^well in that example, it also helps his company is probably reimbursing him for his vehicle rental.

 

I think CityWheels (or another firm) had a calculator to show you occasionally renting versus owning and barely driving.

^well in that example, it also helps his company is probably reimbursing him for his vehicle rental.

 

True

I simply cannot fathom getting around to everywhere I need to go in Cleveland without a car.  I marvel at those of you whose lifestyles simply do not require one.

RNR, I think that is based on where you currently reside.

 

Do you think your opinion would change if you lived in closer, since you work Downtown?

RNR, I think that is based on where you currently reside.

 

Do you think your opinion would change if you lived in closer, since you work Downtown?

 

No, I mean completely outside of work-to-home, which as you know I use public trans for.  What about all your other places you have to go?  Doesn't anyone go to the doctor or dentist or see any specialists or ever go for physical therapy or travel to a new, interesting restaurant for dinner?  The gym?  The park?  Over to friend's houses for a barbeque or party?  The only place I can think of that would have everything I might need within walking distance or easy and quick public trans is New York City.  I just don't see how anyone makes it work in Cleveland.

Yeah I do those things, but luckily, my doctors are located in Univ. Circle and the 48 takes me there

 

the majority of my family lives in Beachwood, CH, SH or Glenville,Hough and on the WestSide Det-Shrw and Clark-Fulton so the train or bus get me there.

 

I do use my car if I'm going out late, the burbs a night or in bad weather I might pull the car out.

When I think about making a list of everything I needed my car for in an average week or two week's time period, my mind just boggles when people say they don't have a car or only use it once and awhile. 

Forgive me Urban Ohio for I have sinned.  Last night I rode my bike home from work at 11pm in a downpour but I got the crave.  Dried off and drove the half mile over to White Castle. 

I must be a great candidate for going car-free (except my job as a news reporter). I don't go anywhere except the grocery store maybe every two weeks or so. I haven't been to a doctor or dentist in years, I don't go out with friends (most live in other cities), and I don't drink or smoke anymore so I don't go out much (I can't afford to go out anyway, but maybe I could if I got rid of the car). Other than work, I probably leave the condo maybe four times a month.

KJP.  You need to get to a doctor man and fast!

KJP, you're not really that much of a minority.  Single men amaze me in their lack of concern about their physical well being.  Most of them take better care of their cars than their bodies.

 

Edited to add: by single I mean unattached/no significant other.

Why? I'm a guy (clarification: I'm a straight guy). Thus I only go to the ER when I've got broken bones or blood is gushing. Or my pupil got dialated and wouldn't retract (that was in 2006 -- the last time I visited the doc).

I think we might need a "health thread" so we can continue discussion about being car free. MayDay is in no mode for shenanigans today.

"Most everyone thinks renting a car is so expensive, but if you're doing it just a few times a month, it's saving you a lot of money over owning a car."

 

There's also the cost involved when you use the rental company's insurance. My credit card covers the CDW, but I have to pay for the other stuff - at $15-$20 per day on top of the rental fee, that can add up.

 

"Doesn't anyone go to the doctor or dentist or see any specialists or ever go for physical therapy or travel to a new, interesting restaurant for dinner?  The gym?  The park?  Over to friend's houses for a barbeque or party?  The only place I can think of that would have everything I might need within walking distance or easy and quick public trans is New York City.  I just don't see how anyone makes it work in Cleveland."

 

This isn't a list of "ha ha I'm better than you" or "anyone who isn't car-free is a city-hating, SUV-driving lard@ss", it's just a sincere list of how I can be car-free in Cleveland:

 

Doctor- General practitioner is at Cleveland Clinic, Main Campus.

Dentist - Superior Dentistry, downtown in the Leader Building.

Specialists/Physical Therapy - (knock on wood) no need for them.

The gym - Fitworks downtown (along with a host of other options)

The park - Most city parks worth mentioning are pretty easy to get to. Places like Whiskey Island or CVNP - good time for the car-sharing service, or getting a ride from friends.

New interesting restaurants - most of the places I like to try are in between Lakewood and Cleveland Heights. Not only that, living in Tremont, most friends who are in the 'burbs usually insist on visiting US.

Friends' houses - Again, living in Tremont... honestly when my partner and I visited people in Aurora, they apologized for "you guys having to schlep all the way out here". On a few occasions, I've rented a car or done the car-sharing thing.

Hairstylist - Found a good one close to my old apartment in Edgewater.

Groceries - I simply don't live in an area without a close/walkable grocery store. On rare occasions, I'd use car-sharing for stock-up trips at Trader Joes.

Chain store shopping/Beachwood - This would be a good case for car-sharing.

Visiting family 70 miles away or friends within 2-3 hour drive - Daily car rental (Enterprise, Hertz), usually with weekend special.

 

Keep in mind, when you don't have car payments, gas, insurance, etc., that frees up a LOT of money for the occasional car-sharing trip, car rental, and/or taxi. I would never say I don't EVER need a car, it's just that I only need one on an occasional basis so paying for a car that doesn't see full-time use would be silly.

 

rnr, this isn't a slam - it's just that your routine is completely hardwired into a car-dependent approach, and as you've said before, that seems to be the case with your circle of friends. Believe me, when I first gave up my car, a lot of my friends thought I was nuts, that I'd never get out, and that my social life would suffer. I did fall out of touch with some friends who live in the far-flung ex-urbs, but I wasn't the only one. Those friends have recently said they're looking to move closer - mainly to save on gas, etc. What was a very pleasant surprise was the amount of new friends I'd made in the city simply because I was out and about instead of in a car. With those people, I didn't get as much of the "are you nuts?!?" reaction when I said I was car-free. In fact, a lot of them are sympathetic and know that if they offer me a ride, their first round or parking fee is on me. :-)

I think we might need a "health thread" so we can continue discussion about being car free. MayDay is in no mode for shenanigans today.

 

Good idea, but you won't see me there.

 

I've seriously considered going car free. There really aren't that many times I need the car at the office, and I can take the bus to work without changing routes. But the bus takes 45 minutes from the corner of West 117th and Clifton to where I work in North Olmsted. And there's a bus only every hour much of the day.

 

I'm already taking the bus for downtown trips and the rapid for trips crosstown or to the airport. But I think gas will need to get above $4 before I take transit everywhere. I probably won't have to wait long.....

And to clarify, I work a 9 to 5, Monday-Friday in downtown and never need to leave the office for client visits, etc. - by far, that facilitates a car-free lifestyle more than anything else.

"Most everyone thinks renting a car is so expensive, but if you're doing it just a few times a month, it's saving you a lot of money over owning a car."

 

There's also the cost involved when you use the rental company's insurance. My credit card covers the CDW, but I have to pay for the other stuff - at $15-$20 per day on top of the rental fee, that can add up.

 

"Doesn't anyone go to the doctor or dentist or see any specialists or ever go for physical therapy or travel to a new, interesting restaurant for dinner?  The gym?  The park?  Over to friend's houses for a barbeque or party?  The only place I can think of that would have everything I might need within walking distance or easy and quick public trans is New York City.  I just don't see how anyone makes it work in Cleveland."

 

This isn't a list of "ha ha I'm better than you", it's a sincere list of how I can be car-free in Cleveland:

 

Doctor- General practitioner is at Cleveland Clinic, Main Campus.

Dentist - Superior Dentistry, downtown in the Leader Building.

Specialists/Physical Therapy - (knock on wood) no need for them.

The gym - Fitworks downtown (along with a host of other options)

The park - Most city parks worth mentioning are pretty easy to get to. Places like Whiskey Island or CVNP - good time for the car-sharing service, or getting a ride from friends.

New interesting restaurants - most of the places I like to try are in between Lakewood and Cleveland Heights. Not only that, living in Tremont, most friends who are in the 'burbs usually insist on visiting US.

Friends' houses - Again, living in Tremont... honestly when my partner and I visited people in Aurora, they apologized for "you guys having to schlep all the way out here". On a few occasions, I've rented a car or done the car-sharing thing.

Hairstylist - Found a good one close to my old apartment in Edgewater.

Groceries - I simply don't live in an area without a close/walkable grocery store. On rare occasions, I'd use car-sharing for stock-up trips at Trader Joes.

Chain store shopping/Beachwood - This would be a good case for car-sharing.

Visiting family 70 miles away or friends within 2-3 hour drive - Daily car rental (Enterprise, Hertz), usually with weekend special.

 

Keep in mind, when you don't have car payments, gas, insurance, etc., that frees up a LOT of money for the occasional car-sharing trip, car rental, and/or taxi. I would never say I don't EVER need a car, it's just that I only need one on an occasional basis so paying for a car that doesn't see full-time use would be silly.

 

rnr, this isn't a slam - it's just that routine is completely hardwired into a car-dependent approach. Believe me, when I first gave up my car, a lot of my friends thought I was nuts, that I'd never get out, and that my social life would suffer. I did fall out of touch with some friends who live in the far-flung ex-urbs, but I wasn't the only one. Those friends have recently said they're looking to move closer - mainly to save on gas, etc. What was a very pleasant surprise was the amount of new friends I'd made in the city simply because I was out and about instead of in a car. With those people, I didn't get as much of the "are you nuts?!?" reaction when I said I was car-free. In fact, a lot of them are sympathetic and know that if they offer me a ride, their first round or parking fee is on me. :-)

 

I don't take it as a slam at all, and I'm not trying to be argumentative, but I must give some more details.  I just think it works for some people but not others.  My friends are scattered all over Ohio. Many I have met at work or various jobs, some are people from the arts, some are people I met online, etc.  The year I went without a car I basically lost almost all of my friends.  I used to have some girlfriends and we met about twice a month for dinner in various places.  Basically after awhile they got tired of picking me up and dropping me off or picking places I could get to on the bus line and they quit inviting me.  I missed a lot of parties. Baby showers, birthday parties, cookouts.  The network of doctors and specialists I have has taken YEARS to develop and for me, each is best in their area of expertise and it has been well worth it for me to go out of my way to see them.  I have a long history with them and they know what problems or issues I face.  I mean, getting a new dentist would not be a big deal, but finding someone who knows the history of my back problems or GI problems or "female" problems, it just wouldn't be the same and I would only do it if forced to because of insurance purposes.

 

I cannot imagine WALKING to and from the grocery in the awful winters we have, never mind the wind and thunderstorms and ice.  Certainly not in my work clothes or any kind of a dress or skirt.  I would have to go all the way home and change and then go back out. 

 

In terms of restaurants, Cleveland has SO MANY wonderful restaurants, as a foodie it would be like cutting off one of my fingers if I could only go to restaurants in one neighborhood, ANY neighborhood here over and over and over every time I want to go out.  I mean, you get sick of the same thing all the time, you know? At least I do.

RNR i think it's where you live, you're in an auto dependant area.

 

I seldom grocery shop, but when i get a craving for something from the store, want to go to the movie, want to check out antiques or consignment items or when I want to eat at a restaurant....I basically just run across the street to the square.

 

Even when the weather is bad, that 5 min walk is not that bad, since I live in a walking community the buildings and the square make sure the sidewalks are clear so people are not inconvenienced

I'm the first to say what works for me works for ME, and I would never preach that at anyone else. I do think it's helpful for me to list options, maybe not for you, but so others who might be considering going car-free can see that there are amenities available, and in what cases a car would be needed (CityWheels or commercial rental).

 

"I missed a lot of parties. Baby showers, birthday parties, cookouts

 

I joyously decline invitations to baby showers ;-) How many receiving cloths can you "ooh and ahh" over, and how many times can I tolerate (with sobriety imposed because apparently people don't have booze at most baby showers) some twit asking me and my partner "So when are you two going to have one?!? You'd be a GREAT parent!" or even better the Sally Soccermom who thinks I'd be great for her token gay friend. :roll: Sorry - I loathe baby showers. As far as birthday parties/cookouts - most of my friends are local so that wasn't a problem (got rides, in some cases took transit or taxis).

 

"I cannot imagine WALKING to and from the grocery in the awful winters we have, never mind the wind and thunderstorms and ice."

 

My old apartment was about two blocks from a *good* convenience store that had lots of prepared foods; and about four blocks from a full-service grocery. That's no further than where I walk downtown at lunch. So during the really rough days I'd stop at the convenience store (next to my evening commute bus stop). As far as restaurants - when I say between Lakewood and Cleveland Heights, that includes:

 

Downtown (Warehouse District, Gateway, Playhouse Square)

Asiatown

Tremont

Ohio City (Flats West Bank, West 25th, Bridge Avenue)

Detroit-Shoreway

Edgewater/Clifton

Lakewood (Madison Ave., Detroit Ave. downtown, Detroit Ave. near Rocky River border)

University Circle

Little Italy

Shaker Square

Cleveland Heights (Coventry, Cedar-Fairmount)

 

Now think of all the cool little places in each of those areas - not exactly "one neighborhood", and thus not exactly lacking in options, either. I can honestly say I was never bored when it came to dining options. If I wanted to check out Tay-Do in Parma, or Red in Beachwood, that's a time for car-sharing. Did that take a little more planning ahead? Obviously - as does a lot of stuff when you're car-free. But I'll take the minor inconvenience of having to plan ahead over paying a car payment any day. 

 

even better the Sally Soccermom who thinks I'd be great for her token gay friend. :roll:

I agree with you sugar.  Those, "let me introduce you to my friend" or "I would love to introduce you to..." are horrifying.  Although I do think you would be a good parent.  I'm confident in saying, that I know damn well your kid(s) would be well behaved!

 

 

"I cannot imagine WALKING to and from the grocery in the awful winters we have, never mind the wind and thunderstorms and ice."

 

My old apartment was about two blocks from a *good* convenience store that had lots of prepared foods; and about four blocks from a full-service grocery. That's no further than where I walk downtown at lunch. So during the really rough days I'd stop at the convenience store (next to my evening commute bus stop). As far as restaurants - when I say between Lakewood and Cleveland Heights, that includes:

 

Downtown (Warehouse District, Gateway, Playhouse Square)

Asiatown

Tremont

Ohio City (Flats West Bank, West 25th, Bridge Avenue)

Detroit-Shoreway

Edgewater/Clifton

Lakewood (Madison Ave., Detroit Ave. downtown, Detroit Ave. near Rocky River border)

University Circle

Little Italy

Shaker Square

Cleveland Heights (Coventry, Cedar-Fairmount)

 

Now think of all the cool little places in each of those areas - not exactly "one neighborhood", and thus not exactly lacking in options, either. I can honestly say I was never bored when it came to dining options.

 

I agree with MayDay, where I live I can ride public transportation in one seat to UC, Downtown, Ohio City or take the train downtown and cab it over to where I want to go.  When I'm feeling like I need to be healthy I ride my bike.

Thanks everyone for the discourse. I think we shall just agree to disagree.  I have lived all over the west side of Cleveland including shacking up with guys that lived in Tremont and there is just no one neighborhood that would sort of "have it all" for me to be able to go without a car. I'm not saying I couldn't if I had to, but it would be very, very unenjoyable for me. I know we disagree as to why but I maintain that one of the primary reasons for this is not because I live in a suburb, but because I am a female.  I cannot make do on food from a convenience store.  I am NOT comfortable outside in bad weather, I hate it.  And I am not comfortable walking around most of the downtown neighborhoods by myself at night unless they are in the VERY immediate vicinity of a popular business such as a restaurant or bar. 

nobody's judging you sweetie  :-)

 

We all have different Modes of Operation.  You do what works well for you.  So go on with your bad self!  :mrgreen:

"I cannot make do on food from a convenience store."

 

Just to clarify, we're not talking mystery meat gas station burritos, this was a place that knew they lived in an area with a lot of single folks who made use of their prepared foods section - thus those prepared foods were a little better than what you're probably imagining. And I'm more tolerant of bad weather than you but it wasn't like that was my only option for days on end.

 

"because I am a female."

 

As a gay man, I totally appreciate and respect your comfort zone - I think both of "our peoples" have a heightened awareness of all things safety-related.

As a gay man, I totally appreciate and respect your comfort zone - I think both of "our peoples" have a heightened awareness of all things safety-related.

 

Amen to that.

"I cannot make do on food from a convenience store."

 

Just to clarify, we're not talking mystery meat gas station burritos, this was a place that knew they lived in an area with a lot of single folks who made use of their prepared foods section - thus those prepared foods were a little better than what you're probably imagining. And I'm more tolerant of bad weather than you but it wasn't like that was my only option for days on end.

 

"because I am a female."

 

As a gay man, I totally appreciate and respect your comfort zone - I think both of "our peoples" have a heightened awareness of all things safety-related.

 

I can imagine what you're talking about but we actually don't eat things like that, even when they're good quality.  We either cook at home from scratch, or as completely close to scratch as we can, or we eat out.  If we want something quick and don't want to cook, we just get takeout from somewhere.  We really limit processed foods. We do not eat ANY fast food for example, the only exception being that I occasionally have to eat at Subway when I am at my 2nd job as it's the only place in the mall food court I can tolerate eating that has food that's relatively healthy.

 

In terms of the safety, I completely agree, both our tribes have heightened awareness for sure and depending on the neighborhood, one or both of our groups would have something to worry about.  But you can't be identified as a member of your tribe just by looking at you walking down the street - my membership is more obvious.

In terms of the safety, I completely agree, both our tribes have heightened awareness for sure and depending on the neighborhood, one or both of our groups would have something to worry about.  But you can't be identified as a member of your tribe just by looking at you walking down the street - my membership is more obvious.

 

Not true, I know a few people who are on our team but convincingly look like they are from your tribe.

In terms of the safety, I completely agree, both our tribes have heightened awareness for sure and depending on the neighborhood, one or both of our groups would have something to worry about.  But you can't be identified as a member of your tribe just by looking at you walking down the street - my membership is more obvious.

 

Not true, I know a few people who are on our team but convincingly look like they are from your tribe.

 

LOL, true dat. 

Rocker, just imagine if you ditched the car how many burritos and corn dogs you could be scarfing with all that exercise you'd be getting.  Last night I biked home in a steady 11pm downpour, dried off, then drove 1/2 mile to White Castle for a night cap. 

I would love to go car free, but with two young kids, both of which are in car seats, it is almost impossible I think...or maybe just an inconvenience.  But, with the price of gas, it would be great.  For anyone who is kid free, I really don't think it would be bad.  I must say in the summer months, we walk almost everywhere when we need something ( Parma Heights area).  As much of a bad wrap that area gets, believe it or not, it is very walkable.  The area is never noted as an urban area really, but in actuallity, you can treat it like one.  So, in short, we try to live car free, but sometimes it is just not possible. 

i should say my bro has been car-free in lorain for about 3-4 yrs now. he gets around via lct- lorain county transit busses, friends, & taxis mostly.

 

As a gay man, I totally appreciate and respect your comfort zone - I think both of "our peoples" have a heightened awareness of all things safety-related.

 

Amen to that.

I cannot speak for my 2 cents, but it is not like you are walking around in fishnets and a platinum wig! It is still worse for women. I do need a car for work...but fantasize about not having a car at all. I did the city wheel calculations  it is cheaper for us to keep our paid for car then do city wheels. If it were not for work, I would be happy with the scooter most of the year and take cabs, carpools and public transit in the winter. Everything I like is within 5 miles (or an airline flight) from my home...frankly I too would love an excuse such as not having a car, to not go to some functions/obligations of life (such as showers of any kind). Sad, but true,I guess!

I don't look good as a Blonde.  :evil:

I cannot speak for my 2 cents, but it is not like you are walking around in fishnets and a platinum wig!

 

Does that mean you are? If so, pictures please!

no what I meant Mayday has never been seem by me in fishnets etc. I canot speak for my 2 cents!

HAHA!

no what I meant Mayday has never been seem by me in fishnets etc. I canot speak for my 2 cents!

 

ummmm.  No I've never worn fishnets or panty hose.

no what I meant Mayday has never been seem by me in fishnets etc. I canot speak for my 2 cents!

 

ummmm.  No I've never worn fishnets or panty hose.

 

You need to get out more.  :)

no what I meant Mayday has never been seem by me in fishnets etc. I canot speak for my 2 cents!

 

ummmm.  No I've never worn fishnets or panty hose.

 

You need to get out more.  :)

 

LOL.  Not in pantyhose or fishnets! 

GAHHHHHHHH!!!!

 

 

BACK ON TOPIC!!!!!!

NEWS RELEASE

 

CONTACT:  Mary Anne Crampton 216.521-0655 or [email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2008

 

WALK+ROLL™ COMES TO LAKEWOOD

 

LAKEWOOD, OH—  Main Street Lakewood and  Walk+Roll™ announce a joint event offering participants a unique car-free experience in Lakewood on Saturday, July 19th  from 4-9pm.

 

Walk+Roll™ Lakewood will be held on 2 miles of streets in the heart of Lakewood that are closed to motorized vehicles. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore Lakewood’s lakefront park, its new #1-rated library and its vibrant downtown by foot, bicycle, wagon, stroller, wheelchair or any other non-motorized method. Programming will include aerobic classes, yoga, break dancing demonstrations, fencing, square dancing, bike safety instruction and more. All activities are free and will take place on nine street-side stages and in Lakewood Park. Visitors will have the opportunity to join “classes” on an impromptu basis.

 

This is the first Walk+Roll™ event to be held outside of Cleveland.  According to Walk+Roll™ founder, Lois Moss, “Walk+Roll promotes bicycling, walking, alternative transportation, public health and community-building through human-powered programs that combine fun with active learning and participation. With more than 50,000 residents, 185 miles of sidewalks, dozens of green spaces and a spectacular lakefront all within 5.5 square miles, Lakewood offers the ideal urban environment to celebrate car-free living.”

 

“This is a progressive and unique event for health, environmental and community-minded Ohioans,” said Mary Anne Crampton, executive director of Main Street Lakewood. “Lakewood immediately embraced the opportunity presented by Walk+Roll™.  This event celebrates our walkability, our culture and our history as well as promoting healthy, active lifestyles.”

 

Lakewood Hospital is the title sponsor of the event, which is presented in collaboration with the City of Lakewood.  Lakewood Hospital, The Beck Center for Cultural Arts, Lakewood YMCA, and Department of Recreation are among the more than one dozen organizations providing Walk+Roll™.  programming at the Lakewood event.  For more information go to www.walkroll.com

 

Main Street Lakewood is a program of Lakewood Community Progress Inc., a 501-c (3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to the revitalization of Lakewood’s historic downtown district.

 

###

OK, it's official. I'm going car-free starting July 1 ...with a condition.

 

I'm not getting rid of my car.

 

Let me explain. For the month of July, I'm writing a weekly series of articles for Sun Newspaper of what it's like to go car-free in Cleveland. Having been a contributing writer to the guidebook "Car-Free in Cleveland" which was published in 2000, I think it's about time I gave this a shot. And what better time with gas prices pushing past $4 per gallon?

 

I'll get into this more as I write the articles, but I thought I'd let you know that this was coming up. Wish me luck!!

Fantastic!  Make sure to deduct your insurance and car payments when you calculate your savings as you probably won't notice that adding up in just one month.  Also take note of the stress reduction you'll receive.  All that lack of looking for parking, getting cut off, waiting in traffic, and rushing to get there one minute earlier really adds up to a happier commute. 

Enjoy your new found freedom.

KJP, I'm not completely car free, but I used my car less than 10 times this year and only filled the tank three times!  I usually go to a place on PT, then bum a ride home.  lol  :wink:

 

I have faith, you'll learn to adapt as well.

Fantastic!  Make sure to deduct your insurance and car payments when you calculate your savings as you probably won't notice that adding up in just one month.  Also take note of the stress reduction you'll receive.  All that lack of looking for parking, getting cut off, waiting in traffic, and rushing to get there one minute earlier really adds up to a happier commute. 

Enjoy your new found freedom.

 

Yeah, all that wasted time waiting for public transportation, losing the freedom to go somewhere whenever you want!  Always being at the mercy of others!  :wink2:

 

I usually go to a place on PT, then bum a ride home.  lol  :wink:

 

Note to those with similar interests:  MTS is looking to get picked up!  :-D

I've done my best to go semi car free lately (ever since I moved back home two Falls ago).

 

I live close enough to Legacy Village that I can go shopping at Giant Eagle once a week simply by walking down there.  I usually get a lift when going out to the restaurants or bars unless with family - then we drive...all of 2 minutes! 

 

I work out at my firm's gym two-three times a week and the other two times I drive to Bally's.  But hey, that's better than driving five times to the big B!

 

This may count as cheating, but when I go downtown I usually have people come over, we pregame (it's informally BYOB but I always have plenty), and then I - not always but often - hitch a ride downtown. 

 

When I crash at someone's place those nights - be it a hook up or just a friend's pad - (the latter quite a bit more common), I just rapid it back to the east side.

 

I take the Rapid every day to go to work, unless I have an interview and don't want to deal with buses and transfers, especially when I don't know the areas.  I do drive to the Rapid and park, however, since I don't feel like transfering 2 or 3 times to get there.

 

Let's see.  When I visit my sisters, I always drive though I have lately thought about taking a bus.  I only visit a couple times a month so it's not that big an issue.   

 

Though not so much in the winter, I usually jog to Borders (where I go about twice a week) at La Palace, relax for a few hours, and then jog right home.  It takes 8 minutes, tops, and I get a good work out.

 

I go to Coventry and/or Cedar/Lee at least once a week and informally carpool with a few friends who live in Beachwood and Chesterland.   

 

When I worked at the Cleveland Clinic (my last year at Case law), I took the 32X all the way down.  It dropped me right outside where I needed to be, and it was just a 10 minute walk to school (I worked before classes).  I would take the 9X home, though sometimes would get a lift from my dad (depending on my homework load).

 

Once/if I move downtown again, you can bet that my driving will be even more limited. 

 

Yeah, all that wasted time waiting for public transportation, losing the freedom to go somewhere whenever you want! Always being at the mercy of others!   :wink2:

 

You mean like OPEC, the Saudi Royal Family, ExxonMobil, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, E-Check, Nader's Raiders, etc.?

 

I've bought a bicycle + helmet and U-lock ($200), a month-long transit pass ($63) and have several pairs of good walking shoes. I'm ready.

 

In June, I spent nearly $550 on my car -- three fill-ups, replacing a bad bearing (that was $282 of it), insurance and parking. In March I spent more than $500 for a car repair. Since it's an older car, I no longer make car payments, but I've now exchanged that cost for repairs.

Note to those with similar interests:  MTS is looking to get picked up!  :-D

 

LMAO!

 

Na. Its that if I take the bus to my grandparents house, my grandmother bribes me to stay by cooking and then I'm forced to spend the night and eat fabulous home cooked breakfast.  he he he

 

Or my grandfather gives me a ride home, "because I'm to old to be out on the streets after 10 PM" or one of my cousins will take me home.

 

If I go to my parents house and it's after 10 PM my brother will come over and give me ride home or my father will let my 15 y/o non licensed nephew drive to my house and back.  That's a ticket waiting to happen!

 

If I visit my family on the westside, they drop me off at W. 25 or Tower City to take the train home.

 

Also, If one of my cousins wants to go out, I make it a stipulation that whichever cousin asks, they have to bring me home, cause I'm not driving!  Luckily my cousin lives two buildings down and he ends up driving so everyone is happy.

 

If I visit my family on the westside, they drop me off at W. 25 or Tower City to take the train home.

 

 

Yeah, we didn't like to drive those east side family members home either!!!!!  Don't know what might happen when you cross that river!!

Yeah, we didn't like to drive those east side family members home either!!!!!  Don't know what might happen when you cross that river!!

 

If YOU PEOPLE did cross the river, you might get some culture!  damnit!

 

It makes no sense for them to drive me home when the rapid takes me to my door and because I never stay to late knowing I need to take the train thats perfect.

 

However, my Uncle is NOT crossing the Cleveland border no matter what side of the city he's on!

I've been living car free for 2 months, signed up for City Wheels (side note:  City Wheels will have 4 cars Downtown starting mid-July), and bumming rides along the way.  If you've got a bike and a monthly pass, you're good to go.