Simple Solution
One year ago this week I sold my car. To commemorate that, I wanted to reflect on my former commuting life, and how sometimes there is a “simpler” solution right under our nose. But it takes an open mind to *see* it. And take the leap and figure it out.
There’s nothing wrong with cars, they’re very useful. But they’re not the tool for every job. With Boston being ranked as 19th for congestion (and my former home city of Los Angeles as 1st) I’ve found I can get more done on two wheels, while enjoying life much more.
Love your art and commentary.
I hit 10 years this month since I sold my truck. I can’t imagine giving up my daily bike commute now. It’s the best part of my day.
Congratulations on one whole year car-free!
I rode my bike to a cafe, I’m sipping a mocha, then I come across your extremely appropriate comic for city commuters. Thank you for brightening my morning.
I moved to Brooklyn about a year ago. After 5 months of barely using the car, I finally sold it. I thought I was going to miss it. To my surprise, I didn’t. I finally felt free from parking, maintenance, etc.
But when I went for a two week visit to relatives, I missed riding my bike. INTENSELY. It’s become a simple daily joy as much as a way to get around.
Congrats on your first post-automobile year! My own first anniversary is coming up next month. As I see it, I have more or less traded one hour per day of wasted time (in a car) plus an hour of useful time for two hours a day of useful time spent exercising or reading (while on mass transit).
Living without a car is much easier than I thought it would be, but it does involve more thinking and planning. To me that’s a bonus, but I can see how all that thinking might scare people.