Blue_Bulldog

There's a bunch of threads about stuff that annoys us...

I thought I'd make a list of some of the stuff that's awesome about our car free lives. As always, feel free to add.

1. When people complain about gas prices, you get to answer with "Really? I hadn't noticed that."
2. Doctor tells you you've lost weight, BP and BMI are way down, and what kind of diet are you on to be in this good of shape... the look on his face when you admit to having a diet based around donuts and tacos.
3. **orders beer** "May I see your ID please?" "Sure" **server sees how old you actually are** "Wow!! Someone's doing something right!!"
4. Preferred VIP status at the LBS
5. When the "This is your speed" thingie the police set up clocks you from the bike lane, and you realize it's a school zone and if you were a car, you'd totally be getting pulled over.
6. That one street that has the absolutely perfect descent that on the perfect day is like flying
7. Getting back from running errands and realizing "Holy crap, I did 40mi today"
8. Stopping at a stoplight next to a car full of environmental slogans, they look over, realize they're pumping carbon emissions out -- and you aren't. Priceless look.
9. Turns
10. Putting valve cap lights on your wheels and pretending you're Tron

B. Carfree

Six years ago, I put a bumper-sticker sized laminated sticker in my front window that says, "Environmental stickers stuck to a car don't mean (expletive deleted)". None of the cars purchased by my neighbors since then have any environmental bumper stickers on them. (Yes, they know that my family, as well as several others on the block are car-free.)

treal512

Cool thread.

1) Looking at cagers in their cars as you pass them because they're stuck in traffic and you're riding freely, head to the horizon.
2) When people talk about gas prices, you ask them what gas is going for now days because you genuinely have no idea.
3) Pulling up next to cars at stop lights, especially during nice days when it should be a crime to not be outside.
4) Pulling up next to cars at stop lights when they just zoomed past you to make a point.

That's all I have right now.

surreal

I've always thought that environmentalism-themed bumper stickers on cars were analogous to putting, like, pacifist bumper stickers on a Sherman tank.... I will say that I once saw a bumper sticker that read "two less rollerskates", and thought it was funny.

I also bought this bumper sticker; I'm trying to decide where to put it.


Speaking of which, have y'all seen this blog? https://sparetheroadblog.blogspot.com/ It's probably worthy of its own thread....

Artkansas 

When I'm going to the grocery store, I can stop and admire the life in Grassy Flat Creek on my way home.

Artkansas 

That's a good one.

You should buy an East German Trabant to put the bumper sticker on.

I-Like-To-Bike

Here is a better use of a Trabbie:

bragi

-You can eat/drink pretty much whatever you want without worrying too much;
-Parking is very, very easy;
-Running errands and going to work are actually kind of fun.

Roody

I like that I know secrets about my city--things you can't find out if you're whizzing by in a car.

Rowan

I built and ran whole historic tours by bicycles because of this. There is a LOT of fun and, dare I say it, education, in exploring a city. There are still places and things I haven't seen in a city and state that I grew up in.

Rowan

Go to the other thread and read NIMBY. There are a lot of self-proclaimed environmentalists whose only action is clicking the donate button on their computer. I know a woman -- an ex-girlfriend -- who was adamant that she was environmentally aware because her single contribution was to buy a share in a small property which had some remnant forest on it. As to the rest, nope, nada, none. Drove a car everywhere, remodelled her house without much thought to impacts.

It sort of contributes to my cynicism about devout environmentalists. When I was free of car ownership for over a decade, and then lived off the grid for around a year, I often thought I led a better environmental life than the ones who preached without practising.

Artkansas 

You are right. But it needs a bumper sticker and a bike rack with a Flying Pigeon.

surreal

I'm thinking that sticker belongs on a bicycle; if I had anything made in the Soviet Bloc, I'd put it on that. As it stands now, I may put it on my Cycletruck, if/when I ever get that built...

poormanbiking

First to say, I'm not LCF yet! But for me riding is easier then driving in downtown Toledo, one way streets are bothersome. Getting to enjoy the waterfront is a few minutes ride from house without having to park and walk. At work I get the best parking out of over 1000 people. Getting to the LCF lifestyle will save money on gas and auto insurance.

Blue_Bulldog

And the funny thing about that? Is that as active as we are, our metabolism is CRAZY high and we can pack the food away!! The other day my buddy and my roommate went out for Mongolian BBQ, and it was all you can.... I put a HURT on that place. Made them sorry they ever went unlimited. My roommate (girl) looks at me with this pure hatred and disgust that I just nailed the Mongolian BBQ like 5 times, and I remain south of 150lbs on the regular and actually lost​ weight at the Dr's. You could cut diamonds with the look she gave me.

Blue_Bulldog

Legit one of my favorite things about LCF. I love nothing more than stopping next to the car that just honked and threw a tantrum over having to pause for 3 sec. I always look over and ask "How'd that work out for you?"

surreal

I kinda like how non-riders think of ppl who ride everywhere as being superhuman. It'd be cooler if I could claim super-powers as a benefit, but the illusion of super-powers is pretty good, too.

I-Like-To-Bike

Here is an updated version of an eco friendly bike-car combo.

dcrowell

Not with my metabolism.
I gained 50 lbs since going car-free. Living in an urban area means my trips are short, and the wonderful bars and restaurants are nearby.

chewybrian 

Reminded me of...

gerv 

That combo would be a lot more eco-friendly if the bike was towing the car.