Honestly, I don't get cars. They are expensive, distracting, noisy, and dangerous. Horses are reliable, safe, and don't damage the environment. And if you need to go somewhere fast, the train is always an option. I'm afraid that people nowadays are getting too addicted to their cars. I refuse to participate in car culture, and I think ditching the automobile was a good step toward getting away from it.
Anyone else here had enough of the car craze, or never bothered with it in the first place?
(My reply is entirely serious.)
I don't drive at all. Before COVID-19, I took the bus most places. It takes over an hour to get to UMass Lowell by bus, but it's free for students. As I still live with my mother, she sometimes drives me places that aren't reachable by bus if she's also going that way.
Since COVID, I stopped taking the bus, but starting in May of last year, I started going on long walks, usually for pleasure, but sometimes I buy food or pick up prescriptions on the way. I regularly walk over a mile to the grocery store; sometimes I walk there while my mother drives me back home to avoid carrying everything back, but if it's just a few items, I can walk home.
No, I love driving and the freedom it provide for me to go do the things I enjoy (which often includes driving). That said, I would consider a viable alternative transportation option for commuting but that likely will never happen given I live/work in rural area.
This guy was ahead of his time.
(https://www.counton2.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/09/EieHOiuWkAcvMXE-1.jpg?w=1280)
I'm a car enthusiast and will never give up my right to drive my own vehicle.
Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:49:45 AM
I'm a car enthusiast and will never give up my right to drive my own vehicle.
I don't have a license yet, but when I get one, I would still gladly take a self-driving car.
I agree with Zeffy and Max. I literally can't imagine where my life would be right now if I didn't have my driver's license (yeah I literally cannot). Having a car (and being able to drive it) just completely frees me to do what I want to do, allows me to have a job, and is just plain fun. Plus there are no mass transit options in my area, so a car is basically mandatory if you want to get around.
The original poster was probably not looking for serious answers, but I'll give one anyway.
I have a car now. I enjoy driving out in the country, where it's pretty and relaxed. There's not much public transportation that can touch that. Also I'm glad when I'm carrying heaving things that I don't have to lug them on the bus.
However, I did without a car for a long time. I learned to drive and got a license at 18, but didn't have a car until I was in my early 30s. With the money I saved from gas, taxes, and repairs, I lived close to my work and had more hours in my day. I'd save up the distant errands and rent a car every 2-3 months and take care of them all.
I lived without a car for a little while when I lived in downtown Seattle since I could walk to work, the grocery store, etc. It was great while I had all of those conveniences less than a mile away. Urban living isn't exactly my speed anymore, so I'm happy to have my car. That would very possibly change if I ever move internationally where trains and other public transportation become a lot more viable options.
Chris
Cars and roads are great (and most likely the main reason why almost all of us are on this forum in the first place), but I like trains too, and have seen myself use them a lot over a taxi or Uber/Lyft when available. For example, last time I visited Seattle, I used their Link light rail and ST express buses system (along with Uber/Lyft for locations the buses don't cover) to get to places outside of downtown instead of renting a car, and was pleasantly surprised at how good the system is.
Something else to note about me, I can't stand road trips that last over about 15 hours. For me, no matter how beautiful the scenery is outside, I'll get bored again after some time. This is why I don't have any miles on the road in states between the Midwest and West Coast, like Kansas outside of the KC metro area, Colorado and Utah, because we flew to the west coast (I like planes too).
In my relatives' home in China, we own a car, but only use it to get to places not reachable by train or buses. Parking is hard to find in most Chinese cities, and expensive too. Most medium-large cities in China have a subway system, or at least an excellent bus system with frequent service (headways of 5 minutes or less). For intercity travel, note that Chinese freeways (or tollways in this case) are tolled, at a price that's almost at the cost of a high-speed rail ticket. So even for a normally drivable distance in the states (let's say, 300 km), it's more convenient, and better for our time and money to take the train.
EDIT: Yes, I know is April 1st today, but this is actually a nice topic for some serious discussion.
My wife and I have a combined four cars for two people (two each, three of them with manual transmissions). So you can tell where I stand. With that said, I value having the mass transit option available and I used to commute to downtown DC on the subway in part because it was a lot better for my blood pressure than driving over the 14th Street Bridge every morning. I also prefer to take Amtrak to New York for a variety of reasons (including, but not limited to, being able to spend the time on the train doing something productive if I'm going to New York for work purposes).
Also, while I find electric vehicles intriguing, I'm not sure they make sense for people who like to drive for reasons other than commuting. They make long-distance travel a lot more difficult than it is in a gas car due to the combination of range constraints and the longer stops needed for charging, and they also severely constrain your choice of routing due to charger availability. Regarding the latter point, for example, last year for our trip out to Dayton I took I-66 west to I-81, then Corridor H west to I-79, then south to US-35, then northwest on that all the way to Dayton. That routing would have been utterly impractical in an electric car and I almost certainly would have had to stick to the Interstate, which is exactly what I had no interest at all in doing. Regarding the range issue, if someone can make an electric car with range comparable to our two V-6 powered sedans that go 400 to 500 miles on a tank of gas in all-Interstate driving, then I might feel an electric car makes sense because I would be able to drive for half a day (not counting toilet stops), make a combined lunch and charging stop, and then drive for the rest of the day. But if I have to stop for 45 minutes every three hours or so, it becomes very difficult to make a 700-mile trip in a single day, and that's a real problem in my view. Until they solve that problem, I'd view electric cars as great for commuting but impractical to have as your only car, and I'm not willing to spend $40,000 or more on something that I could use only as a commuter car (especially when I don't commute).
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
Oh, sure, and a reaction to the cell phones thread.
Quote from: kkt on April 01, 2021, 12:47:50 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
Oh, sure, and a reaction to the cell phones thread.
All those "Unpopular Opinions about XYZ" threads popped up in rapid succession. I figured this was just another like example with the smart phone thread.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Look here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=24772). It's exactly like him.
That said, this thread should continue with legitimate discussion.
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2021, 12:50:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Look here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=24772). It's exactly like him.
That said, this thread should continue with legitimate discussion.
Put it this way, it isn't far out of line of what I would expect him to post. He's done far more outlandish things than this thread, to which I agree has legitimate merit.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Not normally, but you caught me this time. If you couldn't tell, this thread is a parody of the smartphone one and not meant to be serious. However, this thread can be serious if you want.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2021, 12:56:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Not normally, but you caught me this time. If you couldn't tell, this thread is a parody of the smartphone one and not meant to be serious. However, this thread can be serious if you want.
Really there is a lot of people who would take something like this serious and definitely a trend among younger demographics domestically. I know several people your age that have zero interest in getting a license or commuting by car. A lot of them live in cities where it is a viable option.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:59:21 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2021, 12:56:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Not normally, but you caught me this time. If you couldn't tell, this thread is a parody of the smartphone one and not meant to be serious. However, this thread can be serious if you want.
Really there is a lot of people who would take something like this serious and definitely a trend among younger demographics domestically. I know several people your age that have zero interest in getting a license or commuting by car. A lot of them live in cities where it is a viable option.
I wouldn't have much interest if self-driving cars existed.
Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:49:45 AM
I'm a car enthusiast and will never give up my right to drive my own vehicle.
So, license suspended or revoked, you're still going to drive?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:53:46 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2021, 12:50:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
I doubt that, it really isn't how RGT rolls.
Look here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=24772). It's exactly like him.
That said, this thread should continue with legitimate discussion.
Put it this way, it isn't far out of line of what I would expect him to post. He's done far more outlandish things than this thread, to which I agree has legitimate merit.
The other thread is also from today's date two years ago...
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 01, 2021, 02:55:49 PM
Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:49:45 AM
I'm a car enthusiast and will never give up my right to drive my own vehicle.
So, license suspended or revoked, you're still going to drive?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6pzg3HD4xI
My Maserati goes 185. (Revised lyric) I lost my license, still I must drive.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 01, 2021, 02:55:49 PM
Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:49:45 AM
I'm a car enthusiast and will never give up my right to drive my own vehicle.
So, license suspended or revoked, you're still going to drive?
I don't think he was considering that...
My answer is serious too.
When I lived in the Chicago suburbs, I didn't own a car for most of the time. I eventually did buy an old carbureted Corolla for $50 and owned it until I realized I couldn't afford to repair and re-register it. But, during the time I owned it, I very often used other means of transportation instead. I only once drove into Chicago city limits with it, for example–always took the bus or train. I even think it was during that period that I started ridesharing to and from work. Heck, I'm not even sure I ever drove to college a single time; I hitchhiked there plenty of times instead, or rode my bike, or whatever else I felt like that day.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2021, 10:47:21 AM
Honestly, I don't get cars. They are expensive, distracting, noisy, and dangerous. Horses are reliable, safe, and don't damage the environment. And if you need to go somewhere fast, the train is always an option. I'm afraid that people nowadays are getting too addicted to their cars. I refuse to participate in car culture, and I think ditching the automobile was a good step toward getting away from it.
Anyone else here had enough of the car craze, or never bothered with it in the first place?
i live about 20-25 miles out of town (depending on how you define 'town'). there's no buses, trains or anything. just 10 miles of twisty mountain road, and another 10-15 of plains, to suburban, to urban, roads.
i like my car. its a camry, and fits me like a glove.
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 01, 2021, 04:41:27 PM
i live about 20-25 miles out of town (depending on how you define 'town'). there's no buses, trains or anything. just 10 miles of twisty mountain road, and another 10-15 of plains, to suburban, to urban, roads.
i like my car. its a camry, and fits me like a glove.
Early in our marriage, my wife and I lived in Herrin, IL. I had a job as a regional delivery driver, and the warehouse was three miles from our house. My wife had a job as a legal secretary in downtown Benton, and she drove the car to work. Usually, she dropped me off at work. If I got off work before my wife, I usually hitchhiked at least half the way home. Sometimes, if she had to go in early, I'd ride my bike to work, but that only happened a few times.
A couple of times, if I got off really early, I'd go home, change clothes, walk up to the edge of town, and hitchhike the 16 or 17 miles to Benton. Then I'd just sit out in the parking lot and surprise her. You should have seen her face the first time!
Is that... it IS! Wait, how did you GET here? I have the car.
I caved in and started driving more and more as soon as COVID cropped up here in January 2020.
I'd rather be on the bus when visiting the city. Or the train.
I've been dropping off and picking up the child at college. Once the pandemic is over, they can learn to take the bus or train!
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 01, 2021, 12:47:50 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 12:45:04 PM
I know there are a growing number of young people who eschew owning a vehicle for living in urban areas, mixed-use walkable communities, and so on, but I suspect the original post was an attempt at trolling related to today's date.
Oh, sure, and a reaction to the cell phones thread.
All those "Unpopular Opinions about XYZ" threads popped up in rapid succession. I figured this was just another like example with the smart phone thread.
"La Villa Strangiato" is a better Rush instrumental. Oh wait, you said "XYZ," not "YYZ."
Quote from: Bruce on April 01, 2021, 06:15:57 PM
I caved in and started driving more and more as soon as COVID cropped up here in January 2020.
I'd rather be on the bus when visiting the city. Or the train.
I haven't ridden the bus since it started, but I also haven't needed to either. I generally only take the bus if my car is in the shop and I can't get a loaner that day, or I have a meeting at church but my wife needs the car. But yeah, that's probably the thing I would be least comfortable doing during COVID.
This is the safest bus in the country: https://kingcountymetro.blog/2021/04/01/metro-launches-infinity-bus/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0vEyL7vdmE
This is a high quality troll post. Good job. :clap:
the wheels on the bus aren't going round and round.
Anyone bother to look at the date the OP posted?
Quote from: Brandon on April 02, 2021, 07:13:01 PM
Anyone bother to look at the date the OP posted?
I was well aware it was a satire thread when it was posted. It didn't stop me from answering it as I had something valid to comment on.
Chris
Quote from: Brandon on April 02, 2021, 07:13:01 PM
Anyone bother to look at the date the OP posted?
Took me about 30 seconds after I posted that two of those "concepts" seemed to have originated from ideas I tossed out on the Fictional Board. Seemed plausible enough at 5 AM in the morning after the I-30 and US 91 Daggett stuff I found on the AASHO Database.
Quote from: Brandon on April 02, 2021, 07:13:01 PM
Anyone bother to look at the date the OP posted?
I suspect that everyone knew, but decided to reply seriously anyways.
Quote from: thspfc on April 01, 2021, 08:45:02 PM
This is a high quality troll post. Good job. :clap:
It might have even been copied and pasted, with a few words changed. Compare:
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2021, 10:47:21 AM
I'm afraid that people nowadays are getting too addicted to their cars. I refuse to participate in car culture, and I think ditching the automobile was a good step toward getting away from it.
Anyone else here had enough of the car craze, or never bothered with it in the first place?
Quote from: stridentweasel on March 26, 2021, 06:43:45 PM
... But I honestly worry that society is giving too much power to tech companies ... I refuse to participate in tech culture, and I think ditching the smartphone was a good step toward getting away from it.
Anyone else here had enough of the smartphone craze, or never bothered with it in the first place?
I am well aware the date this thread started, however I think this thread is a nice place to talk about legitimate attitudes towards cars. That being said:
This post is entirely serious. I will give some details regarding my situation, however I am not going to elaborate much, as this is a sore subject for me.
I am legally not allowed to drive all states in the US due to vision issues I was born with. I can see enough to do most things unassisted, however even with my glasses, I am legally blind. This means that I cannot do anything that requires me to pass a vision test. Annoyingly (but I guess also thankfully?) this means I can't drive. This is kind of ironic, as I (along with most members on here) probably know more about how to drive than than people who pass a DMV test. Hell, I just yelled at my dad for not using a roundabout correctly!
So, I have to use Uber/busses/trains/planes to get around. The busses are free for me since I go to school at a local community collage, but it is really damn annoying, since I live in a part of Colorado Springs where the busses don't go. So to go from my house to the south campus of my collage, I have to get a 20 minute Uber to the bus, take a 50 minute bus ride, transfer to another bus, then take a 40 minute bus ride. If I needed to go to Denver airport, I would have to take the Uber and first bus, then take a different bus downtown, then take a different (not free to me) bus from CO Springs to Denver, than take the light rail to the airport. Or I guess if I wanted to be cheap, I could take a greyhound bus to where I need to go from Denver, but everyone knows that they suck.
Anyway, I will stop complaining about my inability to drive, and let others continue making fun of the American car culture.
Personal transportation is about finding the solution that fits your needs. Nome would see a skimobile, airplane and boat be good things to have. Downtown San Francisco living would be about mass transit, Uber, taxis, rental cars as needed, Amtrak and commercial flights. Live on the coast of Oregon in a rural setting to see where full sized pickups that are 4WD work well. Suburban life with commuting would make an EV practical for day to day use while long road trips could be handled by renting a gas or diesel powered vehicle. Those who attend a lot of sporting events or go to campgrounds would enjoy an RV.
Get the shoes that fit for the win!
Rick
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2021, 10:47:21 AM
Honestly, I don't get cars. They are expensive, distracting, noisy, and dangerous. Horses are reliable, safe, and don't damage the environment. And if you need to go somewhere fast, the train is always an option. I'm afraid that people nowadays are getting too addicted to their cars. I refuse to participate in car culture, and I think ditching the automobile was a good step toward getting away from it.
Anyone else here had enough of the car craze, or never bothered with it in the first place?
Part joke and part truth on this one. I know if you live in Downtown San Francisco, Downtown Sacramento, Davis, Berkeley and Oakland you cannot own a car due to parking fee reasons and spacing issues and access to public transit. But in places like Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo, Benicia you are pretty much dependent on a car if you want to get around within town.