Going Carless
This morning I walked to breakfast. Tomorrow I plan on doing the same thing. I also plan on walking to the library. Why? Because I don’t have a car.
I still own my car, but currently am loaning it out to my younger brother until he graduates college and gets a car of his own. After weighing all the options I decided this would be the best and most sisterly thing to do. Since I am not currently working a traditional job I have no pressing need for a car. Everything I could possibly need is within a walking distance of four miles, I have a bike and I have plenty of friends and family members who can give me a ride if I really need one.
I’ve caught myself fighting the feeling that something is missing because I am going carless. I’ve been without a car for three months while I lived in Vermont, but for some reason coming back home to Tennessee it feels harder. But then in moments of greater clarity I realize what a smart decision it is to get rid of your car entirely.
Sean from Location 180 just sold his car as he is preparing to leave the country, and he lists a great number of benefits for not having a car including financial savings, more exercise, seeing the city, and being nicer to the environment. All are great benefits! I personally am excited about the money I am saving by not having a car and the extra exercise that is naturally being included in my day. For me, the benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience.
It certainly seems that others feel the same way. They are luckier to live in cities that are more pedestrian/biker friendly, but happy to be carless and promote the idea too. Sean’s post and all the comments on it are proof of that. And then there is even more including the blog, Going Carless, and Chris Guillebeau’s great article about being able to travel or owning a car.
So for now I’m happy to be without a car. It’s a bit frustrating at times, but putting me closer to my end goals. And that works for me.
I'm pretty much carless, but not quite, I guess :D If I had my way, I'd be carless and have a bike or two. One for travel, and one for play :)
WALKING to the LIBRARY! You are my kind of person! I am madly in love with you, but well within the bounds of propriety. Take care friend.
@Kepa
I love bikes!!! Unfortunately all of mine are broken currently. 'Tis a shame.
@Josh
That comment made me laugh. Thanks for the love, and the amusment. ;)
[...] I’m in Memphis for a few weeks without a formal job or even a car, I’ve found out I’ve got to do something to keep myself busy. There is only so much [...]
[...] I’m in Memphis for a few weeks without a formal job or even a car, I’ve found out I’ve got to do something to keep myself busy. There is only so much [...]
I spent my first year here in the city living car-less, and I can honestly say that I learned a lot that year. Not having your own wheels is very inconvenient — especially when you've had your own car for years and are accustomed to the spontaneity and independence that suburban car-living offers. I subconsciously limited all of my activities — I needed to go to Target, but since I didn't have a car I would buy $6 deodorant at CVS instead of making the effort to shop at a less convenient location. I would spend full days inside my apartment studying instead of going down to the library or coffee shop because lugging my books down there was just too big of a hassle.
Now that I have my wheels, nothing has really changed. I still limit my destinations by convenience, only now I'm more likely to go somewhere because it has free parking than because it is a cool environment or a great place to study.
It turns out that what I really have is a lack of motivation. With or without a car, what is really driving our destinations is how much we want to go there, not how we travel.
Kudos to you, Mary, for pushing yourself and expanding your personal boundaries. I wish I had one ounce of your determination!
It's very inconvenient, especially in a place where so few places are easily accessed through walking. Honestly, some days the hassle wins out. If I don't want to lug my stuff to the library or walk to the store I just sit around and watch tv. I hate when that happens so I try not to let those days happen often. But you are right – the determination and desire to get somewhere is what really makes it happen, not whether or not you have a car.
years ago, i lost my car. this was back when i did NO exercise (i didnt believe in it). i suddenly got way more fit from having to walk more! i moved into the center of the city after that, and started feeling even better. also, im a horrible driver, so for me, and for others who happen to live near me, me not driving is a good thing! i even moved to SF because its another city i wouldnt have to drive in. :) yay carlessness!