/r/nocar

Photograph via snooOG

Living a no-car lifestyle: biking, walking, riding public transit, and refusing the car as an option, whether it's a lifestyle choice or opposition to oil consumption. This subreddit is for those who reject car culture and embrace alternative transportation methods.

Living a no-car lifestyle: biking, walking, riding public transit, and refusing the car as an option. This subreddit is for those who reject car culture and embrace alternative transportation methods and a healthier lifestyle.

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/r/nocar

1,236 Subscribers

1

NYS street legal car alternates?

NYS street legal car alternatives?

Went vehicle shopping the other day and came home disappointed, and I really don’t want to participate in todays car market.

So, what are my NYS street legal alternatives? I just scrolled past a Tuk Tuk with a cab…and an enclosed 4 seat golf cart… they seem like ideal machines for running around town. But in NYS… NYS…

I’m just not going to pay $30,$40 k for a vehicle that’s primarily going to be used for around town work and running errands.

Other than a bakfiet bike, what are my alternative options for moving the family around town?

0 Comments
2023/12/05
14:06 UTC

10

Have been without a car for over a year and work 15 miles from home AMA!

I will give a caveat that my partner has a car but I primarily do not use a car and only borrow. Another caveat, we live near a city in a suburb within the same county so I do recognize the privilege and flexibility this offers. However, even the farther out, rural communities in our area have at least one regional transit and one larger route that runs once a day.

Some context, I have had random bouts of seizures so driving isn’t always the safest. I have been deemed okay to drive by my doctor but I still feel it is safest if I try to limit how much I drive.

Additionally, our financial situation is no longer in a place where we can afford two cars. Simply up keeping one car is actually quite a financial burden nowadays.

But I want to provide help and support for those out there who want to learn to make the most of living a mostly car-free lifestyle.

Commuting I have done: cycling (my personal favorite), public transportation, Uber, and getting rides.

Ask me anything and I’ll see if I can help!

3 Comments
2023/11/17
15:33 UTC

9

I'm starting a new job where I need a car

Hi everyone, I always had no regret of not being able to drive (I have the licence but I used it only a few times). I hate driving and I live in a big city where I can use public trasports efficiently. But in a month I will start a job where a couple of times a month they can call me at night. Friends and family insist that public transport at night are dangerous and I can't count on taxis (in my country - Italy - Uber doesn't exist). I can't use bike as well because my place of work is out of town and the road is dangerous. So, I am thinking of taking again driving classes, but I hate the idea. I am so nervous when I drive, I don't want to spend money on maintaining a car and I have been always dreaming a world without car.

I am thinking of a motorcycle, I never drove it and I know that potentially it is more dangerous but I feel I am less nervous thinking of driving something smaller.

Do you have suggestions or similar experiences? Thank you

8 Comments
2023/09/08
05:30 UTC

1

Transportation in a county

What is best way to get around bmore county not city without a car? I heard the public transportation services are not great there. I cant afford the city life rn. I usually uber ,but i was wondering if anyone had any alternatives.f20s

1 Comment
2023/08/29
05:49 UTC

2

Just saw this and it pissed me off: "$4,000 DAMAGE TO TESLA IN CRASH WITH BIKE"

1 Comment
2023/05/06
16:38 UTC

5

Trying to finally get my license at 31.

My partner has been slowly teaching me to drive, and some of it has been ok, some of it not so much. No wreck or anything yet, but it definitely doesn't help that I get extremely nervous behind the wheel.

We're in a small rural town outside Nashville now, hoping to move to Atlanta or Houston soon, so am hoping to at least get my license but I think if we end up moving to a place like Atlanta, using public transportation on the daily would be more feasible and easier. But at least having a license would allow me to use it in an absolute emergency if need be.

But I can't stress enough how bad my nerves were behind the wheel. Being raised with a short tempered stepdad and in an overall religious cult environment hasn't helped--fearing death is definitely not material to take on the road.

1 Comment
2023/03/30
16:59 UTC

4

Looking for participants for a study on self-driving vehicles (30 minute interview)

Hi everyone! My name is Kate, and I am conducting an academic study for my Qualitative Research Methods (LDRS810) graduate course at Fort Hays State University. This study seeks to understand the perspectives toward the concept of fully autonomous vehicles from individuals who do not drive due to disability. I seek to use personal accounts to understand how autonomous vehicles may be designed or regulated to best accommodate current non-drivers with disabilities.

I am looking for any individuals who identifies as having a permanent disability that prevents them from driving, are between the ages of 18-65, have resided in the United States for a period of five years or greater and are comfortable answering personal questions regarding disability and driving (your participation will remain confidential and anonymous) to engage in a 30-45 minute remote interview that asks about your experiences with not driving and perspectives toward autonomous vehicles. These interviews will be conducted over an online communication tool (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google meet) or through the phone, depending on your comfort level and preferences. The data will be used solely for academic purposes, and this is an unpaid study due to the constraints around my assignment.

If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, please contact me through direct message or via email (researchstudyselfdrivingcars@gmail.com). If you have any questions about the study whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your consideration.

0 Comments
2022/10/15
00:57 UTC

10

Can't drive.

I'm 28 years old. I don't drive a car due to minor vision problems, not by choice. I want to get out of the house more, but it's hard to because I'm out in the country, away from everything. I don't have anyone to take me anywhere. I live with parents still, but they're always busy even if they wanted to. Do I just have to put up with this until I can move out to a better location?

2 Comments
2022/10/05
00:52 UTC

7

Master Planned Communities for No Car Living?

I've been working from home for a while. I get groceries from Whole Foods delivery. The only reason I drive regularly is because of my apartment building. Apt. numbers are confusing and out of order so for packages, stuff gets left in the hallway or dropped off at the front office. The front office does not stick to posted hours, there's only one person on staff that regularly leaves and locks the door. So I have to get packages (which are often large and heavy) at a UPS store which is a short drive.

Anything else is pretty much within walking distance. And for any long trips like to visit people I'm fine with a rental.

So, when my lease is up, I'm considering a master-planned community. There are two apartments in MPC's where I live. I only just discovered this term after searching for information after visiting a place where a friend lives.

It's a tight area, small roads, everything close together, you have to get mail from the post office, people are just walking around talking. ...It was such a crazy experience for me to see that. Like the whole town was kind of a general hang-out for everyone. People were just calling out to each other by name. Such a trip.

Anyway, I'm curious if anyone has experience with this kind of place. What are the limits? Pros, cons, etc.

1 Comment
2022/09/08
17:49 UTC

9

Does anyone know of any good grocery carrying carts to use while walking from the store?

Looking for something really good on sidewalks and roads. I don’t have a car but I have a store within walking distance from my apartment that I go to, but I would like to make carrying groceries easier on myself and be able to get heavier items.

4 Comments
2022/08/16
23:43 UTC

18

I can't stand owning my car anymore. It's too expensive to maintain and new cars are outrageously priced. Where can I live in the US without a car?

18 Comments
2022/07/29
05:08 UTC

9

Convince me that I dont need my car anymore..

Hello. I bought a new Honda Civic in 2016. I paid $37k Cash. I saved up a lot from when I was a kid and bought a nice car.

At the time my workplace was a 50 minute drive away so I used the car daily as my commute. Before this I owned an old 94 Carolla that my grandmother gave me. That car is still kicking strong at 100000kms and my brother currently uses it (He doesnt drive the car at all either, so I'll see till have access to this if I need it)

I got a new job recently and am now working hybrid office/WFH where my office is a 5km commute. Im riding my electric scooter in to work when I choose to go in.

My car is kind of sitting in my garage doing nothing. In the 5 years I have owned it its done 30000kms. Rego is $900 per year and insurance is around $1500. I have put it up for sale on facebook marketplace for $29,999 and have had many offers/interest for around $26/27K

I was close to selling it at the end of last year but In the end I retracted my offer as I was still using the car to travel to work a few days a week.

Im still very attached to the car, Its the first thing I ever saved up for and Am very emotionally stuck to it.

In all scenario's Ill be better off financially without it and ill still have my old car to use when I need to goto the shops or every now and then when a car is needed.

Its a 5 mins walk to the train/tram/bus and 5 mins walk to the local shopping strip. In every scenario ill be better off without it, But I cant convince myself to sell it.

I also purchased a house last year and could use some of the cash to pay that off too

Thanks.

14 Comments
2022/05/05
17:38 UTC

16

Business Parks Suck (but they don't have to)

1 Comment
2022/04/18
20:28 UTC

27

I genuinely feel that a vast majority of America's physical/mental health problems would be solved if everyone made the switch to walking to get groceries

Heart Disease? Obesity? Loss of community? Vitamin D Deficiency? etc

So many small issues would be solved if everyone just got off their ass, walked to the grocery store if thats feesible and carried their groceries home.

8 Comments
2022/04/17
12:03 UTC

15

The cars status illusion.

Owning a car. Is not a must in this society. Don't go broke. Nobody knows how much money you have in your pocket. You're probably doing better than some of these people driving In a BMW and Mercedes Benz. A car It's somehow this weird status symbol that is not accurate at all as status. There so many factors when I comes to owner ship sometimes you trying to compete with someone that is not even real competition. That what car ownership looks like to me trying to outlook everyone by making it seem your financially better when that is not always the case. Some of these people driving these cars are hardworking people that worked there way to the top and then there are rich kids who parents just bought them the car! It’s not that this person is a hard worker than you or smarter there so much factors I’ve known people who live in ghetto neighbor hoods but drive a brand new luxury/muscle car. Putting money into a car to try and prove to people they are highly successful. I also know people who buy salvaged cars and try and act like its not. Don’t be fooled don’t let this rat race of cars make you enter a unfair competition that drains your bank account. Get on public transportation and stack your money up. I can afford a good car. Why do that to myself? My monthly bus pass Is $50 a month. I take four trips a day to and from work. Some of you live by train stations some of you guys live by light rails and drive by them every day, Potentially going the same exact direction that light rail will take you! Hopefully more people that start riding this public transportation. The city starts increasing funding and making them more accessible and attractive for more riders and become the thing to do and take out the stigma that it’s for poor people and low life.

6 Comments
2022/04/10
03:51 UTC

10

No car lifestyle outside of the city?

Hello good people of the internet.

Does anyone here have insight about what areas are walkable other than cities? I recently decided I don’t want to drive anymore mainly for safety.

Any examples or tips about where to look for further info would be appreciated. How do people live in these areas?

Someone suggested to me once to consider setting up a life about three miles outside of a small town. They specified the town should have about fifteen traffic lights and not five hundred.

I’m just considering my options because I really don’t necessarily intend on staying in the city my entire life, but, you know most people outside of the city drive. Anyways I guess I can stop there.

Thank you.

7 Comments
2022/03/09
20:50 UTC

6

in a jam

At this point I'm 26 and Uber or rely on other people I can't afford a car or car insurance let alone my phone bill. So I am wondering if I should bother driving ever ? I haven't driven in many years less than 10. Everyone tell me to drive excepty mother bc I have a slow reaction processing time so I'm wondering if she hindering me from my independence and if she rly doesn't trust me on the roads n is scared I would hurt myself or others. Howver I am sick of her driving me and I can't afford to live in the city and there no public transportation near me .

18 Comments
2022/01/06
12:16 UTC

14

I've actually never drove. I tried once and was terrified. Anyone here successfully have a relationship where one of you doesn't have a car?

Long story short, I've been stuck in a rut for a long while, stuck with toxic family (homophobic religious zealots), trying to get a line of income of my own to become independent, and I've never had a car. I'm in a rural town in Tennessee about an hour and a half SE of Nashville, and I actually met a great friend whose in a way better position than I am.

I met this friend on a dating site over the summer and more recently, we've gotten close. He's taken me to a Dr appt to get second opinion, out to lunch in Nashville. He currently lives only a couple minutes away from me, and he comes and gets me when I'm able to get out and we go to his place or we go on walks on a trail by the river close by. He knows about my toxic family, just not the low income and no car thing. I'm terrified to tell him about the no car thing. I've been sheltered nearly my entire life (I'm 30 btw), and he's really snuck up on me. I've never felt this way about someone. He says he feels the same but my baggage is definitely something I hate.

Anyone in a similar situation or have went through one?

8 Comments
2022/01/04
18:16 UTC

0

But what would we do with the billion vehicles?

If cars were funded,

by liable employers,

teleport to work.

3 Comments
2021/12/28
09:10 UTC

9

Struggling with my life

I am kind of in a pickle here because I'm in my mid 20s with my liscense but no car. I got my liscense 6 years ago but I was never allowed to go far and alone since my mom is scared bc of my learning disabilties. Data for water to now and I have no car or savings or a stable income /job. I have a place to stay until I get back on my feet but I Uber and it costly and I don't want to be more responsiblity for my bf . My mom constantly complains about driving me but says I shouldn't if I don't feel comfortable and I am not sure if she is looking out for me like in my best interest or not. My mother is very toxic . How'vever everyone around me says to drive and I'm planning on practices soon but I'm nervous . I also hate waiting around for hours for my ride but yeah . I unfortunately can't bike , walk in the suburbs area. There is public transportation but I have to Uber to it .

16 Comments
2021/12/21
07:03 UTC

68

anon makes a discovery

2 Comments
2021/12/07
18:05 UTC

12

Getting Around Affordably

Hey everybody! I live in Denver, CO, USA. I sold my car while they are still offering good money for it, so for now I am without a vehicle. I work from home so any travel would be for fun or extracurricular.

I typically ride my bike when I can. I’ve been using rideshare services when needed, and have considered renting from Hertz or Enterprise for a few days here and there.

Just curious if there are more affordable/effective services? Or methods to get good prices for rideshare or car rental?

Thanks in advance!

4 Comments
2021/12/05
16:34 UTC

0

Give up

26 sitting at a coffee shop since 8ish got up qt 6am to go with my youngest brother n im.older since we work nearby but I don't drive or have money for a car or let me drive. I always uber and I'm sick of it and yeah my mom I guess it not he rjob anymore to take care of me but I still live at home n she didn't want to miss her pickleball. I work 130 noon to 9pm I have an hour ride back and it don't help that everyone tell me to drive but no one understands my situation. Back in the day my mom never let me and I'm so sick of not having a mom.or dad even tho I'm am adult it still.b nice to have some.guidance or care in this world.

6 Comments
2021/11/08
15:24 UTC

0

Stuck

I get I am an adult but I still live at home. I have my liscense but never drive. I was not allowed to drive alone and my mother never let me drive and now I uber constantly and it not like I even have money for a car but even when I did it make no difference. Like yeah I guess she entitled to it since we r all adults n is widowed. I'm so sick of ubering but what can I do in the meantime

12 Comments
2021/11/08
12:40 UTC

5

Targeted Advertising, Cars & Firearms, and Drugs & Alcohol.

It would be nice if media networks stopped advertising cars and alcohol to the same people that continue to drive and consume drinking alcohol while shifting the blame back onto those who fell for their lack of judgement. Both products are advertised to young adults with flashy and overhyped packaging with little if any warnings on their behalf, the same majority with the highest mortality rate on the roads.

Will these networks stand up to their hungry advertising campaigners to save the lives of those already sold out on the idea that the car industry is their ticket to happiness, and that alcohol will also make them happy? Becoming dependant on these products especially in combination without any real visualisation or discussion of the side-effects is reckless, though blame is always shifted onto the individual or the community and advertising continues in the same fashion.

How many incidents do you give a drunken gun holder his licence increase back? Why does this person need a gun, maybe they've been manipulated by the media they have consumed on the TV or in their community. Areas with consumer firearms can probably get this but most continue to give drivers who deviate from the road laws made to protect them and those exposed to their actions their licence back after a given and/time or payment, further feeding into their dependency issue.

0 Comments
2021/10/23
04:12 UTC

11

Any no-car surfers out there? 🌊

I live in Australia where it's pretty impossible to be a surfer without a car. Interested to see if people have different experiences elsewhere

6 Comments
2021/10/14
22:12 UTC

8

Bad weather?

Hey guys, just wondering if you have any tips for getting to work in bad weather? I live about 4 miles from my job; live and work in the suburbs and walk to work (I'm blessed with sidewalks almost the whole way). It usually takes me just over an hour. In the winter, it's not TOO terrible, as the city does a pretty good job snowblowing the sidewalks. The summer is a different story. It storms almost every day. I don't have to be at work until 10pm, but frequently wake up and leave the house around 4-5pm to dodge the storms, which start around dinnertime and usually last until 11-12 at night. Uber and Lyft haven't been running much in my area since COVID started. There is no public transportation in my area. Any tips or suggestions, or do I just need to suck it up and wait for this neverending summer to be over?

4 Comments
2021/09/14
19:39 UTC

21

Politicians who ride their bike to work instead of being driven: great symbols

I can name 3 political leaders who rode/ride their bicycle to work, rather than being driven in a car. Jeremy Corbyn rode his bike to work as a UK member of parliament. Corbyn does not own a car. Christiane Taubira, former French Minister of Justice, commuted by bike, even when it rained. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte bicycles to work, even in a suit and tie. (Of course 27% of all commutes in Holland are by bike.) Do you know any American politicians who bicycle to their job? We desperately need the symbolism for commuting alternatives to the car. Video: Christiane Taubira arriving at the Prime Minister's offices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y0pTYRC974

9 Comments
2021/08/09
19:58 UTC

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