Profiles

NAME: Elizabeth AGE: 39 CITY: Santa Rosa

CAR-FREE OR CAR-LITE? Car-Free!

1. Which of the following best describes you? Please check one.
___ I own a car but use other forms of transport frequently
_x_ I do not presently own a car though I have owned a car previously
___ I am car-free and have never owned a car

2. How long have you been car-free ?
This time- since November 2005. I was also car-free for 2 months in FL in 2004 and 6 weeks in KY in 2001.

3. What inspired your decision ?
Primarily economics- my car needed too much work to get it across the country.

4. What tools or factors have helped you travel or commute without a car?
Having a good friend who has been car-free for 12 years. Meeting others who are doing it, like my roommate.
The bus, my bike, my feet, having plenty of time on my hands.

5. What factors have made it difficult?
The extremely rainy/cold winter we had 2005-2006. I also spent my first few car-free months living in Larkfield, outside SR City bus limits and far away from everything (I've since moved downtown). I've learned the hard way that the key to car-free living is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

6. What effect has the way you travel had on the people around you?
So far it's been a bit of a mixed blessing...many are supportive, but some people just don't get it and act like MY not having a car is a big inconvenience to THEM! (Huh?) Some people have actually cheered or thanked me for living car-free-that feels wonderful.

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being car-free and/or getting around without using a car?
Advantages- reduced expenses/save tons of $$ on transportation costs, simpler lifestyle/slower pace, more exercise/fresh air, less isolation when I meet people on bus and out and about or get rides from others. Disadvantages- Sometimes have to miss out on activities or make choices between them due to transportation issues, can't get as many errands done as fast, limits my geographic choices for work, can be hard to have a life after 6 p.m.

8. Would you recommend car-free or "car-reduced" living to your friends?
Yes- but there is a big adjustment period involved for those who have always had a car- it takes time to change the thinking/mindset.

9. What differences does traveling without using a car make for you in terms of time?
Depends on where I'm going. If it's close by, it's often quicker to bike or walk. If it's across town or to another city, the bus will certainly take longer than a car.

10. What differences does traveling without using a car make for you in terms of money?
Huge difference- I'm saving several hundred/month in the long run.

11. If you still use a car please share the general situation affecting your use ?
No car, although I get occasional loaners. . .

12. What role should automotive transport play in an overall healthy and sustainable system of transportation?
Minimal- perhaps for emergencies only?

13. Please share any other thoughts or experiences you've had as a result of being car- free and/or using non-automotive transport.
It's made me realize how addicted our society is to instant gratification and how cars make it easy for us to stay way too busy and do too much.

14. Where do you live?
Downtown Santa Rosa