how cycling saves alot money

[VeganBikeChick]

What a great post! I'll be car-free for 2 years this August, and I'm really feeling the "need" to have a car again. I currently only have a 2 mile commute to work (that I'm biking!) but have applied for a new job (fingers crossed) that's 15 mi one way and not bikeable. It's an hour commute, one-way, by bus, and if I get the job I'll seriously consider moving closer to the job but it's in the 'burbs, and I'm a city girl - I love my urban jungle.

Thus the dilemma of having/not having a car. Your post has given me renewed inspiration. Thanks for all the great incentives

[Owlie]

Being totally car-free works well in an urban environment, especially if it's got the infrastructure for walking, cycling and public transportation. Cleveland had two of those things down, at least...It was nice not having a car--no paying for parking or digging my car out of snow drifts. We only bought what we could carry from the grocery store, and we got plenty of exercise too. If we needed something that was outside of walking distance, we took the bus. Yes, when we needed to do certain things--like taking the bikes to the LBS--it was really inconvenient, but we got along without it.

Next year, I'll be out in the 'burbs of a different city. I'm pretty sure I'll need a car, as everything's so spread out, and there's nowhere to lock a bike off-campus. I'm not looking forward to being tied to the car, even though it's pretty fuel-efficient. Gas, insurance, two lots of parking...I'd rather have the money for other things, like tuition.

[smilingcat]

Car ownership is $$ I tend to amortize things I own. My computer, 10 years and running at over $1000 -> $100/yr.

Well with cars, cost of ownership per mile driven is around 52cents per mile. This is a composite number generated back in 2007 by AAA. Edmonds pegged it at 42 cents per mile in 2009.

Soo think next time you hop in a car. how much is that the trip costing you!

And some cars it can be as much as $3-$5 per mile or more.

Car insurance in NYC was astronomical back in the '80s $3000/yr. so I moved to NJ in '82 car insurance came down slightly but not much. Then in California, I still pay over $1200/yr on my Prius. No accident, no ticket, non-smoker, discount cause my home owners is with them... Haven't changed my insurance to Oregon yet so not sure what its going to cost.

Buy a cheap reliable car. keep it until it falls apart then buy a new car. Leasing doesn't make sense. Buy it in cash if you can. And be very gentle with your car so it lasts longer!!!

I wish I could be car free!