View Poll Results: How long have you been car light or car free?
Car light less than 1 year
172
15.87%
Car free less than 1 year
99
9.13%
Car light less than 5 years
140
12.92%
Car free less than 5 years
122
11.25%
Car light more than 5 years
98
9.04%
Car free more than 5 years
233
21.49%
Contemplating a car light or car free change
193
17.80%
Not interested in becoming car light or car free
27
2.49%
Voters: 1084. You may not vote on this poll
Living Car Free/Car Lite Introductions
#526
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cooroy, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 29
Bikes: Giant Mountain Bike, Bike Friday New World Tourist
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At last I am car free. I sold my Toyota Corolla before it finally rusted away for $250.00. I will now happily live with my three bikes and Translink GoCard (Bus Card/Oyster Card type thing). It feels good.
#527
Sophomoric Member
Due to unexpected surgery in October 2011, spinal cord tumor, I had to declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy and my Ford Focus was reposessed in December and I sold my 1998 Klein bike in March to keep up with my medical bills. So I was forced to become car and bike free! I am recovering pretty good and hope to have another car and bike by year end and driving both! You need to have disability insurance in case get injured off the job!! FYI Gary
Check out my story on www.indiegogo.com/projects/93028
Check out my story on www.indiegogo.com/projects/93028
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"Think Outside the Cage"
#529
Full Member
Just got my 2008 Fuji Touring bike up graded to a new crank set and bottom bracket went from a 30/42/52 to hollow teck 26/36/48 and will be much more car lite-
Got lot's of nasty hills around here plus one that is 13 to 18 % grade - but I made it up that nasty hill sitting down in my old crank so it will be interesting with the new crank and lower gears.
Got lot's of nasty hills around here plus one that is 13 to 18 % grade - but I made it up that nasty hill sitting down in my old crank so it will be interesting with the new crank and lower gears.
#530
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Hi me name is Dino and I am car free... in the sense that I dont own a car, it has been 6 months and no regrets about commuting everywhere via bike. With that being said I will say that my girlfriend has a car and It'd be a lie to say I'm not in the car when we are together on my days off. How ever I am in the process of trying to get an idea of a bike she thinks she'd enjoy riding so we can ride together for outings, bar runs, beach runs, etc...
#531
Ż\_(ツ)_/Ż
I am sometimes carfree, between one dying and eventually buying the next one. Since the cost of driving is steadily rising, the next carfree period might be permanent.
#532
Senior Member
I have sold my car a week ago so i can consider myself now 'carfree' whoohoo.
#533
toasty!
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Troy, MI
Posts: 720
Bikes: 1998 Cannondale r200, 2011 Bianchi Via Nirone 7; 2007 Redline Conquest Pro
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I've been car-free for more than 15 years now. While I've gotten behind the wheel to take my bikes to the LBS, I otherwise avoid driving when I can.
#534
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: not here very long...
Posts: 94
Bikes: trek 820, schwinn highlander,hardtail 29er, Currie I-Zip 26" Electric bike
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Hi all, I'm a noob here on BK so just wanna say hey, and I've been car free for about 6 years. "I can't drive 55" if ya's know what I mean,lol!
t.
t.
#535
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,697
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
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I'm making slow progress. Between my wife and me, we have two cars. I can reach most of my clients by bike or public transit. I have a few in New York City and most of them here in New Jersey. It's not practical to ride all the way into NYC, so I take the train. I sometimes ride my bike to clients here, and I sometimes drive.
I do some grocery trips and other errands by bike, towing a kiddie trailer. I do others by car. The more I do this, the more I enjoy cycling and the less I enjoy driving. Tolerating bad weather is becoming easier over time. Rain? So what? Cold? Getting dress takes a long time, but once I'm out there, my problem is being hot, not cold.
I'm thinking of getting rid of my car. Mine is the bigger, more comfortable car, so we use it for weekend driving trips, so it's a big decision. I might be happy with a scooter or motorcycle for when I have to go 25 miles quickly. I'd be giving up the ability to carry bikes, which I do fairly often. I'm just thinking about it at this point.
And we'll move back to NYC in approximately a year. Owning one car will be tough there because of parking etc. Owning two would be insane, so in a way, this problem will solve itself.
I do some grocery trips and other errands by bike, towing a kiddie trailer. I do others by car. The more I do this, the more I enjoy cycling and the less I enjoy driving. Tolerating bad weather is becoming easier over time. Rain? So what? Cold? Getting dress takes a long time, but once I'm out there, my problem is being hot, not cold.
I'm thinking of getting rid of my car. Mine is the bigger, more comfortable car, so we use it for weekend driving trips, so it's a big decision. I might be happy with a scooter or motorcycle for when I have to go 25 miles quickly. I'd be giving up the ability to carry bikes, which I do fairly often. I'm just thinking about it at this point.
And we'll move back to NYC in approximately a year. Owning one car will be tough there because of parking etc. Owning two would be insane, so in a way, this problem will solve itself.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#536
In the right lane
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Des Moines
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Would you be able to continue re-furbishing bikes? Sounds like this would be a major change though. Going carfree in NYC sounds like a no-brainer.
#537
Heather
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 17
Bikes: 1985 Ladies Schwinn World Tourist
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We've been car free since our tranny went kaput a few weeks ago (maybe a month ago, I lost track now). Does hubby owning a scooter count as "car light" though? It's not registered/tagged yet, so we can't legally drive it.
I'm currently seeking an old fixer-upper bike to work on now to have as my only transportation. Our financial situation will not allow us to purchase a vehicle and I'd love to keep it that way for good. Or at least only be "car light" in the future.
I'm currently seeking an old fixer-upper bike to work on now to have as my only transportation. Our financial situation will not allow us to purchase a vehicle and I'd love to keep it that way for good. Or at least only be "car light" in the future.
#538
Sophomoric Member
We've been car free since our tranny went kaput a few weeks ago (maybe a month ago, I lost track now). Does hubby owning a scooter count as "car light" though? It's not registered/tagged yet, so we can't legally drive it.
I'm currently seeking an old fixer-upper bike to work on now to have as my only transportation. Our financial situation will not allow us to purchase a vehicle and I'd love to keep it that way for good. Or at least only be "car light" in the future.
I'm currently seeking an old fixer-upper bike to work on now to have as my only transportation. Our financial situation will not allow us to purchase a vehicle and I'd love to keep it that way for good. Or at least only be "car light" in the future.
BTW, you might find a cheap bike that doesn't evenneed much "fixer-uppering." Besides Craigslist and yard sales, you should try local pawn shops. They sometimes repair the bikes before they sell them, or else they don't accept bikes that need repairs in the first place. Also, ask everybody you know--so many people have bikes gathering dust in the garage or basement.
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"Think Outside the Cage"
#539
Heather
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Jacksonville, FL
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Bikes: 1985 Ladies Schwinn World Tourist
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Welcome to LCF! How have you been getting places without the car? (Sounds like you don't have a bike yet either.)
BTW, you might find a cheap bike that doesn't evenneed much "fixer-uppering." Besides Craigslist and yard sales, you should try local pawn shops. They sometimes repair the bikes before they sell them, or else they don't accept bikes that need repairs in the first place. Also, ask everybody you know--so many people have bikes gathering dust in the garage or basement.
BTW, you might find a cheap bike that doesn't evenneed much "fixer-uppering." Besides Craigslist and yard sales, you should try local pawn shops. They sometimes repair the bikes before they sell them, or else they don't accept bikes that need repairs in the first place. Also, ask everybody you know--so many people have bikes gathering dust in the garage or basement.
Thanks for the welcome!
Well, so far we've been having to scrounge for rides every where: like grocery shopping for example. Which hasn't been easy since we live on the complete opposite side of town from everyone we know. But if we can both get bikes equipped with a way to carry groceries then we can just shop that way.
Until husband's bike got stolen earlier this week (a brand new one we spent most of a paycheck on from Walmart recently) he was riding that 3 miles to catch a ride to work. We only live about 7 miles from his job, so he was hoping once he got more used to riding he could just ride the bike all the way to work. He also purchased a 150cc scooter that still isn't registered yet. It's been a helluva year!
I've been all over Craigslist and put the word out to everyone we know....no luck yet. But I know it can take time to find a gem. So I'm continuing to look. But getting around to yard sales isn't that easy right now. I'll check around for pawn shops in our area. I'm hoping for the garage or basement (the latter not being likely in Florida) find. That would just make my day!
#540
Sophomoric Member
Thanks for the welcome!
Well, so far we've been having to scrounge for rides every where: like grocery shopping for example. Which hasn't been easy since we live on the complete opposite side of town from everyone we know. But if we can both get bikes equipped with a way to carry groceries then we can just shop that way.
Until husband's bike got stolen earlier this week (a brand new one we spent most of a paycheck on from Walmart recently) he was riding that 3 miles to catch a ride to work. We only live about 7 miles from his job, so he was hoping once he got more used to riding he could just ride the bike all the way to work. He also purchased a 150cc scooter that still isn't registered yet. It's been a helluva year!
I've been all over Craigslist and put the word out to everyone we know....no luck yet. But I know it can take time to find a gem. So I'm continuing to look. But getting around to yard sales isn't that easy right now. I'll check around for pawn shops in our area. I'm hoping for the garage or basement (the latter not being likely in Florida) find. That would just make my day!
Well, so far we've been having to scrounge for rides every where: like grocery shopping for example. Which hasn't been easy since we live on the complete opposite side of town from everyone we know. But if we can both get bikes equipped with a way to carry groceries then we can just shop that way.
Until husband's bike got stolen earlier this week (a brand new one we spent most of a paycheck on from Walmart recently) he was riding that 3 miles to catch a ride to work. We only live about 7 miles from his job, so he was hoping once he got more used to riding he could just ride the bike all the way to work. He also purchased a 150cc scooter that still isn't registered yet. It's been a helluva year!
I've been all over Craigslist and put the word out to everyone we know....no luck yet. But I know it can take time to find a gem. So I'm continuing to look. But getting around to yard sales isn't that easy right now. I'll check around for pawn shops in our area. I'm hoping for the garage or basement (the latter not being likely in Florida) find. That would just make my day!
When looking at used bikes, make sure the frame is straight and uncracked. Frames are almost impossible to repair in a home shop.
The brakes and gears should work, or just need adjustment. Components like these can cost more than the entire (used) bike.
The wheels should be round (seriously). New wheels are expenive. Used wheels are sometimes free, but it can be hard to find one. Make sure the tires don't have big cuts on them, as they're kind of pricey too.
If you have specific questions about buying or repairing a bike, start a new thread. People who are much more expert than myself will be glad to help.
Good luck!
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"Think Outside the Cage"
#541
Heather
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Jacksonville, FL
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I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time, but you sound flexible and adaptable, so Im betting you'll come through OK.
When looking at used bikes, make sure the frame is straight and uncracked. Frames are almost impossible to repair in a home shop.
The brakes and gears should work, or just need adjustment. Components like these can cost more than the entire (used) bike.
The wheels should be round (seriously). New wheels are expenive. Used wheels are sometimes free, but it can be hard to find one. Make sure the tires don't have big cuts on them, as they're kind of pricey too.
If you have specific questions about buying or repairing a bike, start a new thread. People who are much more expert than myself will be glad to help.
Good luck!
When looking at used bikes, make sure the frame is straight and uncracked. Frames are almost impossible to repair in a home shop.
The brakes and gears should work, or just need adjustment. Components like these can cost more than the entire (used) bike.
The wheels should be round (seriously). New wheels are expenive. Used wheels are sometimes free, but it can be hard to find one. Make sure the tires don't have big cuts on them, as they're kind of pricey too.
If you have specific questions about buying or repairing a bike, start a new thread. People who are much more expert than myself will be glad to help.
Good luck!
Thank you, so much, for the advice! And yes, we try hard to stay flexible and positive no matter what's going on. Otherwise we'd just be miserable right now. And we're just too happy together to stand for being miserable.
I will deft make notes of your advice to take along any time I get the opportunity to check out a possible bike for one of us. Oh boy ~ I get to start another themed notebook now. (teehee)
#542
Sophomoric Member
Thank you, so much, for the advice! And yes, we try hard to stay flexible and positive no matter what's going on. Otherwise we'd just be miserable right now. And we're just too happy together to stand for being miserable.
I will deft make notes of your advice to take along any time I get the opportunity to check out a possible bike for one of us. Oh boy ~ I get to start another themed notebook now. (teehee)
I will deft make notes of your advice to take along any time I get the opportunity to check out a possible bike for one of us. Oh boy ~ I get to start another themed notebook now. (teehee)
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#543
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
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I never owned a car. Never learned to drive one either.
Living in Belgium does make car-free living easier. Distances are shorter, fuel is (much) more expensive, parking spaces are hard to find and during rush hour the traffic is so jammed up that you're usually faster on a bicycle anyway.
Unfortunately bike theft is a huge problem here and I've already lost several good bikes that way. Cycle lanes often are a mess too. I still prefer the bike though.
Nowadays I have a few good bikes for recreational rides and a beater for commuting, shopping or going places where I am not 100% sure that my bike is perfectly safe if I park it.
Together they do about 6.000 miles every year, even though the last few years I did a lot less due to stomach problems. I'm back on schedule now though.
Saddle bags and a good bike rack suffice for most of my shopping needs. For moving big stuff, I just take a taxi or ask a friend to drive and pay his costs.
Living in Belgium does make car-free living easier. Distances are shorter, fuel is (much) more expensive, parking spaces are hard to find and during rush hour the traffic is so jammed up that you're usually faster on a bicycle anyway.
Unfortunately bike theft is a huge problem here and I've already lost several good bikes that way. Cycle lanes often are a mess too. I still prefer the bike though.
Nowadays I have a few good bikes for recreational rides and a beater for commuting, shopping or going places where I am not 100% sure that my bike is perfectly safe if I park it.
Together they do about 6.000 miles every year, even though the last few years I did a lot less due to stomach problems. I'm back on schedule now though.
Saddle bags and a good bike rack suffice for most of my shopping needs. For moving big stuff, I just take a taxi or ask a friend to drive and pay his costs.
#544
Sophomoric Member
I never owned a car. Never learned to drive one either.
Living in Belgium does make car-free living easier. Distances are shorter, fuel is (much) more expensive, parking spaces are hard to find and during rush hour the traffic is so jammed up that you're usually faster on a bicycle anyway.
Unfortunately bike theft is a huge problem here and I've already lost several good bikes that way. Cycle lanes often are a mess too. I still prefer the bike though.
Nowadays I have a few good bikes for recreational rides and a beater for commuting, shopping or going places where I am not 100% sure that my bike is perfectly safe if I park it.
Together they do about 6.000 miles every year, even though the last few years I did a lot less due to stomach problems. I'm back on schedule now though.
Saddle bags and a good bike rack suffice for most of my shopping needs. For moving big stuff, I just take a taxi or ask a friend to drive and pay his costs.
Living in Belgium does make car-free living easier. Distances are shorter, fuel is (much) more expensive, parking spaces are hard to find and during rush hour the traffic is so jammed up that you're usually faster on a bicycle anyway.
Unfortunately bike theft is a huge problem here and I've already lost several good bikes that way. Cycle lanes often are a mess too. I still prefer the bike though.
Nowadays I have a few good bikes for recreational rides and a beater for commuting, shopping or going places where I am not 100% sure that my bike is perfectly safe if I park it.
Together they do about 6.000 miles every year, even though the last few years I did a lot less due to stomach problems. I'm back on schedule now though.
Saddle bags and a good bike rack suffice for most of my shopping needs. For moving big stuff, I just take a taxi or ask a friend to drive and pay his costs.
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#545
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
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I've been car-free for six years, but I've done it without a bike (I started cycling again in just the last couple months). I planned things well, and bought a house in a very convenient location—two blocks from work, close to all kinds of shopping, several restaurants, a library, my bank, my orthopedist, my dentist, a major bus route, etc. I also happen to be in the middle of quite a good assortment of bike trails. I have a few friends who are happy to give me rides because I take pains to make it worth their while, which might include buying the beer, barbecuing for them, etc. It's not that hard to get what you want while maintaining a balanced relationship. Just don't be that PITA who always needs a favor.
But as I suggested, the main thing is location. If you choose well, going car-free is not very inconvenient at all.
The benefits are significant, as well. My mortgage is almost covered by what I don't spend on owning a car. I even rent out my driveway to my boss. Life is simple and good. I'm home from work in five minutes, with none of the stress I used to get from driving.
Some people may need cars, but I'm glad I'm not one of them.
But as I suggested, the main thing is location. If you choose well, going car-free is not very inconvenient at all.
The benefits are significant, as well. My mortgage is almost covered by what I don't spend on owning a car. I even rent out my driveway to my boss. Life is simple and good. I'm home from work in five minutes, with none of the stress I used to get from driving.
Some people may need cars, but I'm glad I'm not one of them.
#546
Sophomoric Member
I've been car-free for six years, but I've done it without a bike (I started cycling again in just the last couple months). I planned things well, and bought a house in a very convenient location—two blocks from work, close to all kinds of shopping, several restaurants, a library, my bank, my orthopedist, my dentist, a major bus route, etc. I also happen to be in the middle of quite a good assortment of bike trails. I have a few friends who are happy to give me rides because I take pains to make it worth their while, which might include buying the beer, barbecuing for them, etc. It's not that hard to get what you want while maintaining a balanced relationship. Just don't be that PITA who always needs a favor.
But as I suggested, the main thing is location. If you choose well, going car-free is not very inconvenient at all.
The benefits are significant, as well. My mortgage is almost covered by what I don't spend on owning a car. I even rent out my driveway to my boss. Life is simple and good. I'm home from work in five minutes, with none of the stress I used to get from driving.
Some people may need cars, but I'm glad I'm not one of them.
But as I suggested, the main thing is location. If you choose well, going car-free is not very inconvenient at all.
The benefits are significant, as well. My mortgage is almost covered by what I don't spend on owning a car. I even rent out my driveway to my boss. Life is simple and good. I'm home from work in five minutes, with none of the stress I used to get from driving.
Some people may need cars, but I'm glad I'm not one of them.
I agree with you about location. But sometimes it's a mixed blessing. I just moved to a place about 3 blocks from work. ery convenient, butI'm having trouble getting enough exercise and I miss my decompression time riding home from work.
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"Think Outside the Cage"
#547
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Seville, Spain
Posts: 4,403
Bikes: Brompton M6R, mountain bikes, Circe Omnis+ tandem
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That's the rub! Next week we're moving to a more central location that's only about three blocks from the train station. I think I'm going to end up riding to another one that's farther away for my commute just to get in a little exercise.
#548
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Portsmouth, OH
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My final motor vehicle is gone. There is an amazing feeling of freedom and a pretty large bump in my bank account.
#549
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Central Quebec
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#550
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
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Hey there! I've been car free for almost 4 years now and I'm more happy with the situation now then when I started!
That being said there are some drawbacks at least where I'm from in orange county, CA. I live in Irvine, CA which is probably the most bike friendly city in Southern CA if not the country but I Don't know that so I won't claim it. All major roads have large bike only lanes and (nearly all) most small roads do as well.
All that aside our public transportation infrastructure is horrendous and not bike-friendly. Only 2 bike racks on the front of the bus and no access to county bus if both racks are full! And to boot the buses stop running @10pm even on FRI/SAT!
That being said there are some drawbacks at least where I'm from in orange county, CA. I live in Irvine, CA which is probably the most bike friendly city in Southern CA if not the country but I Don't know that so I won't claim it. All major roads have large bike only lanes and (nearly all) most small roads do as well.
All that aside our public transportation infrastructure is horrendous and not bike-friendly. Only 2 bike racks on the front of the bus and no access to county bus if both racks are full! And to boot the buses stop running @10pm even on FRI/SAT!