Sarah Gilbert on the BBC

We don't own a vehicle, never have, and plan on not purchasing one if we can avoid it. It's NOT as hard as some people think-it's a matter of adjustment, doing without trips and walking, cycling, transit, all the things that Sarah has done. People think we're nuts. But my best thoughts come walking, or on the bus, the kids LOVE riding the bus, and I cannot wait for them to be able to ride with us.

It never ceases to amaze me that the people yelling the loudest about gas prices are the same ones who drive 3 blocks to the store. But that's another story entirely.

I hope people ARE inspired by this, and try to either stop driving or at least drive less. Way to GO Sarah!

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I think this whole concept is wonderful. However, it only works if you live in a city. My husband's commute to work is one hour to one office and 30 minutes to another. While I can walk to preschool, the library, the ped's and OB office, the hospital, and church (and often do), there is no public transportation. This is the norm in rural towns and counties. There are no buses, subways or even taxis! When I lived in Buffalo I think we could have done it. But not here. Which is unfortunate. I completely agree with the concept, and I wished it worked for me. I am trying to drive less, use my dryer less, and be more aware of the electricity I use. I am also getting ready to switch to a more gas efficient car. This entire concept is very inspiring, and wonderful.

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This is great if you live in or near a city. We lived just outside London for 4 years without a car. We walked or used public transport for everything. If we went into the city, we took the subway. If we went on a trip, we loaded kids, strollers, bags onto the train. For the grocery store, we walked. Now we're back in the states, living in a more rural area with no buses, trains, subways, etc. It really isn't possible to walk to the grocery store or school/preschool. So, we drive. I miss being able to walk somewhere/anywhere for coffee, and I really liked the morning walk to school!

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Rah, Rah, Rah! :-P

Good for them. Nice to be able to do that if you live in a city with good public transportation. Unfortunately, most of us don't. Hope they don't break their own arms patting themselves on the back.

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The transit system where I currently live is terrible Jason, and we still make it work. of course some people can't get rid of their car, but they can reduce the need for it in some cases. Those of us who CAN, should.

Many people live in urban centers where cutting out even one car ride per driver could make a huge difference in air quality-so if this sort of thing helps people to realize that the air we breath is everyone's responsibilty, then yes, they should pat themselves on the back. I regularily count the number of cars with single occupants on my way to work, and it's frightening, especially on days when I'm walking and I can't breathe for all the fumes.

I just believe that people should do their part, and Sarah obviously has.

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I don't disagree but it just isn't possible for some of us.

What there is of public transportation here is bad. We're a small city. I have three kids (one handicapped), a daughter with cancer, and a semi-invalid husband. I don't think I could manage without the car. I seem to spend half my life driving to doctor's appointments, chemo, therapy, and hospitals.

I drive a mini-van with fair mileage, not an SUV. The girls walked to school until this year; now they're on a school bus. A mile or two of walking doesn't bother them a bit; they enjoy it. I combine trips as much as possible and try to map out my route as one big circle to avoid doublebacks. Except for an occasional recreational trip, I don't use the car as entertainment.

I didn't own a car for 13 of the 15 years I lived and worked in San Francisco. We all walked or took public transit. A car was not only unnecessary, unless the residence had private parking, it was a nuisance.

It's different where I live now. A five or ten minute trip in the car takes up to an hour on the bus. Cab fare to and from doctors adds up fast. We just don't have many options available and believe me I checked.

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way to go! it's our goal, for soon (how soon?)
I've 13000miles on my car in 4 years, and it's our only car.
I was ready to sell it - but my son has food allergies, so I HAVE to cross san francisco to buy specialty food - and also to go many times to the medical center (which is a 40mn public transportation or 9mn drive)

So we reduce and reduce driving to those two activites, and we try to WALK everything else (with some occasional bus/street car).

So next is baby #3. And going carless is planned for baby#3 second bday when we will need only one booster and one light carseat and one small diaper bag to use shared cars (for bbq and visits across the bay once a month)
We might even rent away our garage for a shared car parking spot (they pay 350 a month!)

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