Living Car Free...The reality.
09-30-18, 08:19 PM
#201
What happened?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 7,927
Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
255 Posts
A bit out of date those old fins of the automotive culture...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950s_...mobile_culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950s_...mobile_culture
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
09-30-18, 08:37 PM
#202
Prefers Cicero
Also, although it is published in Scientific American it is not a scientific article. It is an opinion piece by the head of a natural gas consulting company.
Last edited by cooker; 09-30-18 at 08:45 PM.
09-30-18, 09:40 PM
#203
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
I saw a TED talk about providing people in Africa small scale solar systems to power their houses so as to free them from expensive grids and allow them more wide spread modest use of electricity. It talked about a future where community collectives could pool solar power to either sell (generate income) or power small scale industry. Quite interesting as I think we take basic power for granted but they can't even refrigerate food or use lights in the evening.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 09-30-18 at 10:05 PM.
09-30-18, 09:59 PM
#204
Senior Member
The point of that article is that poor people and developing countries need access to energy to improve their lives and economies Fair enough. However since there is no unlimited source of clean energy, the only way that can happen without destroying the world is if we use less. Besides, where do Tisher and Levey say that energy has to go to highways and cars - the most inefficient way to move people?
Also, although it is published in Scientific American it is not a scientific article. It is an opinion piece by the head of a natural gas consulting company.
Also, although it is published in Scientific American it is not a scientific article. It is an opinion piece by the head of a natural gas consulting company.
Since the buffalo herds moved seasonally great distances from place to place those who depended on them for their living must move also. The horse made this far easier and quicker. I know of few situations in history where the economy and culture of a society have been so dramatically transformed with such lightning speed by a similar empowerment. The romance and excitement of this colorful culture has captured the imagination of the Western World and it has become a favorite subject for books, paintings and movies.
The Indian acquisition of the horse reminds me of the somewhat analogous technological revolution in our society caused by the invention and ubiquitous spread of motor vehicles. The glory days of Indian horsemen lasted a little over a century. Given our rapid exhaustion of oil and gas reserves and our pollution of the environment, one wonders if the glory days of the motor vehicle will last much longer than that of the mounted Indian.
09-30-18, 10:10 PM
#205
Senior Member
We've all in our own way just been following the buffalo ever since...
One must remember that before the early 1700s the Plains Indian depended on dogs or human beings for transporting their equipment. The vast herds of buffalo were extremely difficult for them to hunt because they could move much faster than a man on foot. On the vast plains there was little cover where hunters could hide to make a stalk. Certainly resourceful hunters managed to kill buffalo with techniques like approaching using wolf hides as cover or driving herds over a precipice, but this did not provide great abundance with any continuity. Almost overnight, as if by magic, they found a way to outrun a buffalo and carry much greater loads farther and faster than a dog or a human.
https://www.equitours.com/views-from...rican-culture/
One must remember that before the early 1700s the Plains Indian depended on dogs or human beings for transporting their equipment. The vast herds of buffalo were extremely difficult for them to hunt because they could move much faster than a man on foot. On the vast plains there was little cover where hunters could hide to make a stalk. Certainly resourceful hunters managed to kill buffalo with techniques like approaching using wolf hides as cover or driving herds over a precipice, but this did not provide great abundance with any continuity. Almost overnight, as if by magic, they found a way to outrun a buffalo and carry much greater loads farther and faster than a dog or a human.
10-01-18, 12:02 AM
#206
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
A bit out of date those old fins of the automotive culture...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950s_...mobile_culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950s_...mobile_culture
Now that is automotive culture!!
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
10-01-18, 06:02 AM
#207
Prefers Cicero
We've all in our own way just been following the buffalo ever since...
https://www.equitours.com/views-from...rican-culture/
https://www.equitours.com/views-from...rican-culture/
Last edited by cooker; 10-01-18 at 07:56 AM.
10-01-18, 06:20 AM
#208
Prefers Cicero
The plains Indians didn't acquire horses until the 18th century. I wonder of anyone thought maybe they shouldn't mess around with those animals or they'd destroy the world. The horse culture changed the Indian culture and if not for the Automotive culture there'd be a lot of horses*** to deal with today...
Given our rapid exhaustion of oil and gas reserves and our pollution of the environment, one wonders if the glory days of the motor vehicle will last much longer than that of the mounted Indian.
Last edited by cooker; 10-01-18 at 06:41 AM.
10-07-18, 07:24 PM
#209
What happened?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 7,927
Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
255 Posts
Will biowaste be a viable source of energy for vehicles is sorta where this is all leading to.
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
10-10-18, 02:31 PM
#210
Banned
From BBC
Why you have (probably) already
bought your last car.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45786690
10-14-18, 11:10 PM
#211
What happened?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 7,927
Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
255 Posts
We had one LCF thread end up in P&R, to my surprise...these things don't have to go there.
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
10-15-18, 10:06 AM
#213
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,957
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,527 Times
in
1,040 Posts
10-15-18, 06:05 PM
#214
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 101
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
When I've need a vehicle like this, I simply rent it a day earlier than needed and return when the rental place is open. It might've cost an extra $50, but with the ~$6500 I'm saving a year being car free, it's not an issue.
10-15-18, 07:05 PM
#215
Senior Member
, but, what about the future generations..>>> I have NEVER seen a post from you as to how that would work out. "in the future".. Give me a break, what does your future, look like in the bigger scheme of things... >>> oh, and your ancestor's future... ??? 
10-16-18, 04:04 AM
#217
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
10-16-18, 03:07 PM
#218
20+mph Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Greenville. SC USA
Posts: 7,511
Bikes: Surly LHT, Surly Lowside, a folding bike, and a beater.
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1429 Post(s)
Liked 330 Times
in
218 Posts
I gave up several things I love to do, like canoeing, bow fishing, hunting, and surf cast fishing, for instance, when I decided I would be happier without a few activities if it meant ditching the gahdamn car. That was 1989. Nearly 30 years later I have no regrets. (I have also biked across the USA five times). If you don't mind being a slave to the car, or if you are rich, then you should not go car free if the car/truck enhances your life more than it detracts from it. Pretty simple.
10-17-18, 12:06 AM
#220
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,479
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7648 Post(s)
Liked 3,464 Times
in
1,830 Posts
10-17-18, 10:06 AM
#221
20+mph Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Greenville. SC USA
Posts: 7,511
Bikes: Surly LHT, Surly Lowside, a folding bike, and a beater.
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1429 Post(s)
Liked 330 Times
in
218 Posts
After I gave up the car it took me one year to save up for a 5-month bike trip using the money I would have used for fuel, insurance, repairs, parking, etc., on my van. I also sold the van, a motorcycle, and my pop-up camper (all things I loved). I biked self-contained from New Orleans, USA to Vancouver, BC, then down the coast to Mexico. 5-months total. I brought a fishing pole and some light tackle. Seriously. I have photos to prove it.
I gave up several things I love to do, like canoeing, bow fishing, hunting, and surf cast fishing, for instance, when I decided I would be happier without a few activities if it meant ditching the gahdamn car. That was 1989. Nearly 30 years later I have no regrets. (I have also biked across the USA five times). If you don't mind being a slave to the car, or if you are rich, then you should not go car free if the car/truck enhances your life more than it detracts from it. Pretty simple.
I gave up several things I love to do, like canoeing, bow fishing, hunting, and surf cast fishing, for instance, when I decided I would be happier without a few activities if it meant ditching the gahdamn car. That was 1989. Nearly 30 years later I have no regrets. (I have also biked across the USA five times). If you don't mind being a slave to the car, or if you are rich, then you should not go car free if the car/truck enhances your life more than it detracts from it. Pretty simple.
I was just trying to point out that no one really knows how going car-free will turn out without trying it. I kept my van for two years before I sold it, just in case I changed my mind. I killed the license and insurance then put it in a free storage spot I had lined up. Sold it to my little brother for $1 when I was sure.
Every single car-free person gives up something they love doing, or something becomes so inconvenient that they stop doing it. Welcome to the club Mr. Fisherman! In fact, I'm going to start a thread about this.
Feel free to proof/edit! I like it.
10-18-18, 10:21 PM
#222
Senior Member
The term, "Iron Horse" was meant to venerate the steam locomotive back in the day when horses were used to run machinery. As time when on, so the story goes, companies that operated trains made a crucial marketing mistake (back in the day when automobiles showed up), believing they were in the railroad business when they actually were in the transportation business. For most who own and operate motor vehicles, I think it's pretty well understood that a car is transportation and not a hobby. If you can get around without having to shell out the expense of car ownership, it makes sense you'd be, living car-free. I can easily get around without a bike but I own and ride one-- it's more a hobby, probably a bit like many who owned the first cars. But, pretty quickly, many came to understand that car ownership literally and figuratively expanded your horizons--
10-19-18, 10:33 AM
#223
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,355
Mentioned: 90 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8084 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
All he did was censor your entire post except for the part where you said something seemingly car-positive; probably either to try to groom you into being more car-positive generally or to provoke a car vs. bike debate, which are the downfall of this subforum and thus the highlight for the pro-car (i.e. car defensive) people.
10-19-18, 10:38 AM
#224
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,479
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7648 Post(s)
Liked 3,464 Times
in
1,830 Posts
Actually, what I did was take out all the slanted, anti-car stuff and leave in the parts grounded in reality. Only some people can see and admit that sometimes using a car is the better alternative.
in fact, anyone who thinks that the remaining sentence was car-positive is by that revealing deep prejudice (or a need for medication.)
What JoeyBike actually said was, use a car or don't, whichever is better.
And that, sirs and madams, makes sense.
in fact, anyone who thinks that the remaining sentence was car-positive is by that revealing deep prejudice (or a need for medication.)
What JoeyBike actually said was, use a car or don't, whichever is better.
And that, sirs and madams, makes sense.
10-19-18, 04:12 PM
#225
20+mph Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Greenville. SC USA
Posts: 7,511
Bikes: Surly LHT, Surly Lowside, a folding bike, and a beater.
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1429 Post(s)
Liked 330 Times
in
218 Posts
Or...ditch the car, keep your insurance, and test the waters. If car-free sucks for you, get another car. Last year I rented 14 cars for one to four days. Now that car rental prices are through the roof for some reason, I start considering owning a car again. For reasons mentioned already, I can't have one right now so, I just do something else not requiring rental cars. Life sucks sometimes. What can I say. Put on the big-boy pants and move on.
