Thrilling cost analysis?

[huckleberryem]

I'm in the middle of doing cost analysis on my Maybe-Decision to sell my car. It has proven to be a tricky equation. How is that taking steps to simplify your life can actually be rather complicated?!

First, the bad news: My car is not made of solid gold. Or oil. Or any other substance out there immune to depreciation. Like 99.9% of cars out there,

Comments

[anonymous]

Do a four-week no-driving test and see how it goes?

[huckleberryem]

Already done! : )

[relique]

Does Banjo Boy have a vehicle?? It's much easier to be a one car household than a no car household.

[greeneyedtart]

Seconded from relique: does Banjo Boy have a car? Also, is there zipcar in the area? That can be really nice.

Other things to consider: what're the winters like? Can you commute in weather? What stuff do you need to take with you day-to-day?

I'm over a year car-free. My commute is currently 8 miles round trip, with hills, unless I have class, when it's 20 miles round trip, with LOTS of hills. My sweetie has a car, but really, I don't use it that much. Even on days that I have class, I fit my school books, bike lock, lunch and dinner, plus rain jacket in a small backpack (I am going for less, personally, so everything is lighter. I don't have panniers. Nearly everyone else I know who bike commutes does, however).

When I ride, even when it's cold out, it's a really wonderful start to the morning. Wakes me up! And I feel more connected to the city and the people around me. And I have random conversations with strangers.

I vote bike!

[huckleberryem]

Banjo Boy does have a car. And we've talked about perhaps selling his instead. But cost-wise, it seems smarter for me to sell mine.

I am inspired by you (and other bike commuters) to give this a serious whirl. I would have to sometimes commute with special documents, and of course a change of clothes, but I can get a waterproof carrier for them. Winters can be gnarly. But there's the bus (or carpool) for when I get desperate. And once you get moving outside, by bike or any other activity, you're usually okay, any way.

I agree with the mental switch that happens when you commute by foot or bike--- I want that more! And to not pay for a car sitting at the curb!

[greeneyedtart]

My sweetheart, a longtime bike commuter, recommends Ortlieb panniers. They are what a lot of Portlander's use, and we know about wet weather.

I owe you a letter!

[huckleberryem]

I found some good patterns for panniers online.... so I'm gonna try and make a set from oil cloth. The Ortlieb ones look pretty hot, though. :)

I owe you a letter, too. Like.. woah. Promise. Soon. : )

[sliceydicey]

Ah cars! Both super convenient and super evil! 10-12 miles sounds like a lot. I bike as my primary mode of transit, but I live like 5-10 minutes away from my work place and downtown Northampton. I used to live 2-3 miles away with a hilly commute and it had a noticeable effect on my lifestyle in that I'd spend more time hanging out after work before returning home and I'd be less inclined to just head downtown to hang out. BUT I bet you are A LOT less lazy than I am and probably in better shape. And riding a bike is good exercise!

[huckleberryem]

You're great, Slicelydicey!

I've never actually biked HOME from the office. Only TO the office, and then dragged my bike in a car or bus back homeward. I'm trying the round-trip tomorrow-- Sunday-- to see what it's like! That way I won't have traffic.