Going car-lite

[emily_in_nc]

Our bus system within Chapel Hill-Carrboro city limits is also free thanks to UNC.

The regional transit bus is $2 per ticket, with various passes available that get it down to $1.60. I am planning to start riding the transit bus to work a couple of days a week come springtime. I will still drive a couple of days since the bus ride will add time to my commute, and I want to get home early enough to cycle after work a couple of days a week. I also work at home one day a week. If I could get down to driving to work just two days a week, I'd be very pleased indeed. Especially since we have only the one car and rarely drive anywhere on the weekends -- last night's Super Bowl party excepted.

[shootingstar]

Will still be car-free when I move...3 blocks away. I mentioned this earlier. http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=41463 Plus a new separated bike lane will be installed nearby. I don't think this city's cyclists will be prepared for the furor it will cause among drivers since I am familiar with this street.

But now, new home will put me 1 block away from the bike-pedestrian riverside path..it's a really popular route with cyclists and joggers. Thankfully in early morning, won't be as many enthusiasts. I still have some side quiet streets of choice, to breeze along.

[Owlie]

It is remarkably easy to be car-free (or at least car-light) here.

Of course, I'm lucky enough to live in an area where I can walk to the grocery store (you'd be amazed what you can fit in a backpack), there's a post office, the bank, and most other things you need on a daily basis that are also within walking distance. This area's also (relatively) bike-friendly. I say relatively, because I mean mostly that the drivers are used to seeing cyclists.

If we need to go to Target/Whole Foods or (heaven forbid) the mall, that's a little more challenging. Bus fare is $2.25 one-way, so if there are transfers involved, it gets quite expensive. You can get a monthly pass for $85, so if you use the bus every day, it's worth it. Problem is, there have been a lot of cutbacks recently. It's usually easier for us to call a friend with a car and say "When are you going to X? Mind if we tag along?"