Living a car free lifestyle…

I don’t have a car. I live what I like to call a “car free lifestyle.” I get around using the following methods of transportation: walking, riding my bike, using the bus, light rail, and taking taxis. This is not for everyone, and quite frankly a lot depends on the following: the city you live in, the transportation options you have available, how bike friendly the city you live in is, the cost of public transportation, the weather, your ability to be around strangers, time management, your fitness, and what you’re willing to tolerate. Not having a car has saved me a lot of money over the years. I don’t pay for gas, car maintenance, or insurance. My work issues an “Eco Pass” for its employees. The pass allows me to use all forms of public transit and I can take the Skyride (bus to Denver International Airport for $5) free returning from the airport. There are some downsides-there are some places that are better to go to using a car due to inconvenient bus times, the neighborhood might be iffy, or because of the time of your trip. If I am traveling after 9:30 pm I tend to take a taxi. As a woman out at night I think it’s better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes it can feel a little strange if you’re dressed up to go to a club or bar and you’re on a bus. By the way, if I had children I would absolutely have a car.  Another downside is that it might be difficult to do something spontaneous using public transportation. Riders have to deal with the specific route’s schedule. If the weather is bad it can suck. You’re outside in the cold, rain, wind, snow,or lightning, and you have to wait for the bus to arrive. Sometimes buses come late, sometimes early. What is your contingency plan when that happens? If I’m going somewhere where there is a set arrival time I might take a slightly earlier bus. Also, you’re always the friend who has to hitch a ride when traveling to places that aren’t served well by the transit system. Ultimately, living a car free lifestyle depends on the following: how much are you willing to tolerate? I am currently thinking about buying a car, but, I don’t believe in car loans. So, I will continue to piece together my transportation until I save enough money to buy a decent car. For my dear friends who have driven me around I try to treat them from time to time to something nice. The health benefits have been great for me. So, I am issuing a challenge: Those of you who live in a place where you can piece together a car free lifestyle-try doing it for two weeks. Record how it goes and let me know about the experience! Hope to hear from you soon.