Bicycling Toward Car-freedom

Undriver #185: John Streich

John has gotten licensed three times, and has volunteered to help license Undrivers.  John recognizes that Undriving is an ongoing practice – and he’s already thinking about his next pledge!

I first signed up for Undriving two years ago. It was a successful month and I did continue to use my bicycle a little more in the subsequent months. I signed up again a year ago – and this time I kept it up for the entire summer and continued even in the cold weather.

I learned that I’m much happier and less stressed on my bike than in a car. This spring I signed up again, and this time I haven’t used my car since. Now I’m considering taking the City of Seattle up on the program to sell your car.

I’ve learned how to carry groceries and other stuff, how to ride in the rain, and how to deal with rush hours, Seattle’s worst times to bike. But, I’ve had a few problems that aren’t solved yet:

1) How to handle the pollution when I bike during rush hour.

2) How to use Seattle Transit that in this area is almost always late or has the bike rack full.

3) Getting across the Ballard bridge without freaking out. I know it’s probably not that dangerous but I haven’t grown comfortable with the big trucks and buses passing that close.

Thanks for providing this great program. I wish more people would realize that there is a better lifestyle out there that doesn’t involve dependence on the car.  - John Streich

Anyone have any suggestions for John’s challenges?  Chime in!