Car-free in Mexico
#1
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Car-free in Mexico
We have been living in Mexico since 2012, w/ the exception of two car-owning periods: 2015-2017, a 2-year period working in Austin, TX; and 2020-2022 - a 20-month period driving around the U.S. in an RV and Honda CR-V. So, 7 years or so out of the last decade were car-free. Including since we moved back to Mexico in March.
The one thing different this time is that we got bikes again - this time some beefy Schwinn Boundary models. MTB style, forks in front, decent sized tires but not *too* fat. Added some fat old-people seats, swapped risers to move the handlebars up and back a bit. 7-speeds, 3 assist levels. No throttle on the handlebar.
In the U.S. being car-free really takes a large city and a big commitement. Here, there are lots of cobblestone streets but a ciclopista (2-way bike lane) connecting all the villages up and down the lake. We get to pass up a *lot* of cars stuck in traffic and it feels great. It's not exactly common to own bikes but no car here, but we've met quite a few fellow expats who have made similar choices.
The one thing different this time is that we got bikes again - this time some beefy Schwinn Boundary models. MTB style, forks in front, decent sized tires but not *too* fat. Added some fat old-people seats, swapped risers to move the handlebars up and back a bit. 7-speeds, 3 assist levels. No throttle on the handlebar.
In the U.S. being car-free really takes a large city and a big commitement. Here, there are lots of cobblestone streets but a ciclopista (2-way bike lane) connecting all the villages up and down the lake. We get to pass up a *lot* of cars stuck in traffic and it feels great. It's not exactly common to own bikes but no car here, but we've met quite a few fellow expats who have made similar choices.
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#4
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Congrats on your choice, sounds like it is working out for you.
I don't think I could ever do this....just look at my Avatar.
I don't think I could ever do this....just look at my Avatar.
#5
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Our biking experience has been generally positive. The cobblestone areas are a bit jarring, but the ciclopista is nice and smooth and faster than driving a car at least half the day.
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#7
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I worked and lived in GDL and lived in Chapala and for a few years had no car. Finally, the company gave me a car for my commute from "Lakeside".
No hardship when carless.
Had a Nishiki mountain bike
gm
No hardship when carless.
Had a Nishiki mountain bike
gm
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