Hi,

I'm interested in creative ways to go car-lite.

For instance, I've heard this rule: "If it's less than 5 miles away, no car." Must use bike, transit, or walk.

What are some other rules or guidelines I could try?

* A ration for how many miles I can drive each month?
* A ratio (e.g. round-trip driving time must take at least 50% less time than the amount of time I'll be at the event - so a 3-hour RT is only worth it for a 6+ hour event)?
* A money figure (event cost + gas + bridge toll = better not to go at all)?
Etc.
(Am I totally geeking out here??)

I already do most of my errands and work commuting by bike. However, I think owning the car allows me to do way too much optional running-around (to see friends, events, go volunteering, help drive someone somewhere, and whatnot). I'd like a life that is less frantic, more environmentally sound, less expensive, and healthier. I think spending time in a car - *any* time - sucks the life energy out of me!

It is the longer trips, not really the shorter trips, that bug me the most. Like driving 2 hours round-trip to a meet-up for a bike ride or hike. I could just do a more local ride/hike, or use transit to get there. Or just give it up sometimes, to have a less crammed schedule

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, so this challenge should not be too difficult, as we have relatively good weather (just rain) and some reasonable transit options to most places.

And yes, I'd consider car-free, or car-sharing (City Car Share), as well as car-lite. Just looking for some more car-lite ideas (with my own car) for now.

Just saw the movie, Low Impact Man. It is extremely thought-provoking!

- Mariposa