Going car-lite

[shootingstar]

It's useful for regular rides (several times per wk.), to find routes where you don't have to drive out and then ride. Unless it is a multi-modal work commute ride combined with parking car at a transit stop parking lot, that allows you to build in SOME fitness daily.

Not referring the exceptional, occasional group event rides.

For some people, it can be a totally different way of running one's schedule and lifestyle. Initially it feels like a certain amount of planning when doing alot stuff along the way by bike.

As for visiting friends, my long-time friends I don't see them often (even when I did live in the same city as them. I don't now since I am in a different city.) but we adjust to one another's transportation modes. They genuinely understand my lack of car. I don't have a driver's license. I had problems learning to drive car and never felt comfortable when I did have a license. (So I won't become the senior citizen agonizing over "loss of independence" because I won't be allowed to drive a car. )

And all of my friends, by coincidence over the last 25 yrs., have undertaken their own fitness activities, some bike related while others chose other activities. We have such different lives and busy schedules that by default we can't see each other often anyway.


Over the decades, I have actively chosen to live in places that minimally, are accessible to public transit. (7 different places in 4 different cities) It must be a highly consicous choice.

I've never regretted the choices I've made re: home locations, not having a car.

When I am offered a car ride, I genuinely appreciate it. And enjoy it for what it is.

[colorisnt]

Another great thing for me has been deciding to support local businesses. I live South of town and there are a lot of chains this way. But I work at the university (smack dab in town). I have learned to do a lot of stuff when I am there. I buy local stuff if I can, visit the international food market on my way home, use the pharmacy on campus, pick up something on my way home (lots of places on the way). It has actually made life simpler and easier.

Unfortunately I am not yet "car lite" and not as hard core as you girls due to the need to drive when I get ill and for when I need to go to and from home - a 450 mile drive. I would love to bike home sometime, but I don't think that is something that is realistic haha.

Good on you girls for going the extra mile!

[shootingstar]

I have learned to do a lot of stuff when I am there. I buy local stuff if I can, visit the international food market on my way home, use the pharmacy on campus, pick up something on my way home (lots of places on the way). It has actually made life simpler and easier.

Revel in it, since you may not live in such convenient place to combine cycling all the time in life.

[Crankin]

I have been doing the above for years. And in the summer, I do a lot of those errands on my bike, especially getting fresh produce from the local farms.
I have a 2003 car that has 64,000 miles on it. At this rate, it is going to last forever. Granted, we use DH's car for trips, but still. My friends don't think twice about driving all over the place.
My friends in my grad program make fun of me because I don't drive into the city. I drive to the terminus of the train, park in the garage, and go 2 stops, where the university is half a block away. The university reimburses me for my parking fees.
My goal now is to find a job when I graduate where I can commute, or at the least maintain the type of riding/driving I do now, while doing my internship. Where I am at now is probably at the edge of commutability for me (16 miles). The main issue is the last mile is through a very sketchy part of the city and on the way back there's a traffic situation, involving a one way thing (round a bout, sort of, with a large dash of horrible drivers who don't obey the law).
I do what I can, and am OK with the knowledge that I drive a whole lot less than most of the people I know. But, I do miss commuting.