As of yesterday, I have officially finished my 8 weeks trial period without a car. Through this time I have expressed some displeasure in the process but now it’s finally done! I would be lying if I told you I did not drive my car during this time period. I had to drive it in 3 separate occasions. The first incident was for 2 doctors visit in one day. I would have taken public transportation but even though the appointments were 2 hours apart, I was not going to be able to make it considering I wouldn’t know when I’ll be out after the first appointment. I suppose I could have considered that incident a “rental” incident but I think I can prevent something like that from happening either by scheduling them on different days or scheduling earlier. The second incident was a drive down to Orange County. I was heading down to our friends’ place so that I can leave the car for a weekend trip to San Diego. That would have been considered a legitimate “rental” opportunity. I would have even driven the rental down to SD. The final incident was because I had to bring my car in to get it tuned up and fixed maintenance issues. That actually has nothing to do with needing a car since the reason alone is enough to justify why I needed to drive. It was this last trip where it finally sealed the deal in my decision to give up my car permanently. I am tired of throwing my money away maintaining this proverbial ball and chain.

Here are some highlights of my 2 months experience.

• Bought rain gear, but did not bring it when it did drizzle. Still had fun riding in the wet.
• Rode 855 miles during this time which included commuting, some group rides, and my Santa Monica excursion.
• Had 4 people ask about the Xtracycle.
• Had motorcyclist compliment on my Xtracycle.
• Realized that LA still has a long way in becoming a bicycle friendly city and there are dedicated individuals who are out there fighting for a better LA as we speak.
• Los Angeles have so much things to experience outside of a car.
• I could go practically anywhere in LA if I planned it right.
• People generally are surprised and doubtful when you tell them that you’re giving up your car. They’re almost sympathetic for the cause and some do offer rides.
• Some people don’t think it’s possible to be car-free in LA. Some think it’s social suicide.
• Your iPod is your best friend on public transportation.
• My friends are realizing that I’m not messing around.
• Using the bike rack on a bus is easy.

For the next step, I am going to get my car washed and detailed and will be putting it on Craigslist for sale hopefully by today. It is going to be good to lose this 3,000 lbs from my life. The revolution has begun!

Photo provided by nyoin on Flickr.

2 Responses to “Living 8 weeks without a car”

1. Alex says:

   November 15, 2009 at 7:45 am

   Congrats brother Lam! Send your ‘car for sale’ ad to the friends (or just me) first. I may know people interested in it and so you won’t have to deal with a stranger.
2. Enci says:

   November 16, 2009 at 1:08 am

   Woohoo! Congratulations! This is great news! If you need a car rental place, 699 Rent a Car is great and so are the guys at Hollywood Rent A Car. Both are in Hollywood. Not sure where you live though.

   The Revolution has begun! Yeah!