Comments on: Book Review-How To Live Well Without Owning A Car

By: Mike Campbell

Mike Campbell — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:31:10 +0000

I am a IBEW Electrician by trade. This book really helped me get past the jeers of my co-workers, some completely pissed at the idea as if I am some kind of communist ! I doubt there is a profession that presents more obstacles to a car free lifestyle, and in two years I have only missed one day of work to transportation issues! Really ups the curve for good hooky excuses for guys on the job with me!

By: The Opoponax

The Opoponax — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:42:07 +0000

Really, Reuben?

I’ve looked into getting a car, and the expenses associated with it are astronomical, in my opinion. On the other hand, so far I have spent maybe $250 total (including purchasing the bike itself) as a bike commuter, in addition to the negligible amount I spend on public transit monthly (seriously, it’s probably less than your cable bill).

I doubt $250 would cover a month of owning a car.

By: Elisa M

Elisa M — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:42:10 +0000

Braxton-thanks for the encouragement to check this book out. Between you and Ghost, I knew I had to check it out!
Reuben-I found that his costs were about accurate for me, but see what you are saying. Good thing he is skewed to the correct side.
dukie-my mom actually bought my car from me and was regretting it immediately out of worry and fear.
Matt-I hope that I am lucky enough to have friends to help me. and if I ever get a boyfriend with a car…well, that would be ok!
ink-I have heard that being car free is a threat to the safety and happiness of infants everywhere! There is a chapter on having a family and being car free. i am sure Braxton is using it a lot these days with the birth of his daughter and being a car lite family.
wle-read it, loved it.
Natalie-there is a bit on long trips, but it is mainly for the everyday life. There are tons of websites on long distance rides. I will try to remember to email you some!
Shanyn-glad to know that it has worked out for you. I am already planning to rent a car next month to visit family.
Meli-love, love, loved Traffic. Did a review on another site of mine and am planning to move it over here soon. Read Ghosts review…it is really good.
Ghost-I love your book reviews. just sayin’.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:21:30 +0000

Meli, the book “Traffic” is by Tom Vanderbilt, not Michael.

I reviewed both “Traffic” and Chris Balish’s book over at Bikecommuters.com:
http://www.bikecommuters.com/category/book-reviews/

There are a few other good ones over there, too, including a great YA fiction called “Shift” by Jennifer Bradbury

By: meligrosa

meligrosa — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:01:10 +0000

oh what a great post! this is on my to-read list after ‘traffic by michael V.
thanks for the review my pretty Elisa
xo.meli

By: Shanyn

Shanyn — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:20:24 +0000

I read Chris’ book just before I sold my car 18 months ago, and found it full of good info. I have rented a car (Enterprise has killer weekend deals!) several times for vacations, etc. at a fraction of the cost of owning/maintaining my vehicle- plus I don’t have to run around getting a tuneup/oil change/tires rotated/etc. before hitting the road. As far as rides from friends go, I tell my friends that they are doing their part for the environment by helping me to be car-free when they give me a ride somewhere. And I kick in for gas, or buy lunch;)

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:32:48 +0000

Does he have a chapter on cross-country travel? I love riding my bike around, but when you want to run down to Monterrey or spend a week camping in Yellowstone it’s hard to do on a bike/with public transit.

By: wle

wle — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:27:47 +0000

here is another bike book with a lot of stuff i have never seen elsewhere

wle

Urban bikers’ tricks & tips : low-tech & no-tech ways to find, ride, & keep a bicycle / by Dave Glowacz.
by Glowacz, Dave.
View full image
Chicago, IL. : Wordspace Press, c1998.
ISBN:
0965172805 (pbk.) :
Description:
iv, 250 p. : col. ill. ; 23 cm.
Notes:
Includes index.
Count:
Number of Copies: 4 Number of Requests: 0

By: inkandpen

inkandpen — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:41:30 +0000

We just got: “Oh. We were hoping to talk you out of that,” from my husband’s folks when we sold the car. Why? WHAT ABOUT THE BABY?! Apparently living without a car, the leading cause of death for American children, endangers our child.

Does Balish talk much about family life?

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:12:16 +0000

It seems to me that Balish accomplishes his car-free life with a lot of help from his car-owning friends and girlfriends.