I am now car or in my case, truck free. I have been a bicycle commuter eight months of the year for at least 7 years now and even before then at another workplace. But I always owned a vehicle for errands and trips etc...Mainly because the city I live in is so spread out it is difficult to go car free. I know...excuses, excuses. Well a couple of days ago I was running such an errand in my pickup and some fellow turned an illegal left turn towards me into my path. I tried to swerve and blamo, we hit! Both vehicles write-offs. He says he didn't see me coming due to the settng sun...The point is if you can't see, be extra careful when you proceed, don't just give 'er! So I am thinking of not even replacing this vehicle. It was a big gas guzzler but the size saved me from serious injury. I do have a hard time with winter riding. It gets very icy here and minus 20 celcius is not uncomon with wind-chills down to minus 35 at times. I could probably get some studded tires and special winter cycling gear with the pittance of insurance money I will receive. In anything below minus 10 celcius my lungs take a beating. Do any of you have asthma? I do and it can be diffucult in the cold. I know sounds like more excuses but going car free is not easy and I do admire anybody who can do so with little or no problem. Maybe they make a warming mask for asthma sufferers for the cold? Just looking for options here and trying to go with one less vehicle. Right now I am anxious to heal up and get rid of my whiplash so I can return to work (I have a physically demanding job).

GOD BLESS THE CAR-FREE YEAR-ROUND CYCLIST