A Car Free Life

In the final months leading up to the end of the lease we committed to not renewing or replacing our vehicle. After 5 years in business and working local, we started to plan and live locally without a car. We are a year and a half into our pedestrian experiment and consequently have walked hundreds of kilometres.

Other novelties include a weekend car rental for an out of town trip and the first time taking the city bus since university. We have saved on both gas and car payments and learned that walking 45 minutes will get us almost anywhere we need to get in the city. We have also sat on zero cold seats, and have not yet had to scrape a windshield. Maybe the only winter driving habit we miss is kicking off the ice chunks that build up in the wheel wells.

We live, work and play close to downtown Guelph. Lauryn enjoys the runs that take her further out into the city, and I enjoy making a trip in a borrowed van to run the infrequent big errand. The Car-less lifestyle is not without its weather related and logistical challenges, but even walking and in the rain and then staying home all day after can feel like a great reward for taking care of business and your body.

Guelph is the red light capital of Ontario, at least according to my Dad. Even still, cars will definitely get to where you are going faster. Faster is harder and we often talk with our friends and family about the days and weeks rushing by. What happens when we slow down? Can we plan to slow down for a few moments in the month? Our challenge this month is to park your car enjoy the walk. Pick an errand and instead of driving to it, walk.

For example, Tuesdays is the first day of the week Polestar Bakery is open. By then we have already run out of bread, so Lauryn walks to Polestar from our studio. We are rewarded with fresh bread for lunch and Lauryn enjoys her 40 minute excursion.

Enjoy clear air, your city’s views and move your body. Get walking to dinner, the store, the pub. Enjoy how you get there. If you don’t live in the city try walking from your workplace to an errand, then back to your car instead of driving.

 Once you start you realize that our city is not that big! Tag us in a photo, tell us about it and encourage family and friends to try as well. The prize is improved health both mentally and physically and extra steps.