This evening I strolled through the vegetable isle at the Co-op and ended up chatting with a really nice couple about living carfree. Our conversation went something like this:
Gentleman: “Can I ask you a question?”
Me: “Sure.”
Gentleman: “Do you own a car?”
Me: “Nope”
Gentleman: “That’s what I thought (as he smiled). Those are great bags!”
Then we had an in-depth discussion about my bike bags and night time riding. The conversation made me really happy. As we left the co-op, I was laughing with L about our in store attire. Both us were walking around looking like complete geeks with our bike helmets on, pants tucked into our socks, complemented with reflectors and lights.
Every time someone asks me about our carfree lifestyle, it makes me happy and hopeful. Perhaps we are a quiet billboard for the car free lifestyle. Hopefully, more people will choose to sell their cars (or at least 1 from their fleet) and start biking, walking and taking public transit. Obviously, this isn’t a feasible option for everyone. Particularly, for folks with disabilities or those who live in rural areas. But for those of us who live in cities and are healthy, there isn’t any reason we can’t get in gear (pun intended) and use other methods of transit.
When we divorced our car, earlier this year, I didn’t think biking everywhere and renting cars when we traveled would be so much fun! We are having a blast! I’m so thankful that we overcame our fears and took the plunge! Yay for more excercise and cleaner air.
