People often question us about how we make it through life without a car. And how we will have a family without a car. To those with the question, it seems impossible to live without a vehicle. Perhaps because they are attached to their car, or cannot fathom the change in lifestyle that it brings.
But to us, the answer is simple. We just do. When life without a car began, it was difficult and we often asked the same question. How are we going to make it? But as life went on, the question changed. Why do we need a car? As long as you live in a "walkable" area, living without a car is easy. Yes, it takes a few more minutes to get places via two feet and a heartbeat or public transit. Both are far better options on a personal level (free exercises program) and an environmental level. We have also found that walking enhances your relationship, as you are less prone to crank the stereo and sit side by side in silence.
People often encourage us as a couple that living our life this way when its just the two of us is easy. They commend us for our efforts. But they always seem to point out that when we have a child, life changes and we will no longer have the determination to walk anywhere. The reality is that yes, it will be difficult. Our child will probably scream and it will be a long way from home. But they do that in a car too don't they? At least there are a lot more environmental noises to block out the screams! We do wholeheartedly admit that it won't be easy to go car-free with a family. But we are willing to try. Plus, the benefits that we can envision for our children, seem to outweigh the consequences. They will be fit, able to walk long distances, and learn patience (things aren't always instantaneous). They will get to enjoy nature, chase birds, and explore the world around them in a way that a child strapped to a car seat never will. They will get to interact with people of all sorts, ranging from kind elderly couples out for their daily walk, to strange and creepy weirdos wandering the streets. They will get to meet other children, talk with the marginalized, and visit with under appreciated bus drivers. We have seen the benefits of walking with Cypress and River already. Benches have become playgrounds, sidewalks are school yards and safety lessons. They have spotted the white cat in the house down the street and run to say hi through the window. They have learnt their numbers by watching the buses go by. (That is the #1 Amanda!) They know bus drivers by name and wave hi to the man who waves his tongue at us every day. They know Charlie, the blind man who delivers newspapers, and his mom who walks with him. They know the shoe-less man who walks everywhere getting numerous coffees from various places throughout the day, and they know that he "not pay attention." They know the neighbours dogs by name and how to cross the road safely.
When you look at all the things we've noticed just by walking, it surprises you how many people you know and what you know about them. Walking has built relationships with our neighbours and within our family. Not having a car causes us to rely on other people for things we cannot provide for ourselves (like a ride to Langley). We have learnt to ask for help when we need it and quite often you realize what you are capable of doing without needing help. It has shown us inner strength, physical stamina and humility. Or in the immortal words of Great Big Sea, "Courage, patience and grit."
Can we do it? We will give it our best shot. In the meantime, we'll save the planet, one car at a time (and our pocket book, one gas fill up at a time!).
