Mar 02 2009
Bikes, carpooling, public transport, and the gym
In these tough times, those of you who are lucky enough to have a job have to worry about getting there. Cars have been very useful since their inception but today they have become an expensive commodity. Consider alternative approaches to transportation and you’ll spend less time in traffic, spend less, and could possibly lose a few pounds…
People often associate driving with independence but forget to realize that said independence comes with a heavy price. Insurance, gas, and maintenance are some of the biggest headaches associated with car ownership. Alternative forms of transportation, such as public transportation could go a long way even if you decide to keep your vehicle. The United States isn’t known for good public transportation, and many towns have actually been designed to be more car-friendly because of American car culture, tire lobbyists, and car manufacturer’s relationship with Washington politicians. It might be financially sensitive to see how good transportation is in your city and see if it fits into your schedule.
Some cities don’t have effective transportation systems, but there are still some things you can do. Carpooling might be an option for those of you who live in more suburban or rural areas, which tend not to have public transportation at all. This can be done quite easily. Make arrangements with co-workers or friends who have similar schedules, chip in for gas and take turns driving. There are many ways to carpool and it’s all a matter of seeing what works best for everyone.
Biking is also an efficient way to reach your destination. If you are blessed to live in a place like California, where most days are sunny, you could probably get away with biking all year long. Although many bike models are expensive, there are ways to save on this, such as buying a bicycle from www.craigslist.org. It is also good to check your local police station and see if they sell impounded bikes. These are usually bicycles that were impounded and never claimed. Yard sales, flea markets, toy stores and even thrift stores might be a good bet. Maintenance for a bicycle is also much simpler than car maintenance.
There are some safety implications with riding a bicycle. Wearing a helmet is very important, and you must be as attentive when you ride a bike as when you drive a car. Many states also have bike traffic laws that you could get cited for if you do not obey, but they are quite simple. You must, for example, stop at stop signs and turn in car turning lanes, check your state’s DMV concerning these. In some states, it is a law to wear a helmet, but this isn’t always the case. Best of all, biking can replace a gym membership and save you even more in the process.
