Any 100% car free members?

How  many people here are 100% car free? Not part-time or just for those "larger" items some believe only owning a car can deliver, or so they can visit family somewhere else, or they are so happy with their dentist out in the burbs' they refuse to find a new one. Taking public transportation in combination with riding and walking count as being car free. I would just like to know who has taken riding bikes to the next level and ditching the car completely.

About me: I have been car free for 5 years and counting. I sold my 5 years ago to Car Max (I wanted to get rid of it immediately and didn't want to deal with selling it myself). I let my drivers license expire this past Jan. 11th. (My 30th. birthday) and to celebrate (I have been waiting for this moment for a long time) I cut my license up (I have a state ID and have for years) and had a toast with myself. It was one of those moments in my life that will stick with me for life. So, who else does not own a car, will NEVER own a car again and is much happier this way? I have seen so many people ride bikes to only witness that same person jump into their car down the street. I have know many people to ditch the bike for suburbs because they think it is "best for the kids" type attitude.

I'm not judging anyone who ditches the bike, moves to the burbs', and buys a car (Or never really got rid of it) so they can put their kids in a school that is acceptable to them. I just want to know how many plan to live this way for the rest of their lives and are actually doing it. Have a good day everyone and safe riding.

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 20, 2013 at 8:33am

I am currently totally care free but if I will stay that way I do not know; life always changes and I like cars but the bike is going to be my primary transport for a long time now.

Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on January 20, 2013 at 8:59am

Cars have their place and I'm a member of Zip Car. For a period of time while my kids were growing up  we owned 2 cars. I'm blessed by living near the lake and I work downtown so I can leverage both the LBP and public transportation.

There are all sorts of articles out there calculating the cost of owning a vehicle over one's lifetime. $300,000 is a conservative estimate. Also, factor in the supporting infrastructure, roads, energy extraction and delivery, environmental impact, and the costs become incalculable. What will the world look like when India and China have cities that resemble LA? Remember the saying, what's good for GM is good for America? There was a lot of truth to that statement back then. We've moved into a post industrialized society, where now, the internet is our highway. The printing press revolutionized the world and the technology we have today will do no less.

I'd like to consider that progress and I'm optimistic that the enlightenment associated with this progress will get us beyond our current difficulties.

Having said all that, it's always been a dream of mine to own a Corvette, but I just read that Corvette's are considered old fogie cars. Oh well, I'm not a big fan of the new model's Stingray styling, anyway. It looks just a bit too sinister for my tastes.

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&tbm=isch&...

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on January 20, 2013 at 9:45am

I've been car-free for around 6 years now and my gf dumped hers about 2 years ago.

And since getting a trailer we've been able to skip car share altogether as well.

Smugness factor= high. ;)

Permalink Reply by Uptown Joe on January 20, 2013 at 10:03am

Would anything specifically aide in your decisions to drive again? As long as I can walk and grip with my hands, I will be riding. I know you cannot predict your future 100% like the title implies, but I have done a good job of it so far and achieved everything I have wanted. I am happy. As far as a get together for other car-free members for a semi-regular (I would be interested in a regular get together) celebration, I think that's a fantastic idea. Maybe someone could start another thread and we could see how many would be interested in attending and take it from there? Congrats on the 10.5 years h, and also to you and your girlfriend Fran. Very exciting.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 20, 2013 at 10:31am

When ny son borrowed my car, totalled it and I got the check from the insurance company 4 years ago I looked at the check and realized I no longer needed a car. I threw the check in the bank and began commuting. 'Twas one of my better choices, other than moving into the city in the first place. 

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on January 20, 2013 at 10:46am

I ditched my car 8? years ago and now just rent when I need to go somewhere far away for vacations and such, esp. with my dog, who's too big for air travel and not allowed on Amtrak. I also am a member of both IGo and Zipcar, but plan to ditch Zip soon - I rarely use it. I think driving every now and again makes me a better/more aware cyclist and neighbor, just as cycling 98% of the time makes me a much better driver and person. I like driving, just never want to own a car again.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 20, 2013 at 10:58am

I am glad to hear that at 31 years old you already know what the rest of your life holds for you...

Are you married or have a significant other? Where is your family from? What kind of work do you do? All are questions that determine whether you might need a car at some point in your life: If you do not want a car at all costs, it might limit your choices in relationships and work options before you even start. Also you might have loved ones that pass away that live in places where you can only get to by car. Do you ever like to go on vacation to places you can only get to by car or airplane?

I am in my mid-forties and we have never owned a car. I rent a car 3-6 times a year for personal use and 3-6 times a year for business use. We don't plan to own a car, but if our life ever requires it I would not hesitate to get one.

Permalink Reply by william on January 20, 2013 at 11:04am
car free since 2005
Permalink Reply by Uptown Joe on January 20, 2013 at 11:14am

Very nice, William. Congrats to you.

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on January 20, 2013 at 11:19am

Nice. I didn't know you were in your mid 40s. All of that biking must keep you youthful and able to drink good quantities of beer, ha.

Duppie 13.5185km said:

I am glad to hear that at 31 years old you already know what the rest of your life holds for you...

Are you married or have a significant other? Where is your family from? What kind of work do you do? All are questions that determine whether you might need a car at some point in your life: If you do not want a car at all costs, it might limit your choices in relationships and work options before you even start. Also you might have loved ones that pass away that live in places where you can only get to by car. Do you ever like to go on vacation to places you can only get to by car or airplane?

I am in my mid-forties and we have never owned a car. I rent a car 3-6 times a year for personal use and 3-6 times a year for business use. We don't plan to own a car, but if our life ever requires it I would not hesitate to get one.

Permalink Reply by Richard on January 20, 2013 at 1:38pm

Here. I've been car free since 1999, my wife since 1997, and my four year old daughter has a car seat for the occasional zip car / I-Go use. But honestly, she dislikes her car seat. We plan to pretty much stay this way. If our circumstances demand we buy a car, then we might as well move out of Chicago. 

Permalink Reply by Noah Weiss 1.2 km on January 20, 2013 at 1:46pm
I have been car-free since I moved to Chicago in 2009. I did join Zipcar in November of 2010, however.

Of course, does 100% car free also imply no rental or car-sharing memberships either? :)

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