People who use bicycles instead of cars? Is it working for you?

Question

How many miles on average do you cycle a day?
I'm thinking about selling my stupid car and start using a bicycle. Do you think that's a good idea?

Answer 1

I would never give up my car, but if you are seriously considering doing this, just be sure you have really good friends that will be willing to drive you around when you need to buy stuff that doesn't fit on your bike. For example, let's say you need to buy a new microwave; you can't exactly carry that home in a backpack, so you will need the use of a car. Like it was suggested above, seriously try living without a car for a week or two, and see if you can manage before you make such a big decision.

Answer 2

While I don't think you would really sell your car (unless you live in NYC) I wish I could. Living sort of in the country side, everything is quite far though. Work - 35 miles, grocery store 3 or more miles etc. Winter in Michigan??? And since I have kids and school is 7 miles - NO CAN DO.

But I do think it can be done for a relatively healthy single adult with friends and family that could supply the occasional ride. But what happens if you are sick and need to drive to the drugstore - a friend BETTER be around. What if you injure you foot, leg etc. What if it's pouring rain and you have to get to work, dry and well dressed?

I used to have a motorcycle and even then it was inconvenient to drive all the time. Can't carry a couple 2x4s from Home Depot that way.

When you think about it life would be hard and quite different with out the auto. Suburbs wouldn't exist and a whole lot more.

That all be said it would be a great one year experiment to do this. Keep a journal on your adventures for the year. Write a book!

I ride for short trips to the DQ, party store, friends houses etc. Otherwise I ride for work outs maybe 75 miles per week now. Could I use my bike more for errands, sure but I put myself in a position where I NEED a car much of the time.

Answer 3

Take a BikeEd course to make sure you know your local laws and can ride safely with and in traffic. Most cyclists will be involved in crashes / collisions when they first start - BikeEd can help you avoid the life threatening kinds.

Not that I'm trying to dissuade you, statistically biking is safer than walking (see the "ways to go" link below).

I've been car free for 2 years now. My wife has a car, so technically I have use of half a car. But I never drive it independently.

Car share programs are something else to explore- sometimes the cars convenience is too hard to beat.

That being said, I cycled for 6 months before donating my car; I would suggest at least one winter (if you are in a cold climate) or one summer (if you are in a warm climate) before you sell your car.

I have a single bike with a rack and panniers; when you are estimating your costs consider a good bike frame and components, but don't forget accessories-- if you cycle a lot clipless pedals and shoes do come in handy; you will have much more capacity if your bike carries the stuff (bags called panniers) than a backpack or messenger bag.

Make sure the bike is fitted to you; it will be worth it.

Clothes -- your wardrobe will be change as you add polyester wicking shirts (they keep you dry from perspiration), and bike shorts.

Ideally you will have multiple bikes for different types of riding - snow climates often call for mountain bikes with tires for snow and ice; road bikes are significantly more efficient (recumbents even more so).

Also, think about a bicycle repair class; it is much cheaper to learn your own bike and perform the labor than to pay someone else.

As others have mentioned, bicycles are the most energy efficient means of transportation. period. It's probably 5 times faster than walking, and still requires less energy to go faster!

You'll be faster than cars, living longer, saving money, and energy.

Answer 4

I bike about 10 miles each way to work, i have a shower there so i can be clean. i live in orlando where the traffic is bad and th drivers are worse so it can be dangerous sometimes. Make sure you have worked out the small details before you sell your car. You should try to only use your bike for all of your transportaation needs so you can be sure selling your car is good idea.

Answer 5

It can save you lots of money on insurance as a teenager.

But it kinda depends on where you live. If you are in San Diego, go for it. there is lots of good weather and public transportation.

Small town in Colorado? forget it unless you are ULTRA prepared.

So get two bikes and put just liability on your car insurance, or suspending insurance.

Before doing that, try using just a bike and public transportation for a week. If at the end of the week you think it is possible, proceed.

Start-up:
get public transportation maps. join the bike club or at least contact the members for detailed advice.

buy one folding bike and one MTB type.. learn bike maintenance basics. put fenders, lights and a rack on your bike.

Check out www.xtracycle.com and trailers for shopping. wear clothes and a helmet that hide your gender.

I have lots of friends that do this. there is lots to learn about doing it, but can be financial and physically rewarding. take a self defense course- some jerks think females on bikes are good targets.

I use an electric assist bike and a detachable trailer, coupled with public transportation.

Answer 6

I have an ex that used to ride a bike instead of drive a car, and to be honest it used to be a bit of a turn off as he bluntly refused to learn to drive despite having the money... If you CAN drive but just choose to ride a bike though to save money, I'd say that's quite cool, except it's not as romantic being picked up for a date with your bike atow as it would being picked up by a car!

Answer 7

i commute 12 miles one way on my bike just about every day. and i love it . i actually get upset on day that i dont get to ride. as for selling the car, i wouldnt. i just drove my truck for the first time in over a month but it is nice to know its there if i need it. some times alarms dont go off or like stated above you need to move large things. my bike paid for itself in gas with in a few months (low end bike, gas guzzler truck). im in way better shape and im generally happier (endorphins). ive also gotten into distance riding as a result where i have made new friends and buisness contacts as well as opening the door to charity rides to up my karma. all in all a positive choice. just dont sell the car they are handy to have around.

Answer 8

I couldn't get away with it 100% without putting some serious kinks in my lifestyle, but it does save me a ton of money on gas. It also is a timesaver. I'd put in quite a bit of time working out regardless, but now commute time and workout time are the same thing.

Answer 9

I ride my bike to work when I can and love it. I can't do all my shopping on it though, so I still have my car. if I could, I'd get rid of my car, too. think about how much you might have to carry on your bike and what you'll do it the weather is bad and you can't safely ride it.

Answer 10

i'll trade you my stupid bike for your stupid car...seriously,though..a bike is probably the most efficient form of transportation there is,and there are so many upsides, for instance....economy,exersize ,air quality...do it(but hang on to the car for awhile, just in case)