I became car free several years ago and now use the bicycle in conjunction with the Light Rail (Tram, Trolley). I consider the 1.2 billion dollar Light Rail as my car since it gets me to work and downtown for shopping at the mall. I also consider the New York City subway my secondary car since I would be insane to drive in Manhattan.

I'm lucky that I live in an area where billion dollar transit systems are at my disposal 24/7. I understand that many people hate public transportation but the waiting time for rail in my neighborhood is a mear 10 to 15 minutes. There are very few people on this forum who know what it's like to live in a large city with excellant rail transport. It truly liberates you from having to spend 10-20 percent of your income on personal auto transportation.

The bicycle is my secondary form of transportation. When used with the Light rail, I can travel all over town in minutes to locations that would require a lenghtly bus ride or a long walk. The bicycle gives me power that I had only when I owned a car for a fraction of the cost. I lived most of my adult life car dependant and thought this was the only way of life. It was only when the machine nearly bankrupted me, that I gave up this illusion for a simple life.

OH Yeah. I did go Christmas shopping by bicycle and the biggest load was a sewing machine!