Some thoughts on living car-free...

It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision (although I'm sure some purists would disagree). As the others have pointed out, this might not be the best time to make big, life-altering decisions.

I'm 90% car-free. I still own a car(an ancient Volvo that's paid-for). I'm a single mom and it makes sense to me to have a car for dr. and dentist trips, "big" grocery shopping, and hauling the kiddo back and forth to college.

I live in a small town with minimal public transport and am ~1 hour(by car) from a major city/airport.

You could try parking the car at a friend's or relative's house and making of go of commuting.

Take a large jar or coffee can and tape a picture of the bike you want on the outside. For every day you commute reward youself with the $$$ you saved (gas, parking, wear and tear, gym membership, whatever).

After you have sucessfully commuted for ~1 month, call your insurance agent. You should now qualify for the 10-20% "pleasure class" discount on your auto insurance. Your ins. cards will read something like "for pleasure, not for work or school". My ins. co. just requires that I drive the car <10K miles per year. Take your savings and add them to your jar.

After commuting for 3 months, assess the need for regular "tuneups" and oil-changes. If you've been commuting regularly, you won't be needing these as often, and can bank the savings in your bike-fund.

One caveat: if your car sits parked for long periods your battery may discharge. I bought charger/jumpstarter. One of my xmas gifts this year was a swell solar-powered trickle-charger. I can't wait to try this new toy!

I have to admit I haven't been bike-commuting lately. We are under ~2ft of snow and I've been xc-skiing everywhere instead! Great fun and gets serioulsy odd looks from the neighbors.