My 30-Day No Car Challenge
The world is trying to tell me something. Gas prices in my area are over $4.50/gallon, I recently reduced my commute from three hours a day to ten minutes, I’m financially in the hole, and as I mentioned earlier this week my car broke down and costs twice as much to fix as it’s worth. Suddenly, like hitting myself over the head with a frying pan, I’m getting the following messages: reduce your consumption! save the planet! get moving! enjoy the outdoors! don’t incur more debt! get creative! And so, folks, I am entering my 30-day No Car Challenge.
What’s the point of a 30-Day No Car Challenge?
Before making any rash decisions like donating my car, buying a new one, buying a used one or sending it up into gold station-wagon heaven (aka the junkyard), I need some time to think about my decision and figure out if I really can live without a car - something I never before thought possible. I’m going to experience a whole new feeling of freedom and dependency at the same time (more on that below).
How the heck am I going to make it work?
I live three miles from work - my plan is to roller blade in the morning after I go running (build up legs of steel) if I know I’ll be coming home after dark and will be getting a ride. On days where I know I can leave before dark, I’ll ride my mom’s bike.
What are the drawbacks?
- My rollerblades are 12 years old, they don’t have brakes, and the wheels are so worn down that they are pointy where they hit the ground.
- I’m afraid of riding home (bike or blades) in the dark; especially since the way home from work is through a trail and under a dark bridge.
- On that note, I’m afraid of taking the same path every day (paranoid about stalkers)
- It becomes a lot more difficult to carry things without a car. Still trying to figure out the best way to go pick up my dry cleaning.
- I’ll have to rely on others and ask for rides more often
- It will be harder for me to spontaneously see friends (unless they come to me or live close).
What are the benefits?
- I feel freer already!
- I’ve consolidated my three big heavy bags into one and it feels great!
- I’m getting a built-in workout and enjoying the outdoors
- I’ve already saved $200 by not renewing my registration or car insurance (they are both on some kind of latent plan)
- I don’t have to worry about gas prices for the next 30-days - Muhahahaha!
I’m going to keep a little journal and check back in with you from time to time. Until then, wish me luck!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Sounds like a great plan! Save money, get exercise. Good luck to you…
August 1st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I love reading the log….
August 5th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Thanks Ladies! So far, so good.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:35 am
GOOD FOR YOU!!! Love the log, it’s kind of like tweeting.. uh oh!!
August 5th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
You could also utilize the free Caltrain shuttle from the Shoreline area to the Mountain View station after dark if that gets you closer to home. Good luck!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Good for you! Having been car-free for 3 years now, life is much nicer without a car. There are solutions to all your problems/questions but you need to think outside your “use a car for everything” paradigm. First, buy a bright yellow gortex jacket and a good headlight and tail light for your bike. You will be very visible at night. On the few days it actually rains during your commute (and you can count them on less than 10 fingers), get a pair of gortex rain pants. It also helps to have one pair of water proof shoes and gloves. You’re set. It is beautiful riding a bike in the rain. If you are wearing the right gear, you will arrive completely dry and content and soooo glad that you rode that bike.
I would not advise riding on the creek path at night. You have bike lanes on Shoreline and Middlefield, I think the two main roads for your commute. Once you get used to riding on a road with traffic, you will not notice the traffic. Wear a helmet with a little rear view mirror so you can check on the cars behind you. It is safest if you ride your bike using the same rules of the road that cars use, so drivers know what to expect from you.
With all the money you are saving by not driving a car you can afford good gear and a good bike, and good roller blades. If you use old worn-out blades and an old clunky bike, you are not giving your car-free experience a fair chance against a car-dependent life.
There are many ways to carry things without a car. We have two bike trailers (those kiddie trailers for in half and can be stored in a closet). I have expandable metal baskets on each side of my bike that each hold a bag of groceries. My xtracycle is the best thing on the planet, hauls everything but probably not your kind of bike. A great backpack works too. You can also just get stuff delivered, actually you can get Everything delivered.
Hang in there.