Car-free in Arlington

I’m actually kind of a poster boy for no-car living. I’m forty-eight and have never owned a car in my life! I’m lucky. For twenty years I’ve lived near the subway for getting to work, so public transportation is easy for me. I bike to work when the weather is warm enough and dry. I use my bike and panniers for routine shopping trips. I use my bike for exercise and to stay in shape. I keep a shopping list going and save up errands or heavy purchases (like jugs of detergent) and then I rent a car, usually about once or twice a month. I also try to organize my shopping trips for Saturdays, then use the car in the evening to go to a party or visit friends. Sometimes friends will loan me a car if they go out of town. I always return it full of gas and usually I wash the car and vacuum it for them so they get it back fresh and clean. With a little planning, it’s really quite easy to live without a car if you plan ahead and don’t have to be spontaneous every moment!

- Jeff Morin