For the past few years, indeed the whole time I've owned this little fuel-efficient 2005 Toyota Echo, I worked too far from where I lived to make cycle commuting practical. Though there were times -- see earlier posts -- when I got a ride from Hamilton up the escarpment to Waterdown and rode to Aberfoyle from there, then all the way home after work, it was not feasible to ditch the car and cycle commute for good. While it might have been possible during the warm seasons, road conditions would render it impossible in winter.
But now that I no longer work in Aberfoyle, having lost my job there in the company's latest re-structuring move, I am going ahead with going car-free. I have put the Toyota Echo up for sale, purchased a couple of trailers (one pictured, the other not yet arrived), and am looking for local work. Indeed, though I can't at this time divulge detail, I am seriously looking into creating my own work.
If anyone is interested in a well-maintained, fuel-efficient small vehicle, here's your chance. Asking $6000.00 or best offer. All regular dealer preventative maintenance was peformed, was recently e-tested, and I'm willing to get it safety certified. As is, that is without certification, I am willing to go as low as $5000.00. But enough about that.
My new car (actually, I've owned this bike for more than 5 years) and Wike shopper trailer.
Another view behind garage. The shopper converts quickly from trailer to grocery pushcart.
Going forward, watch here and at my cycling advocacy site, I Cycle Hamilton, or on twitter (@SSTragus and @ICycleHamilton) and facebook, for updates on my car-free life. I'm sure there will be challenges, that is, I will have to plan and prioritize differently, but I look forward to them as the car-free lifestyle aligns much more closely with my personal values -- reducing my fossil-fuel dependence, shrinking my ecological footprint, contributing to the local economy, becoming more engaged in the local community, and staying physically active.
Stay tuned!
