- Working out in the morning with Erin
- Not using a car for the month of September
The first one is not such a big deal, will require a change in the sleeping schedule and we'll need to pick up gym memberships, but it is easily doable.
The second on however will be a short term experiment. Between articles like this and the fact that everything in Blacksburg is so close it looks like it may be possible to get by without using a car at all. I figure using less will save ~$2500/year and not using a car at all could save $4000/year. I estimated my figures using the car cost calculator. My primary means of transportation would be a bike and Blacksburg has plenty of bike trails. The backup would be the Blacksburg Transit, voted a top 10 transportation system in the nation for our town size. On top of the $ savings there is also the get in shape aspect, plus I could then justify spending $ on a sweet bike.
Some considerations and solutions:
- Weather - the bus or Erin driving
- Groceries - Bike trailer, sounds strange, basically a wooden palette on wheels that have rubbermaid containers bolted to the back.
- Medical Needs - Doctor is only a block away from the house.
- Long distance travel - Erin Driving
9 comments:
Do it!! I walked to work this morning and it is a really nice feeling! There are a lot of people that get around without a car, I would love to join you, but part of my hesitation is my akwardness on a bike.
Absolutely!!!
And getting a sweet bike is enough of a reason in and of itself,just make sure you have a helmet!
I would definitely need a picture of you on your bike, with your helmet on, going to the grocery store with your wooden pallet with rubbermaid containers hooked on and overflowing with grocery bags. That's fun just to imagine, so the real thing would be even better. :)
Good luck with your new goals. Working out together is great, David and I did that while he was a student, now our schedules don't allow for it so I work out at lunch, and he works out when he gets home. At least it happens, right?!? :)
I would love to join you in the carless experiment - I did it when I lived in DC. However, the 45 mile trek up Christiansburg mountain each morning might be a bit much.
If you need a ride to or from Roanoke, let me know :) but there is always the SmartBus
Son,
It rains alot in Blacksburg!!!!
then I shall ride the bus and hitch rides with Erin a lot :)
I'm with Red. Do it. If for no other reason than because I want pictures.
And I just got my bag back! Thanks man!
Well...I've already done it for 2 years :) Definitely possible and a lot of fun! For rain, theres a lot you can do and still ride. Rain-jackets, plastic bags, and makeshift mudflaps (be creative!)are a must though if you want to stay dry. I say go for it!
Its definitely worth the trade...I don't know that I could have afforded to stay in Blacksburg with a car.
Good luck! (and nice use of song lyric in the title; I was actually planning on using it myself at one point)
oh there definitely needs to be pictures of this.
i honestly dont think it would be that difficult. nothing in the burg is that far apart and the BT runs pretty regularly. the only time i use my car these days is on road trips and to go shopping. both of those you could do with erin if she still has her car.
go for it.
I'd join you too - except A - my bag ladyness would cause issues - yes I guess the cart thing could solve that but..... B - I hate getting somewhere sweaty!!! I'd become known as the smelly lady around Blacksburg. Does not matter if the whole trip is down hill and it's cool outside - I'll still sweat :)
Can't wait to read the blogs :)
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