Six years car-free commuting!
Six years ago this month I sold my truck and became a totally car-free commuter. The first couple of years I bike commuted and used the city bus system. I gradually worked towards riding in all weather and all conditions all the time. Now I've gone ten months straight of riding my bike to work everyday without missing a day.
It was March of 2000 when gas prices hit $1.45. That was my tipping point. I was living in St. Paul and working in Maplewood. I parked my truck and started to bicycle commute and take the bus. Back then I drove the truck once or twice a week. Mostly on laundromat day or grocery shopping day. So really it's been eight years that I've been a mostly car-free commuter, the last six being totally car-free.
Give it a try. Start with one day a week and work your way up from there. It'll change your life in ways you never knew.
posted by Doug @ 9:18 PM
15 comments
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15 Comments:
Congrats!
More congrats.
Good job! I drove my van to work on Monday, and it felt kinda' weird. I ride my bike or the Bat Scooter most days. It's gotten to be the norm, not the unusual.
Another thought on those lines, yesterday, I saw a motorcycle w/ a bike rack mounted on the back. Interesting idea, I might try it.
I traded my Honda for a Big Dummy and I plan to not drive to work or shopping. We still have one car, but I want to see a tank of gas last two months.
This is easier than I thought. I doubt that I'll go car free. No, check that. When the car dies, we'll take our time replacing it, if we ever do. Between car shares and rentals, why own one in the city?
Sweet keep up the good work.
The company I work for is threatening to move into the centre of the city where I live rather than 50kms away in the countryside. That would reduce my vehicle use to the odd trip to the mtns to play.
I wouldn't get rid of my truck as it is in good shape and has been paid for for several years now so it's kind of in it's "golden phase" where it costs very little to keep running. Since I only drive it occasionally I'm hoping to keep it for a while before mounting maintenance costs force my hand.
good for ya!
while my 10 yr old civic still runs good i toy with the idea of a one car houshold. 9 out of 10 days the bike gets me to work but it's tough to fully commit even after years of my car sitting idle most days.
Hooked on bicycle commuting, but alot gets in the way, I do 12 hour shifts and my 39-40 mile round trip can take up to 3 hours. Rain tomorrow, which I enjoy cycling in, but alot of hassle drying gear and changing, as there are no on-site facilities to cater for cyclists at my place of work. Everyone says I'm nuts to do this, and I agree, but once you're hooked what can you do?
By the way Doug congratulations on reaching such an amazing bicycle commuting milestone, your blog has been a major inspiration and encouragement for me, thanks.
Fantastic, Doug! You're an inspiration, man.
Jason in Albany
Congratulations, Doug. Thanks for the continued inspiration and tips. I've relapsed a bit lately. I'm still bike commuting, but I need to get back to making it a daily habit. Even with gas near $5 a gallon here in Juneau, I still have a hard time motivating to schedule myself strictly enough that I have time to make the commute. What you've done is certainly an admirable accomplishment.
Congrats again!
You are an inspiration Doug. Well done.
We are a 2-car family and it would be hard to give up mine, even though it sits in the garage unused for days at a time. With 3 kids there are times when two cars is the only way to be at soccer practice, swimming, the doctor, the basketball game and a fairy party all at the same time!
We have very poor public transportation in Auckland and no trains in my half of the city.
OK... excuses over...
I have managed to cycle to work all but a dozen days in the past year and when I do drive I feel REALLY GUILTY and think of that crazy guy on the other side of the world riding through snow and ice ;-)
Amazing Doug! I'm bound and determined to go 3-4 days a week this year. Hopefully I won't have too many meetings at 6:30 A.M. It's basically just a matter of getting myself organized enough.
The Forester is paid for and has a new engine, courtesy of Subaru. I would have a difficult time selling her, as I need transportation to get up north for family and the North Shore.
Hopefully it will sit and rest a lot this winter.
Woohoo! WTG Doug!
Congratulation on your 6 years of car free commuting! Supporting my wife in her pursuit of a college degree coupled with gas prices and my age was my tipping point. Keep riding as well as writing!
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