I was in law enforcement when I lived in Florida. I wasn't car free, but most days I did my 40 mile commute by bicycle. The car was handy on those occasions when tropical storms blew through, or when I needed to travel to other parts of the state (or country).
Now I live in Japan, working as a full-time teacher and part-time photographer. I'm living car free here, using any of my 3 bicycles to get around. Here in Tokyo it is usually easier and faster to get around on a bike than with a car. I rent a car from time to time go shopping at Costco, or want to go riding somewhere else in the country (can't take my bike on the train...).