Originally Posted by
Maelochs
Also, they were not “Motorless,” and Certainly not “Car-Free.” Even in the three seasons of decent weather, they rented cars.
"Car-light," to me, sounds like someone owns a car but uses it less/sparingly by actively seeking to bike, walk, and use transit more and/or telecommute, carpool, etc.
"Car-free," to me, doesn't mean you never ever use a car but that you don't own one. Now, you can argue that a person who doesn't own a car still does as much or more as someone who is 'car-light,' and then the terms don't make as much sense, but to me the basic principle of "car-light" involves owning the car but using it less.
I sometimes accept rides or drive on occasion, but I still wouldn't consider myself 'car-light' because the cars I use aren't my own. I do own a car but it hasn't been registered or insured for years and I just keep it around as a reminder of what I don't want to deal with.