my true thoughts on cars

[Preston]

I figure this is a worthwhile topic on how much we waste on cars..

I just ranted on my facebook page and I'm open for crtiicisms.

I may have cursed a couple times in this post, fair warning...

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?sav...id=85221004316

[lilyrose]

I can't seem to get to that. Perhaps you can copy and paste your rantings onto here. I'd really like to read it.

[Preston]

Here we go again..

Not nearly as bad as last year but still bad nonetheless. People b*tching about gas prices, people hoarding the station that is 3 cents lower per gallon, idling their cars waiting in line getting -ZERO- miles per gallon. And why?

I am on the verge of going car free. I realize I may be a bit extreme in my views but over the course of the past few years I have learned to really really hate cars. Not that I don't see their purpose, and not that I won't travel in one, but it is the most inefficent mode of transportation out there.

Within a week I will have either sold my car or junked it, and there is no in-between. I cannot explain the feeling I get when I think I will no longer have to worry about that piece of crap and worrying about oil changes, insurance, maintenance, and $100 an hour labor charges to fix the damn thing. I honestly feel like it's the ultimate diet plan, losing 2000 pounds in one day.

Maybe it's because of the amount of driving I've done. Maybe it's because of all the bullsh*t I've endured as result of cars over the years, or maybe it's just the fact that cars are the most inefficent and expensive way to travel. HANDS DOWN. (okay, maybe an airplane is worse, but someone else drives it) Sure, you can go fast in a car -- but how much time to you spend every year just paying for your car? How much of your paycheck goes just toward getting around?

I've been thinking about this because I've been looking into the cash for guzzlers program and I've actually considered buying a new car because of this. I looked at Hondas, Toyotas, Fords, GM's, and Dodges before I finally asked myself "WHAT THE HE*L AM I THINKING?" Yeah, I can afford to buy the car, but then I have to register it, and insure it, and maintain it. How much would it cost? IF I go by monthly payment conservatively talking $300 a month to finance something that loses a lot of value. I might get $4500 from the government, but then I'm buying an $11000 pain in the ass.

To live the American dream of sitting in traffic getting pissed off, being slave to gas prices, and being at the mercy of those who know more about these motorized cages than you do.

I see all these pointless car commercials with the image of a car on an open road. Talk about fantasy land. The reality is that you'll use that car to sit in traffic, sucking in smog getting pissed off because you're not moving. Or getting pissed off about the price of gas. Or getting pissed off at the ahole in front of you whose turn signal has been on since 1955. Or sitting in a waiting room at Midas waiting for yet another oil change. Or being pulled over for speeding because you drove the same way they do in the commericials. That's the reality. And you're paying how much for the privilege?

If I want to pay to get pissed off and frustrated all the time I'll just subscribe to a podcast of Rush Limbaugh.

I get my bikes back tomorrow and that can't happen soon enough. I'm sick of driving, being a slave to gas prices and insurance companies. I get premiium parking wherever I go, excellent gas mileage, I never get stuck in traffic, get good cardio daily, lose weight without much effort, and overall feel less stressed. No matter how frustrating things get at work, it doesn't bother me on the days I ride in.

I'm not doing this as a 'holier than thou' moment I just honestly wish people would realize what a waste of money and natural resources owning a car really is. And honestly, not everybody needs a car. I constantly hear people bitching about money and I will flat out ask them "Do you own a car?" "Yes." "That's your problem."

buy a cheap bike, walk.. hell you need the exercise, fatso!

Complaining doesn't lower gas prices. Neither does picketing. Protest in a way that is heard, WITH YOUR WALLET! DON'T BUY GAS! You hate the oil companies, you think they're gouging you? Then why do you give them so much of your hard-earned money.

Let's do a spreadsheet to get my point accross

The average hourly wage in the US is $12 an hour. multiply this times 40 hours a week X 4 weeks in a month = 1920.. and factor in 18% of that will be taxed -- $1574

Car payment: $300
Insurance: $100
Maintenance : $50 (if nothing major goes wrong)
Registertation: ($60 per 12 month period) $5
Gas - 1200 miles per month at 25 mpg - 48 gallons at $2.50/gal = $120

Total : $575

That's more than my current rent. And this is just so I can get to work? I could buy a workable road bike brand spankin' new every month for that.

I'm getting a ballpark figure of 36% of take home pay. Or maybe a better way to look at it, after taxes, $12 an hour is closer to $9.84. So in otherwords, that would mean you'd be spending about 58.5 hours a month just paying for transportation, what a rip off. That's a week and a half of working.

By comparison:

I have spent, including purchasing two bikes (one used, one new), all weather gear, maintenance, lights, reflectors, and a pair of shoes -- $900 in the past 12 months.

Maybe my point is that if we are truly in the such dire straits financially, people should reconsider the 'white elephant' in their budget.


Energy Independence requires energy intervention.

[lilyrose]

I like what you write. It sounds like you are physically fit and have decent weather year round.

In favor of cars:
*In some areas it is just too snowy and cold for year round (for at least 99%) biking.
*The way our infrastructure is set up, is to favor cars as the main mode of transportation with bikes as a 'second-thought' usually delegated to recreation. There is not enought safe ways to ride a bike functionally.
*Some people are afraid to ride in the street.
*Some people are physically unable to ride a bike or walk more than a half block. The car is their only way to get around.
*There are times when one needs to carry something significantly bigger than they could on a bike/walk.
*Some people are not physically fit (many are older)

That being said, I want to say that I advocate riding bikes and walking.
I have sent e-mails to a couple stores asking why they don't have bike racks.
I try to encourage other people to ride bikes; even if just short errands.
I try to find safe paths to ride my bike, and keep an eye on local municiple plans for building more. I feel more paths should be built instead of widening roads.
I have a car, but I try to ride my bike if weather permits, if it's not more than 5 miles, and if I can carry whatever I need in my backpack.

I'm not that very physically fit, and I do need my car for somethings. I use about 10 gallons a month, though. And I only need the liability insurance on my old car.

I am one that hopes people bike/walk much more often and get fuel efficient cars for when they can't bike/walk. I shudder when I see all these SUVs out there with 1 person in it.

Ooh. Speaking of biking, I need to bike to the library now and the mail box.

[Preston]

I like what you write. It sounds like you are physically fit and have decent weather year round.

In favor of cars:
*In some areas it is just too snowy and cold for year round (for at least 99%) biking.
*The way our infrastructure is set up, is to favor cars as the main mode of transportation with bikes as a 'second-thought' usually delegated to recreation. There is not enought safe ways to ride a bike functionally.
*Some people are afraid to ride in the street.
*Some people are physically unable to ride a bike or walk more than a half block. The car is their only way to get around.
*There are times when one needs to carry something significantly bigger than they could on a bike/walk.
*Some people are not physically fit (many are older)
.

1) I am not physically fit. I was 300 pounds when I started biking. I'm near 250 now. Am I in better shape? Yes. Am I physically fit? I think not. But I have worked at is

2) I biked through the winter in temperatues as low as 10 degrees. I remained car-lite and carpooled if it got really bad.

3) There are safer ways to ride a bike, and I consider riding in the street SAFER than on a sidewalk. When you are passing a driveway where a car is pulling out, where are they looking? In the street.. I had more near-misses while I was riding on the sidewalk. And besides that, sometimes the sidewalk just ends for now reason whatsoever.

4) Like I said, when I started biking I was near 300 pounds, out of shape, with high blood pressure and other health issues. A lot my problems have worked themselves out as I've gotten in better shape. It may be difficult initially, but the lessened financial burden is enough to keep me riding.

I AM SELLING MY CAR TOMORROW!!!

[Mckeekitty]

Preston,

An EXCELLENT post! Thanks for the rant!

I feel the exact same way (I could even trump you with the profanity!).

A few more points:

The countless lives lost or otherwide destroyed every day due to car accidents...

The loss of towns, countryside, and wilderness to create highways...

The phenomenon of road rage...

Road kill...

Parking tickets, speeding tickets...

Drunk driving...

Drivers on cell phones and/or texting...

I wish I lived before the birth of Henry Ford. I really do.

[lilyrose]

I want to applaud you for what you have done and are continueing to do. We need more people like you.

I know I am not up to your level yet, but the more I do this, the more I am amazed how often I can use the bike for about 5 miles each way or less in which I am not really carrying much.

So, MORE POWER TO YOU!!

[Preston]

If it helps inspire --

my current ride to work is 14 miles each way -- 28 miles round trip.

We are buying a house. 18 miles each way -- 36 miles round trip.

So every time you think 5 miles seems like a lot.. just imagine me and my pot-belly out there riding in whatever conidtions...

[DAAC3DEC]

do you have kids?


just wondering how you handle school things and getting them around........how do you grocery shop?

[Preston]

Currently no kids myself but growing up my mom used to bike to the store with myself and my siblings -- four kids, and my mom so a caravan of five of us on bikes.

To carry groceries I have a backpack, two saddle bags, and a bin on the back of the bike. I've carried at most about 60 pounds of groceries on the back of my bike and gotten it home no problem. These things included milk, cat litter, cat food, 10lb bag of potatoes.

I'm not saying cars aren't without purpose, I just think people abuse the privilege.

[Mckeekitty]

Becoming car-free might not be realistic for all, but reducing car use is a great goal...good for the wallet, good for the environment, and good for the soul.

Car-pooling is great. Public transportation is great. Combining errands is great.

Biking is out of the question for us...the roads here are narrow and even driving is hazardous!

We don't have children, and I can appreciate the importance of having an available vehicle if children were involved. I work from home, and only require use of our car 2x/week to run errands and keep appointments. I couldn't justify our second vehicle for such little use.

But as Preston pointed out, great savings can be achieved by being very prudent with use of your vehicles. Less driving means less insurance coverage (low mileage discount), less gas consumption, less maintenance costs...

Owning and operating a vehicle is expensive, and if you look hard at the numbers, you might find that it eats up a significant amount of your income.

Good thread!

[lilyrose]

I'm not saying cars aren't without purpose, I just think people abuse the privilege.

I agree. I know people who will consistently use their cars to go 4 blocks or less.

[danni]

We bike most places but have a vehicle for picking up bigger things or going out of town. I have a trailer that holds 2 children and a few groceries. All of us dh, 3 older kids and me all have saddle bags on our bikes and we also have another trailer that will hold 100 lbs of whatever. We used the bikes for groceries, delivering papers and family outings.
My oldest son and dh ride their bikes year round and our winters involve a couple feet of snow and -40 weather. Not that I recommend riding in that kind of weather, I know I wouldn't.

[DAAC3DEC]

I guess I am chicken. I have a little over 10 miles to get to work...I did a little experiment last night just to go 5 miles, I could have cried. Is this something you build up too? Talked to the hubbie about this and he thought I was crazy, thinks I will be run over and attacked as I get closer to work (not the best of areas)--am I just being a whimp?

[The Muse]

I fantasize about going carfree, but it's just not possible. I do ride my bike on in-town errands and grocery shopping, but I commute 50 miles a day, on the highway, and going backroads to my job isn't an option. I did by the cheapest, most fuel efficient car possible, a Toyota Yaris, but yeah, cars are a headache and a money drain.

Kudos to you, I wish I could do the same!