Arlington's Car-Free Diet Blog

Biking in the Burbs

I moved to Arlington two years ago from Fairfax County. I live near East Falls Church station and I work in Falls Church City, about two miles away. I took the opportunity to switch to bicycle commuting because it was a no-brainer. But I've also switched to bicycling for almost all my errands. Now the only time my car gets used is to visit my parents. I think Arlington, a metropolitan "urban county" is great about bicycle friendliness, but living on the border of Falls Church and Fairfax County, I know bicycling as transportation in the suburbs -- not just for leisure jaunts --- can be somewhat an uphill experience, and I'm brainstorming on ways I might compile online what I've learned about bicycling as a means of transportation and doing personal business to promote the Car-Free Diet in the Greater Falls Church area, which could do a great job like Arlington and be totally bikeable too.

James Moon, East Falls Church

Seeing Results from the Car-Free Diet

I used to drive to work every single day. Then I woke up one day and decided to give up driving and take public transportation instead. My decision was prompted by Walter Tejada's message on the Car-Free Diet, by  Arlington County Government's openess in including in the budget proposals spring 2008, additional bus service on the bus line I ride, and by my desire to lose weight.

To get to my bus stop, I walk 1.4 miles each way. I've combined walking and transit as a way to reduce my carbon footprint. In the process, I have saved money on gas, parking, car maintenance and improved my health -- dropped 2 dress sizes since late February 2008.

Muna Salim, Arlington, VA