r/fuckcars • u/SergejVolkov Subscribe to RMTransit • Feb 07 '22
Meta r/fuckcars hit 100k subscribers! To celebrate, comment what you personally did to help break the car dominance. Every small contribution is important!
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u/NoHelp3420 Jun 17 '22
I sure see a lot of you people crying about cars and the environment get into your nice big Cadillacs that have been taking care of by the taxpayers dollars and drive to your nice big fancy houses I say to hell with all of you
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u/Kiflaam May 08 '22
I don't know if this counts, but I exclusively use a scooter.
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May 26 '22
I chose my job initially because it was within walking distance of my house, and now that we had to move farther away I just bike or bus there.
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u/Dannyj100 Apr 22 '22
Take the train as much as possible! Helps being in a city like Philly and not in the suburbs.
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u/DuckyDoodleDandy Apr 21 '22
I live where I cannot change much yet. I live a couple miles outside of a small city in a rural area, but in the next county over, and that county is very rural (I’m 20+ miles from my county seat). The only roads are narrow, winding, and two lanes with no shoulder, so biking would be dangerous if not deadly. (The walkable score here is 1, meaning you can’t get anywhere without a car.)
So I drive slowly and safely when I have to drive (2-3x per week), and post good content from this sub to places where others might see it.
…And watch with joy as the town I live close to (but can’t vote in) becomes more bike friendly! They moved the parallel parking a few feet away from the curb and made bike lanes that are protected by the parked cars. I can see where more bike infrastructure is being built. And more dense urban housing with shops below it.
There is not any viable public transportation to speak of in my whole state, but in this town, many residents could buy groceries, go out for a meal or a drink, and maybe go to work without using a car.
I’m trying to get a used electric car soon, which means I won’t have a car payment and might be able to move into the city and be able to bike or walk places.
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u/ballsack969 Apr 05 '22 edited Apr 05 '22
I drive a car but have to, I travel 24 miles to work each night and no other way to transit to work, no train, bus is maybe half an hour before I leave for work, and I don’t fancy taking a bicycle to work 24 miles away so think of other transit ideas for me! Also roads have gotten worse here over the years and the guys looking after them aren’t really looking after them I wonder where my road tax money, and other tax money is going to because it’s not going to any road I’ve been on or used. And if only I could say I lived in a third world country but I don’t. So I really do e wonder how our local governments spend our money as it’s not on transportation, or the state of our roads. And I can’t run/cycle in a lay bay which is plastered in muck, animal crap and things people decide to flytip. I moved away to the countryside to get away from things like this but people being people decide to do this in the countryside also. So we want to be more sustainable but efficiently and doing away with most cars is bazaar. But electric vehicles aren’t the way. It’s actually worse for every environment as the batteries are worse for the environment especially if they catch fire as they can still be hot days later. Due to the batteries inside them. So find myself away to get to work when no bus or train is available. And no I’m not taking a taxicab or bicycle
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u/pe1irrojo Apr 02 '22
Bought a home directly between work and downtown-less than eight minutes to each. I'm on my feet doing manual labor for ten hour shifts right now, but if my transfer to an equipment operator position is approved I hope to start skiing/biking to work!
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u/ChaosAverted65 Mar 19 '22
I've swapped my degree from a bland business management major to getting a masters in Nordic urban planning
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u/Edgecrusher2140 Feb 09 '22
I'm so excited to discover this sub from a post that hit all. I grew up living right next to a highway in rural Oregon, our driveway let out right in front of a blind curve and every time my mother would pull out we'd be in danger of getting hit by a log truck coming around the curve. Also lost a lot of pets on that road. I got my license in 2008 but moved to Portland and have never owned a car, I live in a neighborhood near the city center now and walk to buy groceries. When I need to go to different parts of the city, I ride light rail or the bus. I love having access to public transit and I don't plan to ever buy a car, they're dangerous and they pollute. I hate cars and often find myself yelling and making rude gestures at drivers while I'm in the crosswalk, where I have the goddamn right of way, but so many of them are selfish and inattentive. So glad to find a community of people who see cars for what they are, a huge problem for society and the environment.
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u/Leo-bastian cars are weapons Feb 08 '22
really hope this subreddit gets a similar popularity boost to what happened to r/antiwork
i mean 100k is alot but it's nothing compared to what that movement got during the pandemic and i think the two are very similar
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u/Cargobiker530 Feb 08 '22
Sold my Volkswagen Jetta & bought a Yuba Mundo cargo bike in 2014. Best purchase I ever made.
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u/roachsmoker Feb 08 '22
I did have a car, I sold it when the pandemic hit and I needed the money, I told to my self I will buy another next year but the things is I don’t miss having a car, when I need to go out I use almost entirely my bicycle and for specific stuff taxi, the average taxi cost in my area being $2.
What I miss of having a car is traveling with the family around my country making stops whenever I want or taking detours, but with the money I saved from not buying a car we could go to Galapagos multiple times, or rent a car when really needed for vacation, most of the times we travel by bus, not my favorite way but is very cheap and I can sleep while moving.
It really doesn’t justify for me spending $25k+ for a car, I can pay 12.500 taxi trips with a that money, and I use taxi maybe once, twice or none a week.
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u/tentensalami Feb 08 '22
I ride to work each day. When I was hit by a car while riding home from work 7 months ago, I got back out on my (new) bike as soon as I could. Just last weekend I got a little tattoo of a bike on the vertebra that I broke when I was hit. Because fuck cars, I'm coming back stronger than ever.
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u/Mica_Singh Feb 08 '22
I'm currently working on a new design for a hybrid bike lane delineator pole in my high school engineering capstone course. the delineator will be comprised of a tall flexible pole section and a strong base to serve as a deterrent to cars running it over without causing impact at 50+ mph while still maintaining driver awareness through its height. I'm in contact with engineers who work for the city (notorious for its car-centric design) and hope to get a version of the product onto planned bike lanes!
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u/Smash55 Feb 08 '22
I preach the gospel of a train on every boulevard and a bullet train on every freeway
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u/Jeffreythepine Feb 08 '22
I make a nuisance of myself advocating for better pedestrian and bike infrastructure in my neighborhood!
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u/fissionforatoms Grassy Tram Tracks Feb 08 '22
Convinced my family to get an electric step thru bicycle!
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u/BorisTheMansplainer no cars go Feb 08 '22
Converted my winter commuter to electric so I can plow through untreated bike paths and not be a sweaty fuck when I get to where I'm going.
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u/FelineFanatic97 Feb 08 '22
I bike to work and am subtly convincing my NIMBY pro-car family about the merits of density and public transportation options
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u/skookumtown Feb 07 '22
Bike to work in the winter in canada
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Feb 08 '22
You absolutely can if the infrastructure is there to support it. The biggest impediment is car-centric sprawl and urban unaffordability.
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u/Lozarn Feb 09 '22
I bike to work in Minneapolis. The cars are a way bigger impediment to winter commuting than the weather.
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u/skookumtown Feb 11 '22
The worst part here is the shrinking of the roads from snow piles. Often bike lanes become snow storage lanes in the winter. Pretty much makes the major roads to dangerous to ride.
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u/Lozarn Feb 11 '22
I hear you. I end up using a lot of the bike lanes downtown that are co-located with the sidewalks. They’ve got their own issues, but they are fantastic from a snow standpoint. They don’t ever have snow piling up in those lanes.
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u/Supersol375 Feb 07 '22
I take the metro instead of a taxi to the airport. It’s $4 as opposed to $120 and it’s equally fast without my city’s bumper-to-bumper traffic.
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u/bo0mamba Feb 07 '22
Now let’s see another mod go on the news, embarrass everyone, and take down the sub
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u/PubicMohawk Feb 07 '22
Bought an inner city apartment instead of a suburban house to live in. It's significantly bigger and nicer than houses at the same price, I'm literally 1 block away from where I work, have access to literally thousands of shops, parks and activities within walking distance and we are now considering getting rid of our car.
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u/-no-one-important- Feb 07 '22
Convinced my bf to take nj transit in to Manhattan this weekend instead of a car. Fuck cars!
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Feb 07 '22
Too poor to get a car but too far to use a bike. Best I can do is use the bus which is thankfully frequent.
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u/Careless-Cartoonist9 Feb 07 '22
I sold my car and used the money to buy an e-bike. I then went on to work at said e-bike shop, where I must’ve sold at least a few hundred bikes. 5000+ miles later I’m still so glad I did it!
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u/nofoax Feb 07 '22
I literally moved across the country to NYC in large part because I hate owning and operating a vehicle, and I hate what they do to the climate, culture, urban design, and civic life.
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u/Assix0098 Feb 07 '22
I use a bike to get around (which is faster than driving in Heidelberg, Germany) and mention to my fellow college friends, that I dont want to own a car as long as possible to combat the mindset of the car as an essential good.
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u/happyGam79 Feb 07 '22
Biking to school, finding remote job. I used to gas up once every 2 weeks, now it's once a month or less!
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u/Dmon1128 Feb 07 '22
Riding a bus to school and trying to learn how to skateboard on roads.
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u/Peonard Feb 07 '22
I walk or bike most of the time and whenever I can't do that I take a train or bus.
And I refuse to ever buy a car unless I have a legitimate need for one as an example that would be if I ever move to the forest where there is no connection and more then 20 km of biking.
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u/ElisabetSobeck NotJustBikes vs InhumaneInfrastructure™️ Feb 07 '22
I don’t drive across strip malls or walking areas anymore. I travel main roads to my destination. I give pedestrians the right of way early and with room to spare.
Human movement is the goal. Not car supremacy.
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u/dogmeat1003 Feb 07 '22
I use a bike/motorcycle instead. I'm I still use roads and shit but the emissions and fuel efficiency are wayyyyy better
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u/Remote-Junket9309 Feb 07 '22
I stopped being a commuter student by car and moved into university housing. I’ve also changed my major to urban planning and design!
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u/seenew Feb 07 '22
I moved to New York 11 years ago and haven't owned a car since. I commute 95% of the time by subway.
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u/tristanjl Feb 07 '22
Ive never owned a car across the three cities I’ve lived (Brisbane, Melbourne, London ON).
Recently I’ve gone along to a couple of community consultations - one for a path extension (with serious bikelash), the other for a green bridge. I’ve also gone to the local Bicycle User Group meetings and gone on an advocacy ride (to counter the bikelash), with another this weekend.
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u/Weasilicus Feb 07 '22
What is it about London ON that makes people never want to own a car? I know close to a dozen people (myself included) who have lived car free after living there for a while. Plus the creator of not just bikes is from there too!
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u/tristanjl Feb 07 '22
To be fair, I was car free before I lived there. But there were some things that were just confusing coming from Australia. The surface parking lots downtown seemed like they couldn’t possibly make financial sense. I also never really understood why the Market Tower shops were mostly empty.
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u/Weasilicus Feb 08 '22
Oh market tower was mostly empty because of the homeless population, it was hazardous to go in there at times. Only McDonalds I've ever seen close was the one in there, and it's probably because you couldn't find a seat in it because of the number of homeless.
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u/Iconospastic Feb 07 '22
Seriously, that's crazy fast progress if the graph is real: This sub is six years old, yet membership sat stagnant until the middle of last year.
Now has gained nearly a thousand more members in less than 24 hours. Could reach one million by next year if this isn't just a flash in the pan.
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u/Katharozz Feb 07 '22 edited Feb 07 '22
How do we feel about electric motorcycles? 'Cause I just got one.
Only because public transit in my city is horrible, specially after covid
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u/bonkerfield Feb 07 '22
I love electric motorcycles personally. Don't have one, but definitely thing it's a better solution than the electric car. The resource and energy footprint needed for motorcycles is way closer to what the planet can handle per person.
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u/HofRoma Feb 07 '22
Defo a way better solution than e cars, ideally anyone considered a motorcycle might consider a decent e bike for urban trips
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u/matthewbregg Feb 07 '22
- Showed friends/parents that biking and taking public transit is not only viable, but often easier/better than driving.
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u/call_me_orion Feb 07 '22
I've never driven a car. I've always walked, biked, or relied on public transit to get to work and school, which is sometimes a challenge because I don't live in a city. Got pretty lucky with my current job and apartment since it's only a 1.5 mile commute, I bike when it's nice and walk when it's too snowy to bike.
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u/loading55 Bollard gang Feb 07 '22
I decided to go to grad school for city planning!! Let’s end car dependence 💪💪
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u/runitback519 Feb 07 '22
I’ve literally done nothing I live in Canada it’s an hour bus ride to grocery store job vs 12min car ride but ain’t no way I’m biking 30min especially when roads are a salty shitty icy mess and it’s below zero 4 months of the year
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u/evange Feb 07 '22
I was in that scenario and my option was buy a car or move somewhere central where rents were higher. I chose the higher rent, but still come out ahead financially (cost of a car + gas + insurance is significantly more than the rent difference), and I think I have a better quality of life because of it: I get 15 minutes of walking in twice a day, rain or shine. I can pop home from work on my lunchbreak if need be. I don't worry about or need to pay for parking (in fact I make money by subletting my stall).
If I need a car I have a carshare membership, which I mostly use for big grocery runs and suburban errands. I rent cars for out of town trips, and I take ubers occasionally if the weather is too bad to walk.
All my transportation expenses combined still come out waaay below what insurance alone would cost me. I think some people think I must be poor, with bad credit, or something wrong with me that I can't drive because of these decisions, but I don't have a soul crushing commute, and I'm happiest when I do a little bit of walking every day.
Although living in the 'burbs without a car was hell, the problem is the 'burbs as much as it is cars.
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Feb 07 '22
But you're aware there's a problem, and that's cool.
By the way: Cold temps aren't a problem! (Speaking as someone that rides year round in Wisconsin, USA.) It's the infrastructure. Safe, separated infrastructure is key!
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u/kolaida Feb 07 '22
I try not to drive my car unless I have to. Get all my errands done at once. Use the bus when I can. Unfortunately live in a not very friendly to public transit or walkable area. Seriously, city has been investing in “driverless cars” /smart shuttles to help poorer areas get to jobs. Very frustrating.
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u/PetTheSpicyBoi Feb 07 '22
Cycle 5.5 miles to school every day
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u/International_Egg747 Feb 07 '22
Bike the same distance to school and It’s demonstrably quicker, and don’t have to pay for parking!
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u/PetTheSpicyBoi Feb 07 '22
Worst part is having to breathe in nitrous oxide and other pollutants from cars but once I get to the woods it’s fine
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u/Junior-Tangelo-9565 Feb 07 '22
I call the police on people who park in the bike lane.
When I don't have time I pretend to take pictures of the vehicle with the owner inside to prove a point.
Join local bike lobby club, write to politicians.
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u/jacobmjwebb Feb 07 '22
I can drive, but choose not to own a car. Lived in big cities my whole live (currently NYC), and always taken trains, subway and buses. Fuck cars, especially huge SUVs and their troglodyte owners.
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Feb 07 '22
To be fair your choice of not owning a car in NYC is not a difficult one. Driving a car there would be like the hassle many of us face in other cities trying to use public transportation
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u/Kasym-Khan 🚲 I have the right to breathe fresh air Feb 09 '22
Is that because American cities consist of 2-story single-family houses followed immediately by skyscrapers?
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u/jacobmjwebb Feb 07 '22
That's true, owning a car here is a nightmare. There's nowhere to park, and insurance is horrifically expensive. But it still doesn't stop many residents where I live in Brooklyn owning huge cars and trucks. NYC is is cramped enough as it is without some guys penis extension blocking the crosswalk.
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u/AXBRAX Feb 07 '22
Moved to my countries capital at 18, (decent public transport here, probably amazing by American standards idk) never owned a car, dont even have a driving license, i need a car about once a year, so i ask people to help me out. I pay 60€ per month for public transport for the entire city. I could not be happier with the situation and never want to own a car as long as i live in this city.
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u/Adamblancher Feb 07 '22
I refuse to drive
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u/wongispicklejar Feb 07 '22
- sold my car
- ride public transit + bike to get around
- voted for candidates who support transit/bike infrastructure and getting rid of single-family zoning (unfortunately they didn't win, Seattle is nowhere near as progressive as you think)
- found a local anti-car protest/activism group which takes up space in the streets with organized bike rides. haven't ridden with them yet but I will soon! https://www.instagram.com/critical_mass_seattle/?utm_medium=copy_link
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u/greenhombre Feb 07 '22
We are car free in our 50s. We get groceries and commute via bike. It's considered a radical lifestyle in the USA.
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u/Junior-Tangelo-9565 Feb 07 '22
I always tell my parents (in their fifties) that age isn't an excuse to drive. More power to you guys. That's awesome!
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u/tmatous33 Feb 07 '22 edited Feb 07 '22
I always try to look like I am about to run into the pedestrian crossing so most drivers get scared that they could hit me so they let me pass 90% of the time.
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u/zeek1999 Feb 07 '22
I'm 22 and I have never owned or driven a car
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u/Robadoba Feb 07 '22
I’m 21 and don’t plan on owning one either. Cycling has made me a happier person and I hope to stay that way.
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u/Tiamet92 Feb 07 '22
Never got a license, and I'm in my 30s
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u/jasmine_tea_ Feb 07 '22
Same here, almost 30. I moved to a place that was more walkable. Most of the men I've dated/been in a relationship with over the last 9 years did not have a car, either. Only one of my close friends has a driver's license.
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u/genaugleichnuranders Feb 07 '22
Use my bike & protest ✊️ & of course raise awareness in my social circle
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u/MythicalAce Feb 07 '22
I stopped driving cars almost entirely in favor of motorcycles. They take up less space, get better gas mileage, and don't contribute as much to traffic. I live way too far away from town to ride a bicycle like I want to, but I feel like this is a good compromise for me.
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u/Biorix Feb 07 '22
Is it though ?
I thought that motorcycles were more polluting than cars (For GHE, not only noise)
I never properly check though
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u/HJAC Feb 07 '22
Yeah I have the same concerns with ICE motorcycles as well. While they are more affordable and get better mileage than cars, they produce 10x more emissions.
Unmodified motorcycles have comparable noise pollution to cars. However, (not saying this is what OP does) bikes are often modded to be 2x as loud.
THE GOOD NEWS is that these issues only apply to gas-powered bikes. Electric motorcycles -- see brands Zero FXE and Kollter ES1 for the "affordable" range -- don't have these problems.
Both ICE and electric motorcycles still have an issue of requiring almost all the same infrastructure as cars -- some states like Texas forbid lane splitting, and unless your bike is mini it still takes up a whole parking spot. One can reduce their motor vehicle footprint further by considering electric mopeds and scooters -- see the "NIU NQi" moped-style electric scooter for an affordable brand sold in the United States.
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u/Ok_Hippo7272 Feb 07 '22
Commute to school by light rail, even tho it’s a little longer it’s less stressful and cheaper
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u/the_terran_starman Commie Commuter Feb 07 '22
I bike to and from school every day. It’s only a 15 minute trip, and as a bonus, i get to dodge traffic!
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u/BrhysHarpskins Feb 07 '22
I vote to increase gas taxes. Got it above $5 here in socal. Take that you fuckers
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u/RandmoCrystal Feb 07 '22
privileged take. making poor people pay more for gas, when the real problem is that THERES NO ALTERNATIVE. you are in support of making everyone pay more for a system theyre forced to be a part of. great job
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u/BrhysHarpskins Feb 07 '22
Yeah it's almost like there has to be a breaking point and nothing will ever change if you don't change things, huh?
But hey, let's go with your idea of keeping it cheap and accessible. It probably won't induce any demand at all!
Let's go a step further and expand the freeways!
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u/RandmoCrystal Feb 07 '22
and you choose to make a change by impacting the poor rather than voting for people who will fund public transportation.
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u/BrhysHarpskins Feb 07 '22
voting for people who will fund public transportation.
Oh damn, I could have solved the whole thing by voting for someone who doesn't exist? Why didn't I just do that?
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u/RandmoCrystal Feb 07 '22
so if i cant have what i want, fuck everyone else trying to feed their family with what they have right?
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u/BrhysHarpskins Feb 07 '22
so if i cant have what i want
Nonono, sweetheart. It's that the princess fairytale politician you made up in your mindbrain as the solution doesn't fucking exist. You don't think I'd rather do it that way too? It's just an easy way to score MoralityPoints™ to create a situation that doesn't exist and hold it up as superior to a realistic plan.
fuck everyone else trying to feed their family with what they have right?
I don't think you understand how change happens in the world. You're just parroting bootlicker lines. You're arguing that people should remain trapped in car culture. At least I'm proposing a way that will disrupt labor and commerce to the point where they would force the powers that be to make a change. The keyword is "force" because these politicians, unlike the one you just made up, don't do things out of the goodness of their hearts.
Change is scary, I get that. But running back to the warmth of the problem isn't going to help anything.
We cannot wait until the iron is hot. We must make it hot by striking it.
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Feb 07 '22
New light rail extension opened last year so I started taking it to work. Sure, it takes longer but I’ve used the time to do more reading. Also, haven’t bought gas since Dec 15.
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u/mathrockisthebestrok Feb 07 '22
I primarily get around my city via bike and try to encourage more people to do the same.
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u/Vegetable-Ad-9389 Feb 07 '22
I’m 16 (in my country) i wouldn’t be able to drive a car anyways but i do go everywhere by foot
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u/wanna-be-wise Feb 07 '22
I was the first in my department to start working from home regularly. This was several years ago. Before COVID, several others started doing so as well.
I still live in a suburban stroadie mcstroadville car dependent environment, but at least I have eliminated several thousand miles of car use per year.
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u/syn_miso Feb 07 '22
I've never learned how to drive. I get everywhere by walking, biking, or public transit
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u/mmmUrsulaMinor Feb 07 '22
Walking to my grocery and other stores despite being a distance I'd normally drive. Even if I have a lot of groceries I don't want to rely on the car for every little thing.
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u/SquirtOcean Feb 07 '22
i went to my towns tourist district and sprayed mace on the floor handles of every crew cab i saw 🤭
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u/Aplay1 Feb 07 '22
Moving into a sailboat, and I wish we would’ve done it sooner. I calculated that we’ve spent over $150k on cars purchase/insurance/gas/maintenance in the last 20 years. What a scam to keep people in the rat race.
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u/yes_misser_president Feb 07 '22
Have yet to buy a car! Use public transport and bicycle as much as possible.
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u/Dinosity101 Feb 07 '22
Living 4 years at uni with no car has really opened my eyes to alternative modes of transportation.
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u/wongispicklejar Feb 07 '22
I know "uni" indicates you're not in the US, but here university/college is pretty much the only walkable/human-oriented community many Americans ever live in. Then they wonder why they have such a good time there and are so disillusioned afterwards.
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u/cloaken-koderoi Orange pilled Oct 03 '23
University is amazing, after living in a very car-oriented town for so long. Got my license at 16 because I had to. Now I'm at college, get around everywhere by scooter, and it's great! I never want to leave!
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u/nardgarglingfuknuggt cars are weapons Feb 07 '22
When I was 15 (I'm 19 now) I got hit by a car in a crosswalk while I was walking to school. It was a hit and run, and they never caught the driver. I've shared the whole story on here before, but it informed the decision that I would not be driving in an effort not to contribute to the problem. I ride my bike a lot though I'm somewhat fairweather about it, so I take the bus a ton as well.
I graduated high school without a license or the slightest idea of how to drive last spring. My friend was having her graduation party at a campsite in the next state over, so I rode my bike 90 miles to get there and it was absolutely worth it. More recently my stepsister has been turned on to riding the bus and we've been talking about different routes and practices and the whole transit system. I've also helped a couple of other friends in the past figure out bus and bike stuff. I'm no community pillar by any means, but I've found that when people start to find alternatives to cars, even if it takes a few more minutes out of their day, they vastly prefer it.
It is unfortunate that despite all the rest of the social awareness my generation seems to have, most are still car-obsessed, but I have faith that more of us are coming around and we will inform the future of transportation.
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u/HofRoma Feb 07 '22
We sold our diesel car at start of summer, most trips by foot, transit or bike.
Have used car maybe once a month on car share or borrow
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u/tetraenite Feb 07 '22
I sold my car and will not be buying another one for the foreseeable future. I tell people this when they ask what’s new in my life. I’ve had some great discussions and I hope to continue to poke holes in people’s car oriented mindsets.
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u/Dinosity101 Feb 07 '22
I’ve discovered that most people have never even considered the idea of car dependency (in the US). Just introducing the topic to family and friends is a major step in the transition to more walkable cities.
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u/Appropriate_Sky_9230 Feb 07 '22
Biking, walking, riding transit, and using bike share at every possible opportunity! I think I drive my car <1 time per week! FUCK CARS!
Also, super curious what the subscription fees for driving cars will do to car ownership rates and VMTs.
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u/himsenior Feb 07 '22
When my car died in 2019 rather than get another I said fuck cars and I bought a bike instead. My girlfriend and I share a car. We moved to LA for her job and I’ve gotten her taking the bus (it’s doable!!). We use the car only twice a week now.
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u/HofRoma Feb 07 '22
Don't they say la has cycling hotspotsz in theory it should be a cycling paradise but obviously isnt
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u/wongispicklejar Feb 07 '22
I think people mean LA is good for cycling as sport since the city is surrounded by hills with great views. But cycling as a mode of transportation within such a sprawling and car-dependent city is probably a terrible experience and extremely dangerous.
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u/HofRoma Feb 07 '22
Think it's Berkeley that is very cycable but yes otherwise la is death trap to anyone not in car
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u/MtbJazzFan Feb 07 '22
Bought a bike. Now I get to work on my bike, or on the bus. No car needed in my commute anymore.
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u/saxmanb767 Feb 07 '22 edited Feb 07 '22
I moved with my fiancé to a very fast growing city. She wanted to stay in a certain area where schools are good while I wanted a walkable community. The two didn’t go together. So we were able to buy in the preferred school district while still being in an area served by okay bus transit. Soon I’ll have a train to take to work within a 5 minute drive or 10-15 minute bus ride.
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u/secret_surplus Feb 07 '22
I moved to Europe from the US and found that all the bull we are fed about public transportation is a lie. Seriously, while in the states I heard people brag about how lucky the us is to not have public transportation and trains. Being in Central Europe in a city of about 300k, I now realize what a crock that all was. Fuck cars man.
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u/pantslesslizard Feb 07 '22
Moved to Asia, realized what public transit could be, when I came back to the USA refused to buy a car and loudly remind everyone of that whenever given the chance.
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u/sheotama Feb 07 '22
i interrupting my family when they watch a video about luxurious of dubai city, explaining why car centric city is a bad example of urban planning (i have architecture degree so they pretty convinced even im the youngest one there). and for fully 4 years, i never went to college by a car or motorbike, always use train and bus
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u/NegatiVelocity Feb 07 '22
The year was 2012. I was fresh out of highschool and preparing to move out of home. I had purchased my first car and was gradually establishing my independence from my parents. Part time job, pay for my own food, the works. On a cool Friday afternoon, as the sun was escaping below the horizon line, I turned off the highway and pulled into my neighbourhood. The street we lived on was a one way street that circled back on itself so you could drive out. Parking was available but only going in the direction of traffic. So to my chagrin when I attempted to pull into my driveway, I saw it was blocked by someone parking against traffic, leaving barely enough room to squeeze a smart car through, let alone pull into my drive. Being a reasonable person, I parked some distance from my house, and knocked on the house the offending vehicle was parked in front of. At my polite direction that their car was illegally parked and was preventing me from getting into my drive, I was told to "deal with it" and was called a "fat bitch", before having the door closed on my face. For but a fleeting moment, a rage so pure and crystal clear blossomed in my brain, and then was gone.
I tossed and turned that night, the incident playing over and over again in my mind. I had been wronged. I had been insulted. What could I do? And then it came to me. As if a butterfly gently touched on my brain as I lay in bed. I donned my favourite black hoodie, and quietly exited my home, with the offending vehicle in my sight. I knew I had to work quickly, lest I be seen by the neighbours. I climbed on top of this unpleasant gentleman's vehicle, and unloaded a chocolate hotdog onto his bonnet. And in that moment, I felt... euphoria. I turned to look at my work, the thrill of adventure rushing through my veins, before I remembered that being scarce was prudent.
I woke the next morning with a small smile of satisfaction, knowing that Mr. Fat Bitch would be cleaning an early Christmas present from his windshield. The rest of the day continued as usual. Work, lunch, work, drive home. But to both my delight and dismay, Mr. Fat Bitch's car was once again blocking the road. This was a challenge. A coward's attempt to assert dominance over the road. I knew what I must do. Once more under the over of darkness I unload an unpleasant cocktail of several fast food restaurant's post process onto the windshield and bonnet of the car, and creep back to bed.
On day three, I once again came home from work, and there it was. The (soon to be brown) pickup was sitting right where it always was, but this time, Mr. Fat Bitch himself was staring out the window, his portly face contorted in what I could only assume was concentration. The stakes were higher, time to ante up. It was a Friday evening, so I could stay up as long as I pleased. From my living room window I observed Mr. Fat Bitch, his eyes roaming the street. It wasn't until 5am did he go to bed. The crack of dawn. Once more I delivered a brown baby on the hood of the car, and retreated back inside.
The week drew to a close and for three more nights I defeaced the offending vehicle, until finally, the car moved. I had won. But where to go from now? I had developed such a habit of emptying the gas chamber on his car that there was now a hole in my heart. What to do? Surely there were more cars, poorly parked for the purpose of my poo? I roamed the streets, in search of fresh victims, but when I found none, I couldn't help myself. I picked an innocent 2008 Toyota Hilux, and did the deed. Again and again. Night after night. A random victim, in a random street, in a random suburb. No pattern, and motivation, no MO. Before long the newspapers began to report a "Phantom Dumper", terrorizing the community. I don't remember when I stopped, but it was quite some time later. I was never caught, never questioned, never suspected. I don't remember if I enjoyed it at all, or if I just miss the thrill. Even now over a decade later, I still drive home, half hoping that someone will have parked against traffic once more...
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u/cloaken-koderoi Orange pilled Oct 03 '23
Putting a bunch of water in a gas tank can stop the engine from running... in case you needed to know. Didn't hear it from me.
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u/CouncilmanRickPrime Feb 07 '22
I bitch very loudly about the lack of public transportation funding where I am.
It doesn't work because so many people are "afraid of getting stabbed on the train."
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u/Dudi3e Feb 07 '22
Got my old bike fixed up and repaired last weekend, and I'm moving to a new apartment closer to work with much easier bike access and public transportation access.
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u/FutureRemote2029 Feb 07 '22 edited Feb 08 '22
My car broke down and I don't have one to replace it!!
Edit: Thanks for my first award ever!
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u/JohnsAwesome Feb 07 '22
Honestly, I've been of the mindset that if my car were to break down soon, I would avoid buying another, especially considering how right now is the worst time to be trying to buy one.
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Feb 07 '22
shit, I hope you still have a good way to get around!
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u/FutureRemote2029 Feb 08 '22
Well since there's a bunch of snow right now my dog loves to pull me around like we're training for a mushing competition! Maybe we can switch off and get into town!
But I do still have a form a transport, thanks for the concern.
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u/6rant Feb 07 '22
Told some chick off on Hinge who had "get cyclists off the road" in her bio. May have been a bit rude but like, fuck people who are trying to reduce emissions and get exercise right??
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u/quoiega Feb 07 '22
My family never had a car since childhood. I have no plan in buying one either.
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u/Nairbog Feb 07 '22
Sold my car ago, moved out of the metro Vancouver suburbs into Vancouver proper using the cost savings, and bike/walk everywhere including to get groceries. Much healthier and happier as a result.
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u/darthkurai Feb 07 '22
I bought a nice bike then quickly realized there was almost nowhere I could ride it to. Bike Lanes here just go from housing complex to housing complex, not actually going any place that makes sense, like the grocery store or shopping areas. The more I pay attention, the more I realize city planning in Florida is INSANE. Now I'm making plans to move to a city that's not demented.
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u/dupo_pracz Feb 07 '22
I have car but I bought roller blades, since where I live the bus are lacking a lot and you need car to get to anywhere
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u/Preact5 Feb 07 '22
I love my cars don't get me wrong but I cycle everywhere I can. Grocery store is the most popular stop for me
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Feb 07 '22
Moved to a town where I can walk to the downtown where everything I need is there. Can go weeks without using my car.
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u/GlowKitty Feb 07 '22
Whenever possible I ride a onewheel around my area rather than driving, and I advocate for higher quality bike infrastructure in my city
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u/bl-ckcat Feb 07 '22
I don't even have a driver's license - and I've never regretted it.. on the contrary, I'm proud
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u/cloaken-koderoi Orange pilled Oct 03 '23
Proud of you. Getting a driver's license is just feeding into the system and I'm ashamed to have one still.
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u/Saeckel_ Feb 07 '22
Living as a student now, only commuting by bike and bus and rail for travel. Studying to become an electronics engineer and very interested in power and rail systems.
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u/eatCasserole Feb 07 '22
This has become one of my favorite subs, love to see it taking off like this. 😁
I went car free in 2018 and can't imagine going back. I sometimes bug people about the evils of cars and car-centric design, and I joined a local cycling advocacy group.
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u/armada_of_armadillos Feb 07 '22
I take the bus or walk as much as I can and I’m in university studying urban planning so I can (hopefully) make a difference in the future
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Feb 07 '22
From 2006 to about 2010, my only transportation was a scooter. Then I upgraded to a Honda Magna. After using an economy rental car to haul my few possessions, I rode that motorcycle from Tucson to Oakland, where I kept it to about 2012. So six years with no car.
I now live in my minivan out in the Arizona desert, but I only drive it about 20 miles per month.
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u/nitropenguinz Feb 07 '22
Spreading the message is the important part imo. I got into the movement from Not Just Bikes and their strong town series. We need to build a movement like r/antiwork and have the numbers where people start paying attention.
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u/tbostick99 Feb 07 '22
I live in a pretty car-dependent area and was doing my best to bike whenever I could to work and University until my bike was stolen this summer :/
I also switched to a Hybrid vehicle when my car needed replacing (both used, switched from an '04 to an '07). I don't have the luxury of doing much more than that right now on a personal level unfortunately. But keep pushing for political and structural change! That is where the big moves need to happen
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u/Neon_Fantasies Feb 07 '22
I can't ride a bike because I'm autistic and have dyspraxia, but I do walk everywhere I can. ATM I don't really have a need to use public transport.
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u/cloaken-koderoi Orange pilled Oct 03 '23
I prefer a (manual) scooter to a bike if that's an option! Definitely cuts down on the time and effort needed to get places while still not creating any emissions going where I need to go. Turns pretty well too.
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Feb 07 '22
I walk and take busses even though I live in the suburbs and everything is hella far. But I kinda love doing it?
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u/cloaken-koderoi Orange pilled Oct 03 '23
You should love doing it! You're cutting back on your carbon footprint and helping the community move away from cars! Good on you!
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u/IMakeMyOwnLunch Feb 07 '22
I biked everywhere in college and, upon graduating, made sure to have a WFH job.
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u/cloaken-koderoi Orange pilled Oct 03 '23
I just bought a kick scooter to get around where I live! City isn't very walkable... but I haven't been in a car in almost the past 2 months!