who had a good bicycle and thought highly enough of the world and his health to ride it instead of drive.

When I moved to Europe I did all my commuting on a bike and was never in better health. A bicycle is equal to a car in many parts of the Continent and I enjoyed that. Of course you had to follow the rules of the road too, that is only fair.

Americans treat bicycles like children's toys, which is a childish attitude.

No car, I enjoy that idea.
I have to drive truck at work, it's part of the job 20,000lbs, I had to take it in for service today, I threw my Specialized in the back and declined the free shuttle service.
I am permitted when out of town to use the company vehicle as I wish, within reason, I chose not, I take my bike and use it for all my travel.
It makes me feel good and I can't explain why.

I must now open a can of worms:
Global Warming, it's done, it's getting worse fast, why? Cars, sure other things contribute, but without cars, it would not have happened.

90% of them do not need to be here.

Well, it ain't fair for me to say, you see I have to drive a lot on my job, and I have to bring the truck home.
In the summer I will waite till I get home and ride the bike to the store, in the winter when its cold and icy out and very dangerous (I chicken out)I will stop by the store on the way home.
As far as some of the comments go about ladies on bikes, I hope none here are offended but, I say there ain't nuthin hotter than a lady on a bike.
And as far as coffee goes I like a little milk in mine,
and as far as Koffee goes, nice thread.

i live car-free but i miss driving a lot. i live in Paris so i don't need a car at all, and if i go somewhere i take a train, but i suppose i could easily get into having a car again. for now i ride my track bike in the city, at that's all i need.

Awesome forum!

I've been car-free for almost two years, but it's been easy because I'm in downtown LA so virtually everything I need is close and convenient.

The one big problem that I haven't solved is dating. Are there any other car-free singles in this forum? How do you get from the "I'll meet you there" phase to "I'll pick you up?" I've arranged some fun, romantic picnics and rides, which go over well once in a while, but at some point a car seems like a prerequisite for a relationship, especially if you're a guy.

Yeah, I've been there. A good solution though is a car-share program. Most bigger cities have at least pilot programs launched now such as citycarshare, flexicar, etc... They're generally much more affordable than owning a car, and much more convenient. You don't even have to mention it before you pick her up. When you show up it's an instant topic of conversation, probably more so than most any car you would own yourself.

I just have one question to people who live bike-free: How do you avoid arriving somewhere without being sweat-soaked? It just seems to me no matter how liesurely I ride, I still end up sweating at least a little bit. I suppose part of the problem is living in central Florida, with humidity generally in the 80th percentile and temperatures in at least the high 70s. I don't let the heat or sweating get to me too much though; I still ride my bike to classes (I'm in college), work, and other miscellanious places. I really only drive to get groceries and to visit my family back on the east coast 95 miles away. I think I'm doing a decent job abstaining from car usage since I only use about $5 in gas a month.

Oh yeah, and rain... What do you car-free people do when it rains?

I use an electric assisted bike to make the ride a bit easier and not sweat so much on the way to work. I ride 18km each way every day, and don't have to change my clothes at work. As for rain, look up "velomobiles" on Google.

Hope that helps.

i live car-free but i miss driving a lot. i live in Paris so i don't need a car at all, and if i go somewhere i take a train, but i suppose i could easily get into having a car again. for now i ride my track bike in the city, at that's all i need.

I love it... your username is for a car, yet you're car-free! The irony.

Paris is perhaps my favorite city,and in many ways I love/hate it for similar reasons that I love/hate my town (NYC). My wife and I moved to the burbs a few years ago and have a car for groceries and getting my daughter to the Y for swim lessons, but we average <5k miles per year, and that includes ~2 trips to Portland, ME each year.

I was raised in Denver and didn't have a license until I was 18 (only got it for my job at the Denver Spoke), and didn't have a car until I was 25, which I sold 12 months and 4k miles later. I've always been lucky that I have never needed a car (until we had kids) as I could ride where I needed to go. Now I walk 10 minutes to the train station and the train takes 35min to get to Grand Central and then I walk 15 minutes to the office.

If people really tried, they could cut a lot of needless consumption. Some day we'll have no choice!

:(

My car was recently stolen...living without one I realize the amount of money I have thrown away on car payments, gas, insurance, etc. I would like to start commuting via bike and city transpo. However, being absolutely new to bikes I don't know how or what to buy. Does anyone have any good info? Thanks!

My car was recently stolen...living without one I realize the amount of money I have thrown away on car payments, gas, insurance, etc. I would like to start commuting via bike and city transpo. However, being absolutely new to bikes I don't know how or what to buy. Does anyone have any good info? Thanks!
Replacing the car with a bike is a great idea. For ideas on the type of bike to buy, start with the FAQs on Bikeforums. Also scroll through the threads on this subforum and on the subforum for Commuting. You'll find lots of suggestions. And of course you should also start your own thread here on Living Carfree and we'll give you lots of ideas.

okay this is my rundown of needed/wanted items.

Needed: #1.Spare everything!! including shoes, wheels, or even a whole other bike.
#2. A good backpack. waterproofing isn't a real nessecity because plastic garbage bags make wonderful waterproof liners for the different compartments. (just remember to check them for holes and replace when needed (hence the need for a spare bag hanging around in there))
#3. lights! lights! lights! both front and rear are needed to keep cops at bay depending on your locale. (don't skimp on these as you need them to see and be seen!)
#4. Helmet. You need a helmet anyway, why not spend a few bucks more on one with a snap in place rain cover. This is also helpful in keeping your head warmer in winter.
#5. Chain or other easy to use anti theft. (a langth of heat treated chain with a towel wrapped around it and a good padlock is definately not somthing thieves laugh at! while it costs considerably less than the ones in bike shops.)
#6. Helmet visor. A short helmet visor can help to keep your night vision intact when road riding at night.
#7. good tires are easily the most important thing to have if you are going to commute by bike. Don't skimp here, but buy sensibly. The michelin lithion tires are great even though I can't spell them. I personally don't see any difference between the all condition tires and trainers as far as traction is concerned. If you really need traction in the winter, go with cyclocross tires with "real" tread.
#8. Tire pump. Yeah you need one when the nearest gas station is blocks away and you are headed to work with a flat front tire. Cheap ones work for a little while, and in my opinion, bell makes the best cheapie.
#9. spare tube. cheap tubes aren't cheap if you buy LOTS of them and could have used less if you purchased thornproof.
#10. waterbottles. Who said that you have to have that cool team colored waterbottle? all you need is a 1 liter coke bottle or gatorade bottles are already equipped with nice little easy to open valves.
#11. Firstaid Kit. You or someone else sure will be glad you have one. Make your own unless you can get a nice deal on one and spend less than you would for all the parts.
#12. Bike kit. Your bike kit should include things like spare parts, chain lube, small bottle of orange cleaner, allen wrenches of ALL relevent sizes, screwdrivers, spare cables and a few feet of extra housing, electrical tape, a patch kit, pliers, and last but not least, a few extra bucks $5-10.oo.
#13. last but definately not least, GLOVES!!! The nicer, the better, but ragwool gloves work fine for a dollar a pair. ( just cut off the indes finger about half way down and sew the edge so it doesn't fray.)


Want:
#1. A bob Yak trailer (about $300.00)
#2. raingear
#3. fenders
#4. riding buddies
#5. smart car drivers who hate cellphones.... oopse got out of hand there....
#6. what was it that I really thought I wanted??? ok, well I didn't have enough money, and gave up and forgot about it.

Hi theothertim! May I also recommend a chain breaker tool and a chain with a link you can open and close by hand. My Park multitool has a little chain beaker included.

hey -- car-free is COOL! my last car went to the boneyard sep '04, and no matter how much my sister pesters me about it (she & her family live w/ me), i'm not about to add that to my list of monthly expenses. i remember summer '04, when the car moved 3 times in the month of aug.! i rode EVERY DAY, to/from work errands, all of it. sis/husband do grocerying, but i've done it myself w/ a trailer for extended periods. no prob.

the socializing/dating situation is one i haven't worked out -- most ladies around here look to the car for status; if you ride bling, you have company; if not, you don't. my feeling is, if they're that shallow, i don't need 'em. it would be fun, just once, to hear some hottie say, "it's me or the bike!" i'd miss her, but....

when the conditions demand it, or my back just acts up TOO much, well, the bus schedules are a mouse-click away. i'm on two wheels/pedals to STAY!

Because many of us ride everywhere we go the need to go to the gym for muscle training and maintenance is often thought to be overkill. That simply is NOT the case. Using weight machines to build strong muscle throughout the length of the muscles can make your commute more enjoyable. Simply starting with medium weight on a squat machine and finding and building up the weak spots in your quads will improve your pedaling performance.

To find the weak spots in your legs do this:

First find a weight that is VERY comfortable but is still not light. (Enough weight that you can lift about 30-40 times without tiring and having to stop) You should be able to lift this weight easily at least 30 times in one set. Exhale slowly as you extend your legs slowly. You will probably find a point in your leg extension that is difficult to get past or just makes your legs feel weaker. Do several full extension reps if you don't find it right away focusing on going slowly like molasses. Once you find the most difficult spot in your leg extension you need to focus on building up that spot in your legs. That is achieved by lowering the weight to the point just below where where you started to feel your problem spot and doing about ten short, but slow, reps starting from just before the beginning of your trouble spot and ending a little behind it.

Working the first day with the same weight you used to find the trouble spot about 2 sets with enough reps that you get tired. Then wait one day and be sure to stretch out the muscles on your rest day. Then on the third day of your training put enough weight on the machine so that you will be able to do only 15 to 20 reps through the trouble spot in one set before you have to stop again. You should do at least one set of five reps at full extension and then 2 sets of 15-20 reps. Never think that it isn't okay to reduce the amount of weight you are using during an exercise if you are straining too much. A little strain is good, but were looking mainly to tire the muscle not kill it. :eek:

After working the trouble spot on the third day of your training wait another day for recovery and then start the process over again. Be sure to mix some full extension training in as well. Your trouble spot should be or almost be completely gone. You can work more than one trouble spot at a time, but I would recommend not trying to work more than two at once. Start with big spots and then work on little ones if you find any.


This is only ONE exercise that will enhance your ability to climb faster, longer, and more easily and make your commute better in general. There are many other exercises that can be done with the same effect. especially if you work the muscles used to pull upward on the pedals. believe it or not you can exert as much if not more force pulling up as you can pushing down. I would recommend trying to go longer and longer distances while ONLY pulling up every week. That's right ONLY pulling up.:eek:

You'll soon be amazed by your new strength if you work hard and build your muscles intelligently.

Have a great time riding and don't forget that girls like to ride bicycles too, if you ask them, they might even want to rent one and go for a little ride now and then!:eek:

Lost my drivers liscense in a big accident a few years ago (drove 23 yrs.) and never bothered to go through hoops to get it back. At the time I had already spent bout 8 years competing in sprint distance triathlons (done by then though) so it wasn't a stretch to start a car free livin. Just had to drop a dime on a decent headlight (cygo nitelite). I love it. I don't care if I ever drive a car again. My ride, a cannondale r 300 tropic green beauty.

i think you're being childish, secret. thermodynamics will take care of car culture, probably within our lifetimes. meanwhile, >99% of adult north american bicyclists also drive. yes i think that's sad, but you're really not helping anything by venting your hatred of them or by being petulant.

I am amazed at the lack of responsibility in general, of citizens of the United States. We have many things here we take for granted. We are a bunch of spoiled, ignorant, arrogant selfish people and have no sense of tribal worth. It is time for all of us to step up to the plate. EVERYONE OF US. My father was a POW in world war two. He was a Bataan Death marcher. He survived, but barely. I think world war two was Americans being America. America helps save the world, and all that. My Dad paid the price for our ability to be arrogant, with a lifetime of PTSD. We must lead by example, because we as a country, are very rich. We have the money and talent. So what if 99%of adult cyclists also have a car. BFD. We should figure out a way to live without carbon production. Now. Period. No excuses. It is time we face the fact that consumerism as a lifestyle is over. Natural resources are not going to last much longer. America in my opinion is doomed if we don't lead as citizens and balance our carbon. I worked as a firefighter paramedic in southern california, until I was injured on the job. I saw first hand the cost of cars. Bloody bodys, decapitations, people burning to death in a car. My wife was killed in January, when she fell asleep at the wheel and drove of a cliff. I hate cars. I don't hate people. I hate arrogant ignorant selfish people who don't give a damn about anything except themselves. I plead with everyone to please enjoy your responsibility to the planet, to each other and our country, and maximize the effect that our freedoms give us, for the good of all. In other words, lets change things from the bottom up, not the top down.

How is that for a rant? Peace and ecology NOW! I am gonna go militant one of these days I swear!

Peace for now,

Clayton

We should figure out a way to live without carbon production. Now. Period. No excuses. It is time we face the fact that consumerism as a lifestyle is over. Natural resources are not going to last much longer. America in my opinion is doomed if we don't lead as citizens and balance our carbon.

I was with you until I read this. I'm sorry to say, you're completely out of touch with reality. Try to go carbon-neutral and you'll quickly find out that you're hungry, winters are cold inside the house, and that your computer is as useful as a brick. Heck, even our elders weren't carbon-neutral before electricity, they burned oil for lighting, if they didn't burn sperm whale fat, which is carbon-neutral alright, but not really ecological.

Transportation is only a small part of the global world consumption of oil. Most of it is used for heating homes, generating power and growing crops. That's right, the food you eat is mostly fossil fuel energy : humanity wouldn't survive if it was to grow crops out of sunlight and pig manure anymore, most of the so-called agricultural revolution is utterly dependant on petrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides).

For some reason, ecology-oriented folks tend to focus solely on the automobile. Trouble is, even if cars disappeared overnight, it wouldn't put much of a dent in our oil consumption. Even if the entire world switched to nuclear power, which isn't anymore sustainable, but achievable right now, you'd still need oil to feed and heat yourself. Time to face the fact that your carbon footprint isn't significantly different from your Mercedes-driving neighbour just because you go by bike year round: it's just as huge and unsustainable as his.

As for people being arrogant, yes they are. But more to the point, humanity as a whole refuses to face the stark reality of worldwide oil depletion. It will soon, but it'll be too late. When it wakes up, groggy, after a century of oil-binging, it won't be a pretty sight: societies will slowly collapse and WW3 will begin with no end in sight in our lifetimes. You and I and all car-free folks will at least be able to claim we did our part, but it won't do a damn bit of difference in the end.

Your eloquence and communication is right on, and appreciated. I understand the carbon life food conudrum. I am not against only cars, I am just for personal responsibility to lead a sustainable life style as much as possible, every day, and push legislation, innovation, hope, education, as a species, rather than selfishness and self rightousness.

I agree with your outlook 100%. It doesn't mean we can't fight as individuals, now.

Peace, another arrogant self rightous car hater,
Clayton

Even if the entire world switched to nuclear power, which isn't anymore sustainable, but achievable right now, you'd still need oil to feed and heat yourself.

A substantial number of buildings are heated by electricity, and more could be if nuclear power were abundant enough. Nuclear fuel supplies won't last forever, but they're expected to last much longer than fossil fuel supplies. (see this page (http://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.ans.org/pi/resources/brochures/docs/power.pdf))

Car free rocks, its the bozo's that haven't figured this out yet. Besides the cost of my beer per gallon is finally less then gas is woohoo! And shame on that hit and run driver, you owe me a bike ya bastage (and 112,000 in hospital bills)......A year later Im back in the saddle again!!!!!!

Hi. I am new to this board. My husband and I have been car free our entire adult lives in 4 different locations. Although we are not exactly car free since we've joined a car share and now have access to a car in the rare instances we need one. We are just now getting into bicycling though, which is how I ended up here.

Hi. I am new to this board. My husband and I have been car free our entire adult lives in 4 different locations. Although we are not exactly car free since we've joined a car share and now have access to a car in the rare instances we need one. We are just now getting into bicycling though, which is how I ended up here.
Welcome aboard!
Hopefully, you'll get a few good ideas out of this forum. I like to visit the Commuter forum for practical advice, but hang out here for tips, tricks and traps on lifestyle issues and other essentials.

Being in a car share does not exclude you from being one of us car free folks.
there actually is a car in my family, though it has only seen about 20 miles this year. But it's paid for and the insurence is covered by my wifes employer. We use it for large loads and the bi-monthly trip to the whosale grocer. Other than that (an unforseen emergency situations) everything is done by bike... by me!
We discuss alot of things here, from global warming to making fun of people who drive massive SUVs 3 miles to work every day and complain about the gas prices. Between this forum and the Commuting forum you'll get lots of information and ideas. Welcome!

Two words: I wish. :cry:
ME 2

Koffee Brown, Hello Again,,,Do you like my hat?

I'm not totally car free but I'm moving closer. 2 years ago, average gas consumption right around 40 gals per month. My May consumption was 22 and my June goal is under 15.............I'm at 11.2 so far with no reason to fill up for at least the next week!

A couple years ago when my nephew lived with me, he was too cheep to put gas in his Buick, He rode that 1984 Huffy MTB 2000 miles one summer.
Now he is married he drives everywhere, I have been preaching at him, with no success, then this week they stuck a road construction crew on his street, he found that he can get to School, Shopping and even Bike store quicker on his bike than in his car.
Thats good news to me.

Then, rush hour traffic last Thursday, bad, his wife got in the Ford and parked it in a traffic jam while the nephew took the bike and hopped on the trail via parking lot next to it and beat her here, 14 miles. 40 and 50 mph limits the whole way.


Love it when bike wins.

Awesome forum!

I've been car-free for almost two years, but it's been easy because I'm in downtown LA so virtually everything I need is close and convenient.

The one big problem that I haven't solved is dating. Are there any other car-free singles in this forum? How do you get from the "I'll meet you there" phase to "I'll pick you up?" I've arranged some fun, romantic picnics and rides, which go over well once in a while, but at some point a car seems like a prerequisite for a relationship, especially if you're a guy.

Unfortunately for you , LA is probably the worst city to be car free and want to date. Don't get me wrong here, I can't tell you how much I love the City of Angels. If you lived in NYC, where almost no one owns a car, obviously the whole cultural fabric would be quite different. You would not even be here asking the question. But fear not!!! There is some middle ground:

LA is a car town. No doubt, any woman whom may interest you will own a car. So first of all, you not owning a car can be an advantage because you should have more money to spend on fun stuff with her. And you can be sure that she is not dating you FOR your car. You will have less time to convince her that you are not a loser who lost his DL because of too many tickets or DUIs. Her friends and relatives first question about you will probably be something like "what kind of loser does not own a car?" - so make sure she knows exactly what kind of "loser" you are before she gets put on the spot. You may laugh, but friends and family's opinions can ruin your chances for a second date. You can always stall by saying your car died and you are saving for another one, but I would not recommend that unless you just want to get laid. If you are looking for long term partnership, you might want to avoid lying on the first date.

I met my wife in my 8th car free year. I am now 18 years without a car, although in an emergency her car is usually available. We use her ride for vacations too. Most times I use her car is when I run errands FOR HER! By not owning a car, I found a woman who is not interested in superficial, material things in a man. Being car free pretty much assures that gold-diggers and women with already low self esteem will not waste your time. It's like automatic b---h filtering! Any woman that will give you the time of day in LA after she finds out that you are car-free on purpose will be worth knowing, I can almost assure you.

If you hang out a places like Whole Foods Grocery or Trader Joe's you increase the odds of finding women who are into healthy lifestyles. An athlete would be more appreciated at those places than say, a nightclub or bar. I don't know how old you are, but coffee shops near a college campus would improve the chances of meeting car-free girls if that's what you want. Or coffee shops / health food stores near fitness centers that cater to those older divorced or never married ladies if you are over the college girl phase (or should be!).

So, armed with this knowlege - get your arse out there, head high, and start dating!

Don't worry about dating too much. Most people in the US find it neccessary to own a car. Unless you live in SF, or Manhatten you might need a car for normal existance. Bumming rides and renting/borrowing cars is commonplace in our circles and sometimes you just have to deal with it.. It is rare that you will find a chick that will ride with you and and put up with BS. Once you find her, you can bet she has been with all your friends. Good Luck

Once you find her, you can bet she has been with all your friends.

That just means she's sated her curiosity.

I live car free (as long as riding in yellow taxis doesn't count). But I live in Manhattan so that is not really a big feat.

Living in Manhattan I would say owning and using a car is more of a hassle than a help.

I know when I meet people from other parts of the country they are amazed that I am in my 30's and never owed a car in my life! In fact a lot of the friends I grew up with don't even have drivers licences.

Since I was born and raised in Manhattan I always viewed driving as a hassle and an activity to be avioded at all costs and find it amazing that so many people are so depened on their car to go about their daily lives.

Not to be glib but the easest way to live car free is to move to New York.

In general, I think it is a shame America doesn't have more urban cities like New York which can offer an alternative to the suburban car based lifestyle.

Not to be glib but the easest way to live car free is to move to New York.

Not to be glib, but how much do you pay for rent for how many square feet of living space? How are the local public schools? Moving to Manhattan to be car free, without a well paid job offer in hand, may not necessarily be "easy" for those who do not have access to a trust fund or doting parents to help them be car free.

HI I am a newbe, & going car-free. Not totally on a bike though. I will be going back and for to work by bus. I agree that the most important things are location and planning. I'm within bike/walking distance to two grocery stores, bus to 2 more, bus to a mall, walking/bike to movie theater, city hall and down town offices, cafe's, fast food, drug stores, a lot of "good will" type stores, a whole little "down-town" area. The local Farmer's market is also within easy bike range from my house. I've contracted with a dairy to deliver milk and dairy, they also have bread and other things. I will just have things delivered, and hauled through contractors. (for example I have some major yard work, pulling up bushes and so on-- I will need hauled). I buy most clothes/ shoes on line already, and can get things like electronics on line and delivered. Strangely, this ratty run down house is actually good for something. On the other side of the town is a city of 700,000.00 or so, with plenty of malls and so on on a bus route.

I think basically, that planning trips and making sure I won't forget things is most important. Buying in bulk would help save trips to the grocery store. I look forward to reading the rest of this thread!

Oh-- I've already broken a leg on a bike. Getting back on one was a little psychologically weird.

Location is everything. I sign my lease for a new apartment for the fall on Friday. My current place is in sprawl h&^(. I have 2 freeways/highways that come together, making bicycling near impossible. My only safe option is the bike path. I just started using it today to get to my one job. There is only one grocery store that is bike-able and thankfully it's off the path as well. I haven;t done a grocery run, yet.

My new apartment will be 50 feet off the bus line, offer plenty of good alternate streets that run parallel to the main roads, 3 grocery stores/markets, plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and night life. Probably the biggest bonus is the 5-10 minute ride to the bike co-op. I can't wait.

Care Free by September!

HI I am a newbe, & going car-free. Not totally on a bike though. I will be going back and for to work by bus. I agree that the most important things are location and planning. I'm within bike/walking distance to two grocery stores, bus to 2 more, bus to a mall, walking/bike to movie theater, city hall and down town offices, cafe's, fast food, drug stores, a lot of "good will" type stores, a whole little "down-town" area. The local Farmer's market is also within easy bike range from my house. I've contracted with a dairy to deliver milk and dairy, they also have bread and other things. I will just have things delivered, and hauled through contractors. (for example I have some major yard work, pulling up bushes and so on-- I will need hauled). I buy most clothes/ shoes on line already, and can get things like electronics on line and delivered. Strangely, this ratty run down house is actually good for something. On the other side of the town is a city of 700,000.00 or so, with plenty of malls and so on on a bus route.

I think basically, that planning trips and making sure I won't forget things is most important. Buying in bulk would help save trips to the grocery store. I look forward to reading the rest of this thread!

Oh-- I've already broken a leg on a bike. Getting back on one was a little psychologically weird.

Welcom, gina. :)

I broke my wrist and had a lot of other painful injuries about a year after I started riding. I agree that it was hard to get back in the saddle. I kept pestering my doctor to let me ride again. But when he finally gave me the go-ahead, I found out that I wasn't ready yet. I kept having flashbacks about hitting that pavement at 20 mph. Ironically, it was only when I was forced to deal with another tragedy that I was able to start riding again. I soon got over my fears, but once in a great while I still have one of those nasty little flashbacks. The good news is that after you've been riding longer, you develop good cycling skills and you're a lot less likely to fall again. Are you at the point where you can ride comgortably yet?

Welcom, gina. :)

I broke my wrist and had a lot of other painful injuries about a year after I started riding. I agree that it was hard to get back in the saddle. I kept pestering my doctor to let me ride again. But when he finally gave me the go-ahead, I found out that I wasn't ready yet. I kept having flashbacks about hitting that pavement at 20 mph. Ironically, it was only when I was forced to deal with another tragedy that I was able to start riding again. I soon got over my fears, but once in a great while I still have one of those nasty little flashbacks. The good news is that after you've been riding longer, you develop good cycling skills and you're a lot less likely to fall again. Are you at the point where you can ride comgortably yet?

There's a lot of metal and screws in the leg, but it's as good as it is going to get. I don't want the thread to get off topic though because this is near and dear to my heart. I'd like to know if any one has experience writing letters and such to city councils to try to get better bike lanes and other legal stuff.

Are adult trikes worth it for hauling groceries?

Are folding bikes nice to ride? They seem tiny.

Are recumbent bikes better for hauling things like groceries?

Are adult trikes worth it for hauling groceries?

Whatever bike you happen to own should be OK... You'll need a rear rack and some panniers. If you are starting, you should make very light purchases since you need to figure out exactly what you can carry.