How to walk instead of drive whenever possible by SJ

"More exercise and a smaller ecological footprint are added bonuses of this goal!"

How I did it: It took my car being slightly under-the-weather for me to really kick this goal in gear, but now I've gotten so used to doing everything on foot, on bike, or on transit, that I'm considering getting rid of the damn thing entirely. Next month, I'm moving into an apartment that is so close to my job that all I have to do is walk across the hall to get there, which will further decline my need for an automobile.

Lessons & tips: A reliable bike and a good knowledge of transit schedules makes this goal a lot less stressful. Planning ahead is very useful, and so is finding things to occupy that extra transit time. I loaded my iPod up with podcasts and audiobooks, so I didn't feel like I was ever wasting time when I was on the train or the bus. Multi-tasking wins!

Resources: Transit planning websites, particularly 511.org


 

Aug 31, 2009, 08:50PM PDT | 3 comments | 5 cheers


Comments:

petrnotail

how inspring

my car is rather ill/coughy so I took this entry as a reminder to look up bus routes/schedules to work. there is a stop that is 3 blocks away and only one transfer. according to google it will take a little over an hour, but would allow 1.5 – 2 hours due to notorious unreliability of baltimore public trans. but this is such a relief to know it’s there in case car dies…or just to save gas slash money!

thank you thank you thank you.

going to check out this 511.org as well. edit: for SF bay only, oh well!

Sep 01, 2009, 05:44AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

SJ is luminous

Drat

I’m sure they have something similar to 511.org in any major city.

Sep 01, 2009, 07:00PM PDT | Respond to this 1 cheer

Charlie is moving forward, one day at a time.

Here in Philly...

We have an excellent transit system designed to get you into the city, but the systems that exist to move people within are somewhat lacking. Busses are really the only option, and thanks to the crazy-mapped-by-a-learning-disabled-carrier-pigeon routes, are really useless. It could easily take an hour to get to someplace two miles away.

Downtown everybody rides a bike. I live on a very safe and quiet street in one of the outer neighborhoods, but not all the surrounding streets are quite as safe. I wouldn’t ride my bike at night.

Still, it can be done!

I commend you, oh, carbon footprint reducer!

Sep 02, 2009, 10:57PM PDT | Respond to this 1 cheer


SJ has gotten 5 cheers on this entry.

 

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