this post was submitted on 13 Jan 2025
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Fuck Cars

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Does having to drive make you less likely to go places? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 6 days ago by [email protected] to c/fuckcars
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I live in an ideal part of the suburbs. I'm close to my work, school, the swimming pool, the grocery store, etc.,. In many instances, the scooter is more consistently faster than driving and finding parking.

Commute times (door to door):

       : Work   : School : Grocery : Swimming Pool            
Walk   : 40 min : 15 min : 25 min  : 15 min 
Bike   : 15-20  : 5-10   : 15 min  : 5 min 
Scooter: 10-15  : 5 min  : 10 min  : 3 min
Car    : 5-10   : 5-10   : 5-10    : 5 min

My problem is, I really need to make changes in life, like go to the swimming pool more often even in winter; get a better job which will be farther away. I think I'm putting these off because I don't want to drive.

All of these will be easier if I just embrace driving my car more. I can take groceries more easily. I can carry more swim equipment and I won't get so cold coming home from the pool. But I don't like driving because I feel like I'm a greater danger to myself and others, even though I'm a pretty careful driver.

Do any of you face similar challenges; do you just drive when it makes the most sense to drive?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I'm in southwestern England, and it's possible to do a lot with a bike, since the climate is mild (for the UK), there are some roads aren't too busy most of the time, there are dedicated bike routes, and the countryside is densely populated, so you're never more than a couple of miles from a village. Tired? Stop at a pub. Too much rain? Stop at a pub. Flat tyre? Pub. Etc.

And there are ways of extending your range. With some planning and inconvenience, it's generally possible to bring the bike on a train. Once you get to a good port, ferries are much easier than trains. So I've been able to go to Brittany, Normandy and the Low Countries with little cost, and I have done itineraries like taking the train to Penzance and cycling back along the coastal path, stopping here and there and taking my sweet time. It can be quite idyllic.

Having said all that, I still own a car. There are times when I still find it useful. But for me, plan A is always to take the bike. My way of implementing fuckcars is steady reduction rather than cold turkey, but I respect your commitment. Both approaches are directionally correct. I think I'll reach the point of jettisoning the car in another year or two.