I stopped at the HyVee near my home today before work, and the cashier asked, "Are you that guy who's going to give up his car next week?"
Yes, I replied.
"Do people think you're crazy?"
I explained that, yes, some do, including my wife. (But that's nothing new.)
Anyway, I want to point out that what I am doing is not crazy, and it is done by many people here in the Quad-Cities on a daily basis. People find ways to get around without a car for a variety of reasons -- because they have to, because they want to, because they love to ride their bike, because they want to cut down on their carbon footprint, etc. I know of many people who ride their bike to work every day. They are the ones who really deserve all the attention.
But since I am an editor with easy access to getting the word out about Alternative Transportation Week, I offered myself as an example of what the whole process of going car-less is like.
Plus, I hope that following the exploits of a novice will be more eye-opening, and hopefully entertaining, as I am confronted for the first time with daily car-free commuting.
Speaking of which, I think I'm ready for Day 1 on Saturday. The bike is all tuned up, I hauled a week's worth of work clothes to the office this morning and am ready to pull the keys out of the van's ignition tonight and not start it back up again until Saturday, May 16.
Way to go Joe! Don't forget to carry a spare tire and pump along with a full water bottle.
ReplyDeleteThe water's not for drinking though, but for squirting those little four-legged, un-collared, "heal nippers" should you happen to run across one...(I mean ride past one:-) This used to work for me many, msny years ago when I used to ride. Although, after awhile I almost think those little rascals used to chase me down just for a cool drink:-) Man was I thirsty when I got home!
Bravo to your car-free adventure. I applaud you and hope it draws attention to the fact that life is possible without a car or at least on a more limited basis. In some cities it's easier to go car-free than others.
ReplyDeleteI spent most of my life in the Quad Cities before moving to Portland, Oregon several years ago. I hate to say it, but your experiment wouldn't draw a moment's attention in Portland. I don't know which comes first: people's mindset or a city's transportation amenities. Dedicated bike lanes along many of the busiest streets; numerous bike shops, and user-friendly public transportation all entice a citizen to leave his car parked at home. I'm eager to follow your escapade as it unfolds.
Good work, Joe! I won't be going car-less for ATW but I'll be rolling along at my usual 62 MPG or so, and reading your reports. I hope you got your Mothers Day shopping done before you pulled the keys -- or at least that she didn't want a new tree for the yard! :)
ReplyDeleteBe careful out there.
Bravo for you!!! My husband and I are carless but we do find ways to get where we need to go....ex the bus...I wish more people would take advantage of it...we also ahve a wagon, which i must say some people find amusing (which i suppose it is)that we use to go get groceries and heavier items we might require...i just tell people it is our way of going green ;)
ReplyDeleteA week's worth of clothes to the office!?! Heck, when I try just to take my office clothing to the YMCA (to change into after the morning workout), I've always forgotten socks or a necktie or boxers or something.
ReplyDeleteJust make sure you have a fresh supply of deodorant at work-- other omissions are easily forgiven.
How is this supposed to be interesting when so many people live without a vehicle in the first place? My mother a single parent was toally blind...and we carried laundry, groceries, ect all by foot. No city transportation where we lived. You just had to get started sooner and watch the weather. I just think your not going far enough with this.
ReplyDelete