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 Who Needs a Car?by WiredBerries Editors — October 1, 2007In a nation of 220 million adults who own 247 million registered vehicles, what's the use of one person biking? Need inspiration for making small changes to lead a greener life? One family in Southern California, of all places, discovered the financial, physical, and even spiritual benefits gained by ditching their car for bikes. According to an article in the Orange County Register, the family recouped 35% of their income and lost 100lbs of fat by switching from a gas guzzler to a fleet of bikes: "Within two months they paid off two credit cards. No car meant no car bills. It also meant no quick trips to Taco Bell. No morning jolt of Starbucks. No impulse buys of jeans or toys at Target." And the greatest benefit was that it made their lives more purposeful, less rushed, and more worthwhile.
What people are saying...
For the urban or sub-urban dweller, bicycling is probably a good thing, but it is a bit more difficult for anyone living at the outskirts of town or far into the country not to mention anyone NOT living in a climate similar to Southern California (the majority of us fit into those three categories.) You just can't easliy plop the baby in the backpack and pedal to the baby sitter to drop her off before commuting 20 miles to work in the rain and snow on your bike. But for the small percentage of people who can do that, it is rad. I know what you mean Kris. It's harder (even impossible) for some more than others to simply ditch the car. But it's still inspiring to hear about those who make a "sacrifice" like that and find out it's really a blessing! I'm in the same boat as you though, but this story inspired me to look for other ways to make a difference. I think any attempt to use a bike and or public transport at least some of the time is the step in the right direction. I drive a Prius when I am not on my bike. I ride to work with a combination of Amtrak. The neighborhoods get a little sketchy so I use my prius for part of the commute, my bike for part and the train for part. I save on gas, get tax free commuter checks for amtrak or BART (San Francisco Bay Area) and use public transport to go into SF regularly. I stay more fit, feel healthier, save $$ and save a few carbon calories. I say, do what works for you, and fit in as many opportunities to use a bike, your feet, public transport and SULEV vehicles as often as possible. Have a great life! Comment on this Post
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