Living Car Free - Logistical carfree issues

Lately, and ironically, it is the bicycle that makes me wish I had a car available... even if for a day.

So, on Tuesday, I found a frame to replace my t-boned Fuji on the local Craigslist. Got home from work at 5 and took the bus downtown. Got the frame, but had to walk it 10 blocks to the bus stop. The driver had no issue with me carrying the frame onboard.

Today, Saturday, I decided to bring another project bike downtown to the bike co-op to remove the fixed cup. I've had this one waiting in the garage for a while and finally decided to do something about it. Had to bring that one on the bus bike rack. And back 4 hours later.

I'm too cheap to rent a car for any of this. Luckily the bus is pretty convenient to move bikes around.

If I didn't live on a major bus route, though, I would be screwed.

What logistical issue have you had lately?

When I need to stop for dog food on the way home from work, but didn't bring my trailer. I have big dogs, and buy large backs of dog food.

Taking a bike to or from the bike shop. I've done this once by hauling my folding bike in the trailer and dropping off the bike that was to be worked on, then towing the trailer (empty) with the folding bike. I could fix this by buying a trailer big enough to haul a regular bike (or two).

Picking someone up. I can't do that on a bike. Even if I were to buy a tandem or a Big Dummy, the individual may have a problem with it. It's not a huge concern as I now live alone.

Hauling my dogs. I suppose I could buy a big trailer to put their cage on, but it wouldn't be pleasant for me or them. Right now, I'm just trying to find places within their walking distance.

I rarely take the bus. Bus service here is lousy, and I can get almost anywhere they go quicker on the bike. I did take the bus to work on one particularly cold day. I could have ridden, but just didn't have the motivation to do so.

Right now, my only logistical problem is storing bikes when not riding. I live upstairs in a duplex, and I always used to carry my bike up the stairs when I came home. With more people (and more bikes) in the houehold now, storage space is at a premium. We have been chaining the bikes to the front porch railing. but I'm worried about theft. (I'm pretty sure the kid who lives downstairs is running a stolen bike racket.)

I hardly ever need anything other than my bike. There are a few, things, though, that send me running to the ancient Volvo:

1. Hauling big, heavy stuff. I once hauled an 8 hp, 125-lbs outboard motor with a borrowed trailer, and I'm kind of proud of that, but in all honesty it's a lot less of a hassle just to throw it into the back of the car.

2. Traveling longer distances. I really enjoy touring on the bike, and very much prefer that method of travel, but when you only have one or two days to get away and back, a car is pretty handy, especially in rural areas, where public transport is either very spotty or totally nonexistent.

3. When it's cold or rainy out, and I'm going somewhere with my SO. We both live near the center of Seattle, and she's very good about anything, any time, within walking distance (1 mile, maybe), which covers over half of our travel, and will bicycle anywhere within 5 miles if the weather is nice and the dress is casual, but otherwise, she's pretty adamant about using a car. I've decided that she's already a really good sport about this stuff, and that it would be kind of dogmatic, pretty stupid, and even selfish, to insist on more...

I hardly ever need anything other than my bike. There are a few, things, though, that send me running to the ancient Volvo:

3. When it's cold or rainy out, and I'm going somewhere with my SO. We both live near the center of Seattle, and she's very good about anything, any time, within walking distance (1 mile, maybe), which covers over half of our travel, and will bicycle anywhere within 5 miles if the weather is nice and the dress is casual, but otherwise, she's pretty adamant about using a car. I've decided that she's already a really good sport about this stuff, and that it would be kind of dogmatic, pretty stupid, and even selfish, to insist on more...

You are wise to see things this way. A relationship with an SO is more important than always going without a car... ;)

Cake. I had to transport birthday cakes to work from a local bakery, on my back rack. Because my regular bike is being worked on by the repairwife, this meant I had to do the actual commute by train bringing my folding bike, then pick up the cakes on the back of the folding bike.
Even after a short ride, I still had to make minor cosmetic fixes to the cakes, but luckily nothing was seriously damaged.

My public trans system is pretty good here in Buffalo. The major problem is that bikes are not allowed in the buses (Rail is ok, however).

But, only 90% of the buses have racks. So, it's a crap shoot on whether or not I can hitch onto the bus for half of my commute.

Recently, 3 buses had passed with no racks on them, the fourth finally had one. 45 minutes late into work. And, there are only two lines that service near my work, with 45 minutes to an hour between them (They are staggered). So, it's really a pain not being able to rely on the racks being there.

Cake. I had to transport birthday cakes to work from a local bakery, on my back rack. Because my regular bike is being worked on by the repairwife, this meant I had to do the actual commute by train bringing my folding bike, then pick up the cakes on the back of the folding bike.
Even after a short ride, I still had to make minor cosmetic fixes to the cakes, but luckily nothing was seriously damaged.

ugg ugg...I are repairwife :P (yes, I'm really his wify. Welcome to bikeforums baby)

Haven't yet figured out how to be car-free as a gigging musician. Especially if you have to supply PA for the show.

Haven't yet figured out how to be car-free as a gigging musician. Especially if you have to supply PA for the show.

A trailer :)

ugg ugg...I are repairwife :P (yes, I'm really his wify. Welcome to bikeforums baby)

Uh oh. Now you've got to watch what you say. :P

Haven't yet figured out how to be car-free as a gigging musician. Especially if you have to supply PA for the show.

I couldn't find it with a Google search, but there was a band that toured on bicycles, including going into Mexico. If I recall correctly, they not only carried all their instruments and PA, they even brought power generation equipment because electrical power was not available at all their venues.

I lash frames to the pile of crap on my rack :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6067941560_8263b6d1f5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/6067941560/)
2011-08-21_15-51-40_205.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/6067941560/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

If I have to go somewhere with two rolling bicycles I just ride one with one hand on the front brake and use my other hand to grab the stem of the second bike.

A trailer :)

My gear isn't small enough to haul on a bike trailer. Or at least I'm not strong enough to pull it. :)

My public trans system is pretty good here in Buffalo. The major problem is that bikes are not allowed in the buses (Rail is ok, however).

But, only 90% of the buses have racks. So, it's a crap shoot on whether or not I can hitch onto the bus for half of my commute.

Recently, 3 buses had passed with no racks on them, the fourth finally had one. 45 minutes late into work. And, there are only two lines that service near my work, with 45 minutes to an hour between them (They are staggered). So, it's really a pain not being able to rely on the racks being there.

Has anybody ever informed the bus company that 90 % racks isn't much better than zero % racks? Seriously--they might not be aware of this fact that seems so obvious to a cyclist. You could go to their website and let them know.

Has anybody ever informed the bus company that 90 % racks isn't much better than zero % racks? Seriously--they might not be aware of this fact that seems so obvious to a cyclist. You could go to their website and let them know.

They are verrryy aware. However, the NFTA system can screw up paradise, given the chance. Everyone has told them, from our mayor, to our grass-roots bicycle groups.

They are verrryy aware. However, the NFTA system can screw up paradise, given the chance. Everyone has told them, from our mayor, to our grass-roots bicycle groups.

Then it's time for the mayor and advocacy groups to shake things up--find a board and a CEO who can be more responsive to the needs of transit consumers. In most cases, American transit companies are quasi-government agencies or boards, and the public ultimately has control over how they're operated.

Then it's time for the mayor and advocacy groups to shake things up--find a board and a CEO who can be more responsive to the needs of transit consumers. In most cases, American transit companies are quasi-government agencies or boards, and the public ultimately has control over how they're operated.

We're getting there, but with our outlier areas also having a say (When they are generally the "drive the SUV to the corner, instead of walking" types), it's painful to try and justify spending money on something they will never use (Because generally, they don't use mass transportation or bicycles).

(When they are generally the "drive the SUV to the corner, instead of walking" types)

Why do I think you're talking about my hometown (Cheektowaga)?

Haven't yet figured out how to be car-free as a gigging musician. Especially if you have to supply PA for the show.

Here (http://blindpilotmusic.com/) is a band that did a west coast tour on bicycles. My favourite is the custom trailer to haul a stand-up bass that they have.

You can see a video about their bike tour
http://vimeo.com/2975715

Has anybody ever informed the bus company that 90 % racks isn't much better than zero % racks? Seriously--they might not be aware of this fact that seems so obvious to a cyclist. You could go to their website and let them know.

Local bus service here has 100% bus racks, but sometimes they are full... done in by our own success?

We're getting there, but with our outlier areas also having a say (When they are generally the "drive the SUV to the corner, instead of walking" types), it's painful to try and justify spending money on something they will never use (Because generally, they don't use mass transportation or bicycles).

The best approach for getting suburbs on board with transit is gettint them to understand how good it is for business.. Here in greater Lansing, the shopping mall on the east side gets well over 100 customers a day who arrive by bus. The business leaders in that community were gung-ho in support of the last bus millage election, which passed 2 to 1 margin--even though I think it's safe to say not one of those business leaders ever rode a bus in her/his life.

The best approach for getting suburbs on board with transit is gettint them to understand how good it is for business.. Here in greater Lansing, the shopping mall on the east side gets well over 100 customers a day who arrive by bus. The business leaders in that community were gung-ho in support of the last bus millage election, which passed 2 to 1 margin--even though I think it's safe to say not one of those business leaders ever rode a bus in her/his life.

We need to get past our own parochialism here. The suburbs don't want "our kind" there (I live in the city proper), and the city proper can't stand the "snobs" in the suburbs (Ironic, since our Elmwood Village is snobbier than most suburban areas lol).

We need to get past our own parochialism here. The suburbs don't want "our kind" there (I live in the city proper), and the city proper can't stand the "snobs" in the suburbs (Ironic, since our Elmwood Village is snobbier than most suburban areas lol).

Many businesses will get over the snobbiness when they realize they are losing sales (or go out of business perhaps). A lot of this has to do with education and all of us should be will to be teachers. :)

We need to get past our own parochialism here. The suburbs don't want "our kind" there (I live in the city proper), and the city proper can't stand the "snobs" in the suburbs (Ironic, since our Elmwood Village is snobbier than most suburban areas lol).

Our mall on the east side, with buses every 10 minutes, would be considered the "snobbiest" mall, probably. It's doing good business. The mall on the west side, in a community that didn't buy into the regional bus system, is dying. I'm not sure of the connection between bus ridership and mall economy, but buses can't hurt.

Many businesses supported the bus millage here. Besides bringing customers to stores, they know that buses bring employees to work, help citizens get better education, and make the community stronger and more prosperous. When you get businees leders to back a bus millage, you make it more attractive for a lot of voters--especially conservatives--and more likely to pass at the polls.

Our mall on the east side, with buses every 10 minutes, would be considered the "snobbiest" mall, probably. It's doing good business. The mall on the west side, in a community that didn't buy into the regional bus system, is dying. I'm not sure of the connection between bus ridership and mall economy, but buses can't hurt.

Many businesses supported the bus millage here. Besides bringing customers to stores, they know that buses bring employees to work, help citizens get better education, and make the community stronger and more prosperous. When you get businees leders to back a bus millage, you make it more attractive for a lot of voters--especially conservatives--and more likely to pass at the polls.

Most certainly. Public transit brings in much more traffic. I think the malls here are starting to realize it now, since after being forced to allow a stop on the premises, they've seen growth.

We now need the non-business folk to see that yes, by having mass transit located near shopping corridors, you make YOUR property more valuable.

It has some to do with covert racism (We don't trust "those people, they steal"), and a bunch to do with Parochialism (ie, West Side doesn't care for East Side Residents, even though their demographics are largely the same; or Elmwood Village and Amherst snub noses at each other, again with similar demographics).

Most certainly. Public transit brings in much more traffic. I think the malls here are starting to realize it now, since after being forced to allow a stop on the premises, they've seen growth.

We now need the non-business folk to see that yes, by having mass transit located near shopping corridors, you make YOUR property more valuable.

It has some to do with covert racism (We don't trust "those people, they steal"), and a bunch to do with Parochialism (ie, West Side doesn't care for East Side Residents, even though their demographics are largely the same; or Elmwood Village and Amherst snub noses at each other, again with similar demographics).

If I was trying to encourage people to vote for public transit, I would interview people on the bus to a community college. Just yesterday on the bus, I sat near a guy who appeared to be about 30. He was telling a friend that he was going back to college since he lost his factory job. "I don't have class today, but I come down to the college library to do my homework. I didn't have enough money to buy books, so I use their books." When you hear something like that, from the heart, how could you be against spending a feew bucks on the transportation that gets this wonderful guy to his college classes?

My gear isn't small enough to haul on a bike trailer. Or at least I'm not strong enough to pull it. :)

http://www.pointhappy.com/gcf/Bike&Trailer1.jpg

What do you play, a church organ, an anvil?

http://www.pointhappy.com/gcf/Bike&Trailer1.jpg

What do you play, a church organ, an anvil?

Marshall amp, pedal board, stands and a couple guitars, all in road cases. Might all barely fit on that trailer, but that wouldn't leave any room for the PA which we usually have to supply as well. The PA itself barely fits into the back of a van.

I actually have ridden my bike to gigs where we do multiple nights at the same location and don't have to move gear.

If I was trying to encourage people to vote for public transit, I would interview people on the bus to a community college. Just yesterday on the bus, I sat near a guy who appeared to be about 30. He was telling a friend that he was going back to college since he lost his factory job. "I don't have class today, but I come down to the college library to do my homework. I didn't have enough money to buy books, so I use their books." When you hear something like that, from the heart, how could you be against spending a feew bucks on the transportation that gets this wonderful guy to his college classes?

Without getting this tossed into the dustbin, it's the "I've got mine, screw everyone else" mentality of certain political crowds, who have been particularly vocal of late.

Without getting this tossed into the dustbin, it's the "I've got mine, screw everyone else" mentality of certain political crowds, who have been particularly vocal of late.

Maybe so, but most of us want America to continue to be the Land of Opportunity. That can't happen unless people are able to travel to the places they need to go in order to get ahead--school, job interviews, their job site, etc. For many poor people, taking the bus is the only way they'll ever get to where they want to be.

If I was trying to encourage people to vote for public transit, I would interview people on the bus to a community college. Just yesterday on the bus, I sat near a guy who appeared to be about 30. He was telling a friend that he was going back to college since he lost his factory job. "I don't have class today, but I come down to the college library to do my homework. I didn't have enough money to buy books, so I use their books." When you hear something like that, from the heart, how could you be against spending a feew bucks on the transportation that gets this wonderful guy to his college classes?


Yesterday, on "The Agenda", there was a panel discussion featuring all the different political stripes (there will soon be a provincial election in Ontario) they were discussing child poverty issues and how to elevate people out of poverty. They mentioned that food and housing were of major importance. No one discussed the need to be able to get people to work cheaply and efficiently through expanded public transit. They acknowledged the "working poor", but didn't acknowledge how better public transit could really help parents keep their jobs and leave them money left over to feed their children.

When I decided not to drive anymore (11 short months ago) I worried about logistic issues. In fact I worried so much I held on to my truck from October until June "just in case". It took until June to realize that I did NOT need to drive anywhere, and sold my truck. I have really had no logistical issues that couldn't be overcome with a little planning. Granted I live in the city (Long Beach, Ca.) so it may be easier for me. I always think, though, when people ask me about these things, what did people do before cars were available? They did just fine, and with bicycles we have it better than they did, as contrary to popular belief, most people did not have horses.

I have really had no logistical issues that couldn't be overcome with a little planning.

I think this is the mantra of many carfree people. At least for those who have situated themselves where there is reasonable transit and some proximity to groceries and necessities.

My public trans system is pretty good here in Buffalo. The major problem is that bikes are not allowed in the buses (Rail is ok, however).

But, only 90% of the buses have racks. So, it's a crap shoot on whether or not I can hitch onto the bus for half of my commute.

Recently, 3 buses had passed with no racks on them, the fourth finally had one. 45 minutes late into work. And, there are only two lines that service near my work, with 45 minutes to an hour between them (They are staggered). So, it's really a pain not being able to rely on the racks being there.

Our local transit provider was going to do some buses with and some without and I talked with the planner in charge of that about how crazy that was. Why would anyone bother when they might not get on (1 hour headways here), or might get to their destination only to be stranded. Believe it or not, they put them on all buses (but only two spaces).

3. When it's cold or rainy out, and I'm going somewhere with my SO. We both live near the center of Seattle, and she's very good about anything, any time, within walking distance (1 mile, maybe), which covers over half of our travel, and will bicycle anywhere within 5 miles if the weather is nice and the dress is casual, but otherwise, she's pretty adamant about using a car. I've decided that she's already a really good sport about this stuff, and that it would be kind of dogmatic, pretty stupid, and even selfish, to insist on more...

Great way to be.

I'm car-free, my wife... well, it's nice that she has the car once in a while. She simply couldn't make it what with school, work and everything else she has to do with just a bike, but she does like her rides.