From Car Trouble to Bike Bliss
How a $75 Ticket Led Me to Joyful, Car-Free Commuting
Written By: Marcie Gallagher, Burlington Resident
The experience that led me to go car-free was a familiar one to Burlingtonians; I accidentally parked in a permit-only zone and got stuck with a $75 ticket. This was a big expense for me as a young adult, and it catapulted my growing frustration with driving in Burlington over the edge. Driving costs a lot - financially, environmentally - with seemingly little returns. So I got rid of my car and lived the next seven years blissfully car-free.
My rationale for not having a car was thus: walking, biking, and taking transit aligned most with my values. Cars are dangerous, polluting, and take up a ton of space. However, I found that, when given the choice, convenience often outweighed morals. What I mean by this is that it was exceptionally difficult to choose to bike a mile in the rain to my destination when I had a car parked in my driveway. But choosing the more comfortable option in the short term always made me feel worse in the long term. I was sitting in traffic, spending less time outside, and exercising less. My solution was to take away the car.
Marcie & Pepper the Bike-Loving Dog
I get around by bus, train, foot, and CarShare - but biking is my preferred mode. Being a bike commuter makes me feel present in my community. I see my neighbors on the sidewalk and say hello. When I accidentally bike in front of a crossing pedestrian, I say sorry to their face. I watch people’s faces light up when they see me ride by with my dog in a backpack. I experience humanity, I pay more attention to the world around me, and I feel more joy.
But it’s also the most dangerous thing I do. I’ve gotten harrassed, cut off, and dangerously passed by cars more times than I could possibly count. The choice to take this risk doesn’t make sense for everyone - for some, like those with certain disabilities, the vulnerability of bike riding is not an option.
For people that are used to driving, bike commuting can be a really challenging transition. Using your body, being prepared for the weather, dealing with cars - these are all major barriers.
Here are some things that may make it easier to become a bike commuter:
Wave hi to Pepper if you see her around town!
Get a bike you love. Pick one that’s your favorite color, get a basket, put a speaker in it. If your bike sparks joy, you are much more likely to choose to get on it.
Go riding with friends or join group rides. In the greater Burlington area, the Queen City Bike Club is a great choice for femme/queer riders with monthly rides, and Local Motion hosts accessible group rides as well. The Winooski Bike Gang is a good option for more experienced riders.
No bad weather, just bad gear! Make sure you’re wearing the right clothes for the conditions. For me, this has meant prioritizing being comfortable and sometimes looking dorky (I wear clear ski goggles when I bike in the winter). If you’re biking with the wrong clothes, you may develop a negative association with riding your bike.
Brag about it! Bike commuters are super cool and you can be one too!
