| There are many reasons why people are looking to | | | | transportation, car pools or ride share programs. Some |
| get rid of the car and find alternate forms of | | | | shopping can also be done from home on the internet |
| transportation. It may be the loss of driving privileges | | | | without the need to leave the home. Simply have |
| for a variety of reasons, the loss of a job and its | | | | purchases delivered. Even taxis can beat the cost of |
| related income or concerns about the environment. | | | | owning an automobile. |
| Similar to dieting, the car-less person will need to make | | | | Some things to consider when adjusting to alternate |
| some changes in lifestyle to truly be happy without a | | | | forms of transportation may be the need to be |
| car. | | | | somewhere at a certain time. Public transportation |
| There are many options available to individuals wishing | | | | may not be on schedule so extra time needs to be |
| to get rid of the car or simply park it to save money. | | | | factored just as if you were driving. Most areas |
| There can potentially be an annual savings of $6000 | | | | provide public buses with a bicycle rack for distances |
| or more depending on current use. Car payments, | | | | too long for a bicycle alone. Research the area to |
| gasoline, oil, maintenance, insurance and registration | | | | determine what roads prohibit bicycles or are simply |
| would all be eliminated. | | | | too dangerous. |
| Buying a bicycle is a very inexpensive way to get | | | | Take precautions during the adjustment period and do |
| from point A to B. They can be purchased new at | | | | not accept rides from strangers. Another thing to |
| bicycle shops or bought second-hand at garage sales. | | | | consider is the fact that insurance history is important |
| Bicycles purchased at garage sales are generally still in | | | | to reasonable rates. With no insurance, you lose the |
| good shape because the owners didn't use them | | | | money saving history and will be treated to the same |
| much. With the addition of accessories, the bicycle can | | | | rates as a new motorist if you choose to obtain |
| be used to run errands and commute to work. A | | | | insurance again. Cheaper insurance may be obtained |
| motor powered by a battery can aid the commuter by | | | | for rented or leased cars and is called "non-owner" |
| pedaling when exhaustion begins to rear its ugly head. | | | | insurance. It only includes liability and other types of |
| Other accessories might be cargo areas for | | | | insurance required by law. |
| transporting packages and groceries. Avoid the stress | | | | The first step in changing your lifestyle is determination |
| of looking for a parking space. Simply lock the electric | | | | to change. Many people live without a car and are |
| bike and go. | | | | very happy. It can be done with some planning and |
| Other inexpensive alternatives may include public | | | | effort. |