On Cycling - chilts.org

This blog is about cycling whether it be recreational mountain biking or just the mundane commute to work. Either way, it's about getting on those two wheels, doing a bit of exercise and not using the car.

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Living Without a Car

Ever since I sold my car and bought a bike, I’ve been a much happier person.

I’ve also been healthier and even managed to lose some weight when I started. Yeah, currently I need to lose a little too, but that’s ok, summer is finally on the way :)

Not only that, I’ve also managed to save a ton of money. When I got rid of my car I had calculated that I was spending about $250/mth on something I was hardly using. That $250 can now go towards anything else I want, though mostly it ends up in either savings or towards my mortgage. In either case, I’ll come out better in the long run.

Using a Car Now

Nowadays I use a car infrequently, whether as just a passenger or actually driving. Infrequently here means I get into a car on average about once a month. I really don’t use them much. Usually it’s either a taxi or my friend or relation has loaned me one.

My main gripe nowadays though is that when I actually drive one, I become a different person. I shout at the windows (usually in the hope that the other car I’m shouting at doesn’t see me). Not sure why but I just don’t like driving anymore.

Other Advantages of Biking

In quick point form:

  • thoroughly enjoying a ride in the great outdoors
  • being fitter and having more stamina
  • saving money not having to pay for rides
  • getting to the majority of my destinations quicker than a car, bus or taxi
  • not having to pay extra insurance, petrol, maintenance
  • not contributing to greenhouse gasses
  • not jamming up the roads with more 4×4 tanks

And Finally

This blog is going to be something I post to less frequently than the others but hopefully when I see or hear something good about cycling, I’ll put it here to spread the word.

Cycling is something I love and I truly believe that it is a great transportation system for everyone for the future.

After all, look at Copenhagen, it’s awesome.

Labels: car-free, cycling

Inserted: 2010-01-01 01:05 (7 months ago)