Tag Archives: car lite

Things That Can Be Carried on a Bike (#378)

A large poinsettia plant and a 5lb/2.2kg bag of whole wheat flour. Other things that can be carried on a bike. Urban Simplicity.

The Tao of Calvin

First off, I don’t necessarily agree with everything the dad in this cartoon says–at least not to the extreme–because I still own a gas-powered vehicle, but I don’t use it that often. Tonight was the first time I used my truck in more than two weeks (emergency school supply run for my teenage son). IContinue reading “The Tao of Calvin”

A Couple Things…

Firstly…it is hot. Of course many know that much of North America is gripped in what is being called the Heat Wave of 2011. 94F/34C today in Buffalo and super humid…that’s the tough part, the humidity. And I do not have air conditioning anywhere in my life…none at home (fans) and none at work (whichContinue reading “A Couple Things…”

The Past or the Future

Now is this cool or what? These photos were taken in 1930 (found them here and here). Living in a four-season region I am often concerned about the weather (especially rain)…this would solve that problem. As the price of petrol eventually becomes too costly for the average person maybe we’ll begin to see vehicles likeContinue reading “The Past or the Future”

A Car-Lite Diet (and why all my bikes are black)

This post is in response to a couple things….one is something that (nearly) happened to me, and the other is a website I came across. But first a bit about my bikes. While I have six bikes I generally only ride three (the three pictured), but all are painted black. I’m thinking about paring myContinue reading “A Car-Lite Diet (and why all my bikes are black)”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#286 & #287)…and a brief comment

#286 (upper photo)…3 metal mixing bowls of various sizes, an 18″ skillet with lid, a bus pan, a portable propane stove with two extra canisters of propane, 27 small plastic containers with lids, tongs, spatulas, mixing spoons, a rolling pin, 8 cotton towels, a canvas book bag containing books and writing implements, a book onContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#286 & #287)…and a brief comment”

I’m Glad to be Less-Than-Average

 Image found here. While fixing dinner yesterday and listening to NPR the commentator stated that with slightly higher gas prices this year the “average American household will spend $305 on gas this month.” What? Maybe I heard that wrong. But I didn’t (click here). As I’ve stated many, many times (did I mention many) IContinue reading “I’m Glad to be Less-Than-Average”

Costs of Car Ownership

Ok, fist you’re probably wondering why I am writing about cars on a blog like this. Well as I’ve said in the past I am not car-free, just car-lite…sometimes lighter than others. I am also not a person that is against you having a car…that’s you’re business not mine. I just find that riding bicyclesContinue reading “Costs of Car Ownership”

Au Contraire, Hollywood

I love this cartoon…it goes against everything American society says is the image of success and happiness. I originally came across it in a magazine more than 10 years ago, and have it hanging in a small frame in my kitchen. I was prompted to re-post it after reading this article on the Treehugger website. Continue reading “Au Contraire, Hollywood”

Oh The Irony…

As I’ve stated many times in previous posts I am not even close to being car-free (OK, maybe I am close, but I still own a truck) but I would call myself–what Katie Alvord refers to in her excellent book, Divorce Your Car–as “Car-Lite.” I own a motorized vehicle but I don’t use it thatContinue reading “Oh The Irony…”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#146)…with a few comments

$120.21 in groceries from two separate stores in a Bike Rev trailer. I haven’t used this trailer in a while, but since I’m without a cargo bike at present and had to go grocery shopping I thought I’d put it to use. It was a beautiful, albeit chilly day today and there were a lotContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#146)…with a few comments”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#91), and how to spend a day without a car

$67.00 of groceries from two separate stores carried in four plastic crates. Most times I don’t even think about it, but other times I do…tonight was one of those times. As I was riding home (a bit slower than usual) I was enjoying the cool autumn air on my face and it occurred to meContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#91), and how to spend a day without a car”

On Spider Webs and Being Car-Lite

I have never claimed to be car-free, but am definitely car-lite…I own a vehicle but sometimes (especially in the summer months) don’t move it for extended periods of time (yes, I know…to all you mechanics out there…that it is bad for the vehicle not to use it often…I get lectured enough…but it is so goodContinue reading “On Spider Webs and Being Car-Lite”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#38)

A wooden box containing small tools, cleaning supplies, printer ink, and other miscellaneous items.A new pair of shoes.A new shirt.A parsley plant (on front rack).Two tomato cages (barely visible on lower right sidebar…obscured by the corn).

Urban Beauty

This morning I woke feeling extremely stressed about various things. I know deep down everything always seems to work out OK, but when I’m stressed it’s as if I have blinders on and can’t see the beauty right in front of me. For that reason, when I went to the gym I chose to walkContinue reading “Urban Beauty”