how cycling saves alot money

[shootingstar]

I get really mad if I see those places where you can not by any means go without a car. Towns where you could hardly leave your house without a car. Or those huge, huge parking spaces with no place to walk and not even a little space to lock up you bike. What are they thinking?

It's true that you can save a lot of money going by bike. Also, you can save a lot of time - while others sit somewhere in the traffic jam.

There are also downsides. Some things are hardly doable without a car. It can be difficult to transport large things. With public transport, small distances can become very very time consuming - I am not seeing my family as much as I would like because the 30-min trip to my parents takes me about 2 1/2 hours by train and bus. Train tickets for longer distances are really expensive. I haven't been skiing or hiking a lot lately, because I always have to find someone who is willing to accompany me who owns a car.
I think a lot of those things could be overcome, if there would be a larger lobby for people without cars - but as of today it's still very unusual not to own a car.

It's highly noticeable --places that don't have a sidewalk.

In this city, the 2 main groups for outdoor hiking/snowshoeing and another place associated with the university, always arrange for carpooling at an city transit train stop. It's really great the cost sometimes includes the shared car ride in a nice van, plus an experienced guide..which the in winter is highly recommended in the Rockies. We are 150 kms. south of the Rockies.

Cities of Vancouver and Toronto have car-share, car-cops. I have a friend (a transportation analyst for the province there) who has used one for past decade. For stuff like building supplies, whatever. She only needs a car for afew hrs. every few months.

She has her own home solo. Near the subway. She bikes alot. Takes public transit. She is like me...sees family once a year in another province, travels out of province for other types of vacations.
She is looking buying into a 2nd place with a sister of hers.


When I get a car ride, I appreciate it if it's a long distance over 50 kms. I don't have children so it is easier for me to live this lifestyle.