Low car diet: walking is always the best reward
I've been having fun experimenting with a variety of transportation alternatives in the month since I began my low car diet. I've bussed a lot, taken the light rail known locally as the "Max," even riding transport for free in "Fareless Square." My husband had made plentiful use of the bike and ride option (he sticks his bike on the front rack on the bus before work, then rides home late at night when the schedules are inconvenient or nonexistent). We've done the Flexcar thing, and I've biked a ton.
But the easiest option, by far, is simply to walk. I walk to the grocery store with the boys and fill the bottom of my sturdy jogging stroller with canned goods, milk, wine, veggies, bread, juice, and goodies of all kinds. I walk to the neighborhood coffee shop when I need to get away from the house and jump on their free WiFi. I walk to the high school track in our neighborhood to do intervals and let my four-year-old play in the sand. I walk to the knitting cafe for companionship and a yarn fix.
Biking and bussing may be faster, and the Flexcar? It's super cool. But walking is its own reward and it's just so much easier! No helmets, no car seats, no locks or reservations. Just throw the little one in the stroller (he can even climb in himself!), throw my gear in the cargo hold and away we go. Best of all: it's utterly, completely, in every way, free.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phil L. 8:59AM (7/19/2006)
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Sarah. Yes, Portland has lots of alternative-transportation options available.
Of course, before you say "in every way, free", we also got a jogging stroller when our 3 kids were infants (twins plus one, all within 18 months) - and were surprised how much they can cost. Triple joggers aren't terribly common, so expect to pay at least $300-$600, depending on quality and new/used. We've put a lot of miles on ours, so it's been money well spent.
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loikll 2:07PM (7/19/2006)
I like walking too, but for the most part America wasn't made for walking. For the vast majority of people, taking care of any business or errands on foot is not just wildly impractical and quite hazardous, it's virtually impossible. Not to mention it's a non-starter in 100 degree weather, unless your every destination has a shower stall you can use.
On the other hand, I once lived in Coronado, CA, which was a walker's paradise! (Too bad Calif. has those onerous taxes.)
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