Trading four wheels for two

I used to work for an alternative newsweekly, and through my work there I learned about Rails-to-Trails efforts, local construction of bike lanes and efforts to increase bike safety. After a couple of years of reading and reporting on the matter, I became inspired to sell my car and use my bike for my primary transportation needs.

My parents thought (and probably still think) I was crazy. I beg to differ. Though certainly not impossible, living without a car does require extensive long-term planning if you want it to work. Here are some things to consider should you find yourself seeking a healthier form of transportation.

Home is not only where the heart is, it is the biggest factor in determining whether or not it is feasible to live without a car. Prioritize finding a place to live that allows you to easily travel to all the local places you find important if you do not already live in such a place. You'll want to be close to your place of employment and favorite (or at least serviceable) store to purchase your groceries. Keep in mind you'll also want to be near a hospital should an emergency arise.

Luckily, if you live in Coeur d'Alene, you won't just need your bike to effectively get around town. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Kootenai County and Kootenai Health work in conjunction with local jurisdictions to provide free bus transportation services to Benewah and Kootenai County residents via Citylink. The buses, which can accommodate two bicycles, provide access to the major commercial areas in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and the surrounding area.

What benefits can you expect when you switch from driving your car to riding a bike? Let's start with the financial benefits, of which there are many. Calculate how much money you spend each month on car, insurance and gas payments and multiply that by 12. Shocked by the number? It's the least amount of money you could save by switching to a bike (for we haven't factored in repair and maintenance costs).

For those of us who don't let finances dictate our lives, consider the health and nutrition benefits that can be gained by foregoing the gas pedal for feet pedals. Without a car, you will decrease your carbon footprint, enjoy more time not stuck in traffic, and decrease your chances to experience or perpetuate road rage.

Don't get me wrong: it's not all sunshine and butterflies in bike-only land, which is why planning is so important. Obviously it will often take you more time to get from Point A to Point B, and traveling beyond five miles on a regular basis can be taxing for recreational riders. In addition, the weather does not always cooperate, and there are some drivers who hate the idea that the road belongs to both automobiles and cyclists.

Despite the obstacles, using a bicycle as your primary means of transportation can be a rewarding, safe and healthy way to combat the financial and environmental pitfalls of driving an automobile.

Geoff Carr is a journalism instructor and adviser at North Idaho College. He has lived 15 years of his adult life without a car.