Well folks, I have decided to try going car less for 2 weeks. Tomorrow I drop my car off at the shop to have the brakes done and plan to park it again Tuesday morning and try my hardest not to get back in until April 13. Actually, I would like to not have to get back into it at all...but baby steps.
It is a trial run before I put my car up for sale. I am a little scared, but also excited. My sister and nephew came into town Friday, so I parked the car and we drove theirs around all weekend (a car seat is a tight fit in a mini anyway). Tonight I have friends going to Target so I asked to tag along. Mick is outfitted with a crate for hauling things (which I used for the bike cleaning day...fit tools, rags, shoes, cleaning supplies AND a floor pump in there!). I don't have fenders yet, but am hoping I can get a ride with a co-worker if it rains, which is predicted for Tuesday.
I will keep you posted on how it goes. I have yet to figure out a good, safe way to take public transport to work, but will be working on that this week as well. I am scared of becoming a pain in the ass to friends, so that will be tested during this time. Let's hope not having a car isn't a relationship killer...
This is daunting but a challenge I look forward to undertaking.
Wish me luck. goodbye Mini...see you in 2 weeks!
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Wow, I have never owned a car, so I have never had to think about how scary selling it would be or adjust my behaviour accordingly. You might find the book How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life by Chris Balish useful. The author went from being very care dependent to carfree pretty abruptly after selling his overnight somewhat by accident. He has a lot of tips for commuting, shopping and socializing without a car, not to mention stats, quotations from carfree people and cartoons which are excellent motivation by reminding you of the environmental, health and monetary benefits of being carfree.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I worry about when it comes to being carless -- how often would I have to beg rides from others, and how much would that annoy them? ;) Eager to hear what you discover during these two weeks.
ReplyDelete~Trisha
one less car, nice one!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm taking my truck into the shop for necessary pre-sale repairs this week also. So I'll be watching your experiment with keen interest. I can't wait to hear how it goes (and I anticipate terrific news).
ReplyDeleteI was without a car for many years, and wound up biking through several winters in Milwaukee. With the right gear, you can bike through anything!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! I've never had a car, so I don't know what I'm missing. Actually, when I've housesat and had access to vehicle, driving a car felt kinda weird! ;)
ReplyDelete+1 for the recommendation of Chris Balish's book. He covers those very scenarios and gives good tips about ALL aspects of being car-free.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've already read "How to Live Well Without Owning a Car:..." Add my recommendation.
ReplyDelete