I really hate it when people write about a one sided opinion and call it advice. The worse is when someone writes about why you should sell your car, because driving a car will cost more than riding a bike. I agree the bottom line of owning a car will cost more than owning a bike. But what I hate is when people make non-motorized commute some type of godsend, and try to make people who drive cars seem like idiots. Although, I agree that public transportation might be a better option than driving for some people, it is not for the majority.
Public transportation is great, when it is convenient, on time, safe, and cheap. That is why I really love riding the subway, and wished I lived in a city with one. Unfortunately, I live in Houston, which has neither subway nor a decent public transportation system. Critics might scream why don’t you get a bike and bike to work? Well, Houston is city that is extremely spread out; I live 10 miles away from work and that is still considered close in Houston. So try biking 20 miles round trip a day. Additionally, it is dangerous to bike to work, because of all the car and trucks on the road. I dare you to bike on major roads at night alongside heavy trucks. Even if you want to ride a bike, you will have trouble navigating the road, which are not bicycle friendly at all; there are potholes everywhere, and only a few roads have paths for bikes. If you work downtown, there are no places you can attach your bike to, without getting it ticketed. People who do bike to work downtown have to take their bike into work. Of course you would save money by not having a car, but is it realistic?
If you want to have fun in Houston you are going to need some type of motorized transportation. I have never seen anyone bike to a bar before. What if you want to pick someone up on a date, do you do it in your bike or how about ride the bus? I can go on and on about how many things you are limited to if you don’t own a car in Houston.
The point I am trying to convey here is that although being car-less is ideal not many people can live that dream. It is possible if you live in a city with amazing public transportation, like Singapore, but for most United States cities that just is not going to happen.
If you want to argue otherwise please let me know
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Frugal or just Plain stupid?
How to save time at the DPS
I never drive to a bar, that way I actually get to drink
How do you get there? Taxi? Walk?
I usually ride a bike. I live about 12km (+/-8miles) from the bars I usually go to.
Sometimes, I will take a bus (lucky here: buses back home until 3 am!).
I do own a car though, and even though it doesn’t cost me anything (my employer pays for the vehicle, maintenance, gas, insurance,…) I try to ride my bike when I can – beats going to the fitness.
I liked your article though and do agree that it’s not practical/possible for everyone to live without a car.
Is there a particular reason why you ride your bike to the bars? I believe in Houston you still can get pulled over and taken to jail for a dui even on a bike.
I live outside the US, no DUI on bike here
Too true! I see so many people who simply suggest getting rid of the car. I live in Fort Worth and life would be impossible without a car. How would I get from a massive subdivision to downtown? Bikes and mass transit are not viable options for the vast majority of people here.
Yeah, seriously! Dallas is just like Houston – HUGE. Impossible to get around by biking. Not to mention, it gets really hot during the summer time.