Comments on: Two Wheels, Two Feet

By: Karen Maezen Miller

Karen Maezen Miller — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:38:04 +0000

Finding that as I let go of my “parenting as life project” attachment, I am ready for anything. Perhaps that’s why the universe has sent me you.

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:48:16 +0000

I genuinely wish that I could adapt to not having a car. I am one of “those people” who just needs one. I’ve tried going without one, and it just drove me nuts to know that I couldn’t hop into the car and go somewhere at a moment’s notice, whenever I wanted to. Also, public transit is very bad in the Bay Area–I’d have to take a bus, a train, and another bus each way just to get to the place where I work, which would total an hour of commuting time each way, compared to 20 minutes in the car. Even with paying a bridge toll ($5), and gas ($3) for the trip, it’s still cheaper to drive than it is to pay the assorted fares for public transit ($12).
However–all that said–I’m wondering how much that will change as I transition into working freelance. I won’t be commuting over a bridge any longer, and I’m living in small-town Alameda, just outside of Oakland, which is really bike friendly.

By: Di

Di — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:05:57 +0000

I gave up cars when I moved to Europe, as they all drive on the wrong side … they recently exchanged my kiwi licence for a Belgian one but they shouldn’t have.
I don’t miss them and you’re right, I am stronger, fitter, lighter and enjoying it.

By: Marianne @ Zen Peacekeeping

Marianne @ Zen Peacekeeping — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:52:06 +0000

He he. We are in synch. I posted about not having a car today as well. xx

By: Heather Plett

Heather Plett — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:28:10 +0000

When my husband quit his job 7 years ago to be a stay-at-home dad and go to university, we sold one of our vehicles (and several other unnecessary things we’d accumulated) and down-sized from a van to a car. We’re one of the only families of five I know with only one small vehicle. But even though my husband is working again, I’m in no rush to get another vehicle. I quite like the fact that we have no choice but to find ways of adapting and living lighter.

By: pixie

pixie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:31:08 +0000

I’m digging being a one car family! It’s been about 8 months now, and I’m not sure I can go back! You inspire…

By: postcards from...

postcards from... — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:41:45 +0000

we sold our car when we left new zealand and, living in london, we’ve had no need of one! the subway & buses go everywhere and travelling out of london is so, so easy on the trains. i can’t really figure out why most people feel they need to have one here!
i’m trying to figure out how to live without one when we move back to new zealand, where there’s very little in the way of public transport!

By: kelly

kelly — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:47:40 +0000

I’ve lived in L.A. since Christmas 1995 and my husband and I have only ever had one car. When he worked outside of the home, some days I would drive him to work and take our son to various parks and what not. We love walking but people still think we’re crazy for walking in L.A.! Some think we’re crazier for only having one car and it’s a small one to boot!