As I've been preparing for the Portland move, I've been contemplating if I really can live there without a car. Portland is often voted the most friendly bicycle city in the U.S., but I still get a little nervous about living there without a car at all (Justin may lag my move by a little and the car would stay in Ohio). However, after writing out how I've been doing on the bike around here, it seems to be reasonable to concede that if I can find an apartment within 2 miles of school, church, and grocery store, I'll be fine.
By the numbers.....
Months we've been a 1 car family: 6
Months I've owned bicycle: 3
Days I've biked to work: Approximately 60
Days I've not biked to work: 1 (because Justin was taking me to the airport later)
Miles Round-trip to work: 4
Time to ride one-way to work: about 15 minutes door to desk
Coldest morning: < 10 degrees
Longest ride: Maybe 9 miles?
Total miles I've riden: between 250-350
Average number of trips per week I'm in a car by myself: 0.5
Average number of trips per week I'm in the car with Justin: 3 (and one of those is church)
Longest regular trip taken by car: 6 (as the crow flies... probably more given the route required) miles to church
Number of times I've taken the car alone for an errand under 2 miles: 4 or 5 - once I totally should have riden because I was just too lazy on a late night ice-cream run. 2 times it was completely justified because they were Lowe's runs. Once, it was a Lowe's run with things that could have fit in my basket.
Number of wrecks: 0 (knock on wood)
Number of near wrecks: Well, if you count the stupid moves of motor drivers, far too many. If you count my error or just plain accident like conditions, probably a handful.
Number of flat tires: 1
Number of times bike had to be taken to the shop: 1 - since the tires are not quick release, we couldn't get the silly bolt loosened. It made us feel better to watch the bike guy struggle too!
Savings from gas: at least $25 and growing larger by the second it seems.
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4 comments:
And just think what good shape you must be getting into.Wow I'm impressed. Gramps and I are still wondering how this is all going to come together. Will Justin be teaching in Portland? Let us know and when you are leaving. Take care sweet Nicole and peddle safely. :) We love you.
I've been car free for five years. When you met me in Salt Lake in 2001, that was the last time I owned a car. I have biked everywhere no matter what the weather and at times my daily commute has been upwards of 40 miles round trip. A few days looking for jobs in upstate new york had me biking 60 miles round trip. I've saved lots of money, gotten into the best shape of my life, not currently however, and I view my time on a bicycle as therapeutic. I have been car free now in some of the worst places in the world, Portland is like the BEST place in the world to be car free. Look into a second bike instead of a car: get an xtracycle like I have.
www.xtracycle.com
dan
Thanks for the update. loveyou
sounds like you have it all figured out. When you make your move be sure to look up Garry Bartle. He works for Wells Fargo and they live in Beverton; which must be an community in the Portland area. I read their newsletter each week. Do you remember him. He should be about your age. Love you.
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