I'm half car free. I own one, but I'm using it only when I go shopping (once a week or less, big shopping once a month or less), holidays (3 times a year), visiting family (several times a year). I'm commuting to work by bike, in winter usually I use public transport. I don't imagine to be totally car free, including public transport. Total car free life is good for singles. Going on holiday by a public transport is worth a while when travelling alone. Two tickets costs nearly as much as gasoline for the car, three or more - car is cheaper.
And first of all is health. Car free life is not the same as time to time cycling. It can be quite draining for the body. Hot, cold, storm, rain, headache, toothache, cold, flu etc one have to jump on the bike and pedalling to work. It is of course feasible under certain conditions, but life without a car is not for everyone. My friend had a total car free episode in his life. I remember him always having permanent cold in autumn and early spring. Now he has a family (wife, 3 year old daughter and second child on the way) and he doesn't imagine living without a car.
Last edited by mklos1; 12-27-13 at 11:25 AM.