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> if we all lived the lifestyle of monastic monks

Is asking Americans to have less than one car per adult family member really that much? Or to start buying smaller/more efficient cars instead of the monstrosities that pass for "Utility Vehicles"?

> children, winter, not being in their 20s and etc. etc.

Two kids, way past my 40s and biked year-round in Germany. Do I still use public transport and taxis? Yes. Have I spent less in a year on public transport and taxis that I would have spent on parking and car insurance alone if I wanted to have my own car? Also yes.




I must drive on a state highway to bike to where the company bus picks me up, despite being about 2 miles away. It's extremely hilly around here, so ebike is virtually mandatory. The "bike lanes" are a foot away from 30+ mph traffic on poorly-lit roads. Via public transit, my nearest friends are over an hour away in one direction. My family just bought a second car and it's freeing to be able to divide our kids and do things separately, instead of one parent being trapped near home.


You are describing a problem of poor infrastructure, not of reduced living standards due to material/monetary constraints.

Which is somewhat ironic, given that the US is the richest country in the world yet the people seems to be okay with such a miserable way of living.


I was responding to "Is asking Americans to have less than one car per adult family member really that much?". In my case, yes, it is.

And yes, I agree it's pretty miserable.


What happened with the car sharing programs in the US? Isn't ZipCar an option anymore?


None near me, but I know many went under.




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