Transport

[Petrolhead]

Ok I'm not sure exactly where to post this so if it's in the wrong place I apologise and would a mod mind moving it to the correct place.

I've been thinking a lot recently about how I get from A to B in life.

The majority of my journeys are under 10 miles. The exceptions to this are the annual family holiday and visits to my family 300 miles away 2-3 times per year.

I've come to the conclusion that although the car is the most convienent and comfortable way to get around its also the most self centred.

I'm using up a whole host of resources to make my short journeys, the parts that go into the car, the energy used to make and assemble them, and the petrol.

I'm also contributing financially to companies with ethics that I wouldn't normally deal with. Greedy CEO's who exploit the palnets resources and people for thier own gain.

This also works out to be a financial drain on the families income.

I'm also adding a lot of pollution to the air and posionus material to waste i.e spent tyres, brake pads etc.

If I was single I wouldn't have any hesitation about selling the car, however my wife with the greatest of respect thinks my views on the subject are a little odd. We have agreed though for environmental reasons to try and reduce the journeys we make in the car.

So I bought myself a bike and I started cycling everywhere. Immediately I noticed the difference, time taken on these short journeys is not a major concern as is getting less so each time I ride as I get fitter. I am starting to lose some fat and i'm sure my health is benefiting.

I've also noticed how much more sociable being on a bike is. you have the freedom to stop and talk to other people to interact with them and to observe them. In a car you are so focused on the road ahead you miss out on all that.

I'm curious how other people view this and owuld to hear from anyones experiences?

[Eric Roosevelt]

Not all cities accomodate very well for bicycles. I personally cycle everywhere as well, for pretty much the same reasons as you. And yes, I enjoy it. OTOH, I enjoy driving as well. There's something special about hearing an engine roar as you step on the pedal.

[ns123]

It sounds like you have found a mode of transport that fits for you. It's great when we discover something through direct experience that works well for us.

I discourage you from selling the car amidst your wife's objections. Doing so will generate resistance on her part and may close her off forever from adopting a view that you find empowering and liberating.

I'm glad you live in a location that makes it easy to cycle.

[Petrolhead]

Seeling the car would probably mean divorce at this point lol!!

I have offered to buy a bike for my wife as our company do discount bike schemes.

Bit more discussion and long term example required though.