A step in the right direction
 

We have had a 2004 Saturn view and a 2007 VW GTI for a few years, but made a few moves that would enable car lite or car free:

* sold rural type house and moved to a more urban setting last fall . Had figured that we would be able to go with 1 car after the kids flew the coupe in 1-2 yrs

* I started bike commutting to work and doing some utility cycling for the past few years

* college age kids were not given cars and handed bus passes



So, last week on a lark I listed the Vue on Kijiji. To my surprise, it sold quickly for pretty much what I was asking. So we are now a 1 car family of 4 adults. No problems so far. Winter may be more challenging. I'm stoked about it though.

I've been thinking that the (motor vehicles)/(potential drivers in household) ratio is a good way to quantify car-lightness. Your household is 0.25 car lite by this measure. Some of my relative's households are solid 2.0 's, two cars per adult.

Yes, your first month of winter will be challenging. After that it's fun and easy.

Anyhoo, this is a big step, an adult step more than a baby step. Keep looking for new ways to cut your car use, and you might be able to get rid of the remaining cage. That's when you'll likely see some even bigger savings.

When I started bike commuting to work, I figured out that you really don't save money unless you drop a car. So to me , this is a huge step forward. The winter will be harder for sure. We don't live right down town, more like in a bedroom community that has most things within walking distance.

The cars/resident ratio is actually a pretty interesting number. I have a brother in law who is a solid 1.5. I like to bike to his place and see the disgust in his eyes.

The winter might be difficult, but you can make it easier if you develop a backup plan. If the streets are too snowy (or there's a -35F wind chill) I can always take the bus. This works out pretty well. I really look forward to getting in on bicycle, but the bus is a nice rest too.

The first winter it might seems a little daunting, but it does get easier.

It's just a matter of habit, though. You get used to a routine of traveling by bike and eventually it seems to be the most natural, reasonable way to go.

Yep. Go slow and gradual. The way I got into winter cycling is one fall I told myself that I'd just keep going on the bike as long as I could. The weather gradually got colder and snowier, and I gradually adjusted to it. By Christmas, I was still alive ;) and I was thinking, "I made it this far, I might as well keep going."

Personally, I don't like the bus as a backup plan in winter because it's usually running late when the weather's really bad and you need it the most. I prefer to walk if there's a few inches of fresh snow falling when I have to go out.

Is the disgust in his eyes because you rode a bike or because you're sweaty and need a shower?

I don't think it was a shower problem. :( I think its more like , why aren't you driving a car like everybody else?:innocent:

Yeah, I have the same problem. I'm evening working in a shop where there are quite a few commuters (in summer...) but the winter cycling makes you a real wacko in their eyes.

However, I've noticed that after you do it for a while, they stop noticing and everybody gets on with their own business. And actually one or two of them will ride to work when the winter weather's good.

How dare you challenge his assumptions! Where will this all end?

If you go car free, pretty soon everyone will be forced to ride bicycles. ;)