When I think about why I strive to be car free, I see both the big picture and the smaller, everyday picture.

The big picture of late stage capitalism and the subsequent environmental disasters we are facing – climate change being the biggest in my mind – is the overarching reason I want to be car free. Rampant fossil fuel use is one of the key factors here. Our car obsessed lifestyles are destroying the planet. Yes, personal car use is just a small slice of this if we factor in industry and corporate use, yet this still all come backs to our consumer, car-based lifestyles. I want to do what I can to lessen my personal impact on the planet. Being car free is one of the things I can do to feel I have some agency in our worlds trajectory.

The truth is that I have been surprised to find that the smaller picture is actually what I really like about being car free. I get so many personal benefits from this lifestyle, though at first I was nervous to really take the plunge five or so years ago.

Being car free is good for my physical health and my mental health. I am more active and my pace is slower. I’m not stressed out in a traffic jam. I walk and bike to get places and I get to enjoy being outside and being in my body. There is a community and social aspect to taking public transit that I enjoy (though there are the occasional frustrations too).

I don’t have to spend money on a car, or maintenance, or gas. This is awesome. And way less stressful than trying to keep a car well maintained and running. Fixing a bike is easier and cheaper!

On a final note, I have to say that living in a very central location in Berkeley makes being car free very manageable. I can walk a few blocks to a great grocery store. I am lucky to not have to commute for work. My “work commute” involves getting a toddler out and about. There are 2 branch libraries and 3 toddler parks in short walking distance and the YMCA is a short bike ride away. The BART is about 6 blocks away, and there are several bus lines right near us. As an ex-Seattleite, I really appreciate the weather here in Berkeley as is it easy to be outside most days. Plus it is relatively flat around here which makes getting around easier. I am lucky.