I've been lucky enough to be car-lite for most of my adult life, thanks to owning unreliable automobiles and working at places that have spotty and/or expensive parking. I used to walk and take transit more, until I discovered that biking part of the trip or the whole thing was much faster (particularly when I had a 35 mile one-way commute.) Once I got in the habit of biking all the time, it made more sense to bike to errands and social events rather than drive.
Eventually, I hit sort of a limbo stage where I was driving only a few times a month - for "adult errands" like big grocery shopping and home improvement supplies - and it didn't make sense to keep the car any longer. With the money I got from selling the car (not very much), I was able to get a cargo trailer and a better bike for hauling heavy things.
Originally Posted by
jade408
Since I got my bike, I have been trying to figure out the right "accessories" to swap more of my driving trips, without having to make sacrifices in process or clothing choice! It makes a huge difference in connecting me to all the nearby neighborhoods, without waiting for the infrequent buses.
I'm a big fan of everyday cycling in normal clothes! The exceptions are in potentially dangerous weather, such as cold rain and temperatures below 20F or so. Over the years, my wardrobe has evolved to be more bike-friendly - no more long skirts or baggy pants. I also check Google Street and look at accident statistics before trying new routes, just to get ideas about which routes are going to be safest.