| An interview with Robert Anthony Hubbell on his family's
decision to be car free.
What is it to be "car free"?
It's to live without owning a car.
How long has your family been car free?
Since summer 2005.
What motivated your family to become car free?
Several reasons. To ease global warming caused by automobile
emissions. Safety; public transportation is safer than cars.
To save money; automobiles are expensive to purchase, maintain,
insure. To avert an unsustainable transportation system; even
if automobiles produced zero pollution, construction and use
of roadways exact an incalculable cost to the ecosystem. To
circumvent an inequitable economic engine: with record profits
-billions- the oil industry still receives subsidies from
the government. To discourage the war for oil strategy that
governs the current political landscape.
How does your family get around?
Walk and bike mostly. For distance trips the bus, train,
or fly. Reality is we live in a car culture and there are
times when a car is necessary. For those times we car share
or rent a car.
What are the benefits?
We've reduced our support of systems and institutions we
don't agree with. We save money. We save time (getting around
downtown). We're healthier. We're closer as a family (walking
is a great way to spend time together).
What are the drawbacks?
Getting around in inclement weather.
What do your children think of being car free?
Eartha (age 11): It's pretty easy to get around on my bike,
but it's hard to ride in the cold.
Alex (age 14): I don't miss having a car and it's nice to
know I'm doing something good for the environment and my health.
Any advice for other families thinking about being
car free?
Buy good bicycles fully equipped (baskets, fenders, lights,
trailer). Getting around by walking and cycling is fun and
healthy, but difficult when it comes to hills or inclement
weather so be sure to pay attention to your child's needs
and limitations. Get to know your public transit system. Get
political. Push for bike lanes, expanded bus routes, family
fares. Start a car co-op for those times you will need a car.
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