Is it possible to live #carfree in Edmonton's suburbs with 4 kids?
I think it is, and after selling our vehicle yesterday, today is day 1 of our new life.
I'm going to 𧡠our journey here.
All 4 fit in our cargo trike, but I'm going to add a trailer for more space/cargo.
1/
I think it is, and after selling our vehicle yesterday, today is day 1 of our new life.
I'm going to 𧡠our journey here.
All 4 fit in our cargo trike, but I'm going to add a trailer for more space/cargo.
1/
Timing for this is ideal bc we got an offer we couldn't refuse for our van, which gives us the $ to create the optimum set up for #carfree life.
Plus, we will save $ not having a car (I'm cheap). CAA's calculator estimates $12k a year.
2/
Plus, we will save $ not having a car (I'm cheap). CAA's calculator estimates $12k a year.
2/
I've been thinking about this for a couple years, but having our 4th & realizing we don't need the van for him, plus insurance rising $900 this year despite having a clean record & being -15 on the grid, plus rising fuel costs told me this was the time.
3/
3/
Anyway, Day 1 #carfree- no need for a car. We went to the library and hardware store, plus a playground. 11 km total ride, 45min on bike time. Pretty comparable to the car, but parking was easy and the only traffic was a Canada Goose on the MUP.
4/
4/
Week 1 #carfree recap:
93.1 km, incl school runs daily, 2 med appointments, groceries, library & playgrounds
Weather was beautiful except 1 rainy day, which we dressed for & everyone was fine.
Need for car? 0/10
5/
93.1 km, incl school runs daily, 2 med appointments, groceries, library & playgrounds
Weather was beautiful except 1 rainy day, which we dressed for & everyone was fine.
Need for car? 0/10
5/
Savings on the week:
Van did 10.2L/100km city & gas is 1.899 in yeg. Saved $18 on fuel, $42.30 on insurance, $120 on car payment for a total of $180.30 this week.
6/
Van did 10.2L/100km city & gas is 1.899 in yeg. Saved $18 on fuel, $42.30 on insurance, $120 on car payment for a total of $180.30 this week.
6/
Going #carfree means picking up a Father's Day gift by bike.
Because yes, you can transport a guitar and amp by bike- no car needed.
#quaxing
/7
Because yes, you can transport a guitar and amp by bike- no car needed.
#quaxing
/7
Here's groceries by bike- 1 week for a family of 6
Easy to do with an ecargo. I didnt even take the baby seat out, so lots of room for more.
This was a 4km ride, & I have 3 other grocery stores closer. It took about 5 min longer by bike than by car.
#carfree #quaxing
/8
Easy to do with an ecargo. I didnt even take the baby seat out, so lots of room for more.
This was a 4km ride, & I have 3 other grocery stores closer. It took about 5 min longer by bike than by car.
#carfree #quaxing
/8
Week 2 #carfree recap
117.3km biked. Weather was rainy but nothing proper gear can't solve
Biked to school, library, groceries, music store, birthday party & date night
Didn't miss the van. This is also officially the longest I've gone without driving since I was 14 π³
117.3km biked. Weather was rainy but nothing proper gear can't solve
Biked to school, library, groceries, music store, birthday party & date night
Didn't miss the van. This is also officially the longest I've gone without driving since I was 14 π³
Savings on the week:
Gas is 1.889 in yeg, & van did 10.2L/100km
Saved $22.60 on fuel, $42.30 on insurance, $120 on car payment for a total of $184.90 this week.
$364.90 saved overall
/10
Gas is 1.889 in yeg, & van did 10.2L/100km
Saved $22.60 on fuel, $42.30 on insurance, $120 on car payment for a total of $184.90 this week.
$364.90 saved overall
/10
Week 3 #carfree update:
Not much in the way of kms, as COVID got 1 of us & we all quarantined, so we really didn't need a car π & saved money.
Savings this week:
$42.30 on insurance, $120 on car payment so $162.30.
$527.20 saved so far
/11
Not much in the way of kms, as COVID got 1 of us & we all quarantined, so we really didn't need a car π & saved money.
Savings this week:
$42.30 on insurance, $120 on car payment so $162.30.
$527.20 saved so far
/11
Used a car today- specialist appt in Sherwood Park, 32km away. I'd prefer not to have a specialist in SP, but π€·ββοΈ.
Biggest barrier to being #carfree sooner was med appt.
Decided taxi/rent/borrow a car every few months is still cheaper than owning
/12
Biggest barrier to being #carfree sooner was med appt.
Decided taxi/rent/borrow a car every few months is still cheaper than owning
/12
Today, my mom was babysitting the kids & offered to lend me her car.
I topped up her tank, so it cost me $40. Still cheaper than owning
#carfree doesn't mean never using cars, just using only when it's the best choice. I needed a car today, so I used one
/13
I topped up her tank, so it cost me $40. Still cheaper than owning
#carfree doesn't mean never using cars, just using only when it's the best choice. I needed a car today, so I used one
/13
Week 4 #carfree recap
63 km, reg stuff, plus a trip to Millwoods for #CanadaDay
Savings on the week:
Gas is 1.869 in yeg, & van did 10.2L/100km
$12.01 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $174.31 this week
Total savings $661.51 (including $40 put in my mom's tank)
/14
63 km, reg stuff, plus a trip to Millwoods for #CanadaDay
Savings on the week:
Gas is 1.869 in yeg, & van did 10.2L/100km
$12.01 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $174.31 this week
Total savings $661.51 (including $40 put in my mom's tank)
/14
Added a Wike lg trailer (5'4" height & 125lb weight limit) to add more cargo/additional passenger space to our #carfree set up.
Mostly for use on long rides for passenger comfort
Theoretically we have the capacity to haul 4 kids & 1 adult pax (the whole fam) in 1 unit π
/15
Mostly for use on long rides for passenger comfort
Theoretically we have the capacity to haul 4 kids & 1 adult pax (the whole fam) in 1 unit π
/15
Today, like many other families, we have 2 kids that need to be p/u from 2 different locations at the same time.
For most families, that means 2 cars & the associated costs.
We do it #carfree w/ 2 bikes that combined cost less than a used car. Only having 1 car saves big $
16/
For most families, that means 2 cars & the associated costs.
We do it #carfree w/ 2 bikes that combined cost less than a used car. Only having 1 car saves big $
16/
I avoid biking in rain. I prefer -30 to rain, but yeg is getting 10-20mm today.
I'm #carfree & a had kid in camp, so it meant 11kmΓ2.
Not too bad-we dressed for it & kid was dry in the box.
Would've used a car if I had one. But I didn't need one- a little rain didnt hurt
17/
I'm #carfree & a had kid in camp, so it meant 11kmΓ2.
Not too bad-we dressed for it & kid was dry in the box.
Would've used a car if I had one. But I didn't need one- a little rain didnt hurt
17/
Week 5 #carfree recap
152 km, reg stuff, plus kid in camp- lots of rain!
Savings on the week:
Gas is 1.869 in yeg, & van did 10.2L/100km
$29.17 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $191.47 this week
Total savings $852.98 π³ Not bad for 1 month carfree!
18/
152 km, reg stuff, plus kid in camp- lots of rain!
Savings on the week:
Gas is 1.869 in yeg, & van did 10.2L/100km
$29.17 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $191.47 this week
Total savings $852.98 π³ Not bad for 1 month carfree!
18/
Week 6 #carfree recap
216 km w/ kid camp being the bulk of the km.
Extracurriculars can make carfree hard, but this worked. Camp was 8km away, & it took 25min. Google says 19min by car.
Schlepping Baby was actually better than car bc I could talk to him the whole timeπ
19/
216 km w/ kid camp being the bulk of the km.
Extracurriculars can make carfree hard, but this worked. Camp was 8km away, & it took 25min. Google says 19min by car.
Schlepping Baby was actually better than car bc I could talk to him the whole timeπ
19/
Week 6 #carfree savings:
Gas 1.779 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$39.19 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $201.49 this week
Total savings $1054.47. The trade off of a little extra time for $1k more in my bank account is worth it, especially as grocery costs skyrocket.
19/
Gas 1.779 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$39.19 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $201.49 this week
Total savings $1054.47. The trade off of a little extra time for $1k more in my bank account is worth it, especially as grocery costs skyrocket.
19/
Week 7 #carfree recap:
Only 69km as family was in town visiting & we stayed pretty close to home
Gas 1.769 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$12.45 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $174.75 this week
Total savings $1229.22.
And tomorrow is NBD!!! The Urban Arrow arrivesπ€©
21/
Only 69km as family was in town visiting & we stayed pretty close to home
Gas 1.769 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$12.45 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $174.75 this week
Total savings $1229.22.
And tomorrow is NBD!!! The Urban Arrow arrivesπ€©
21/
#newbikeday Our Urban Arrow arrived yesterday! (Thanks @BikeBikeYYC )
Did a few short loops with the kids to try it out yesterday, but put it to work today- 3 kids and the weekly grocery shop.
No issues- and cut my travel time by 40% loaded π€©
LOVE THIS BIKE!!!
22/
Did a few short loops with the kids to try it out yesterday, but put it to work today- 3 kids and the weekly grocery shop.
No issues- and cut my travel time by 40% loaded π€©
LOVE THIS BIKE!!!
22/
Adding an Urban Arrow means we have one of almost every kind of kid ferrying bike. They all have different uses & make #carfree easy.
(Disclaimer- I dont need this many, I have an n+1 issue π)
If anyone in yeg wants a test ride, let me know.
#yegbike
23/
(Disclaimer- I dont need this many, I have an n+1 issue π)
If anyone in yeg wants a test ride, let me know.
#yegbike
23/
Week 8 #carfree recap:
Only 74km as it was hot! Couple spray parks & groceries & library
Gas 1.629 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$12.30 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $174.60 this week
Total savings $1403.82.
24/
Only 74km as it was hot! Couple spray parks & groceries & library
Gas 1.629 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$12.30 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $174.60 this week
Total savings $1403.82.
24/
Week 9 #carfree recap:
204km on a semi-rainy week. Parks, groceries, medical appt & library
Gas 1.559 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$32.44 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $194.74 this week
Total savings $1598.56
988km biked since going carfree
25/
204km on a semi-rainy week. Parks, groceries, medical appt & library
Gas 1.559 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$32.44 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $194.74 this week
Total savings $1598.56
988km biked since going carfree
25/
Almost $1600 & 1000km in 2 months #carfree sounds good, but it's not the whole story.
I estimate my actual savings closer to $3k bc of money not spent. We used to drive 1200km/month- I went to my "preferred" grocery store further away, drove to further playgrounds etc
26/
I estimate my actual savings closer to $3k bc of money not spent. We used to drive 1200km/month- I went to my "preferred" grocery store further away, drove to further playgrounds etc
26/
I meal plan better bc I can't drive for a missing item, which also means less takeout. I don't grab a coffee/snack/lunch at a drive thru. All of that has added up to another $1400 left in my account the last 2 months. #carfree has been the only change, so it must be thatπ€·ββοΈ
27/
27/
#BacktoSchool shopping #carfree is easy with the urban arrow. Shoes on the back rack and clothes and school supplies in the box with the kids.
If only @southcommonyeg had bike racks....π
If only @southcommonyeg had bike racks....π
Biking everywhere isn't always fun. Did a short thread about construction/detours earlier.
This is a serious con in #carfree life. I plan routes carefully to keep the kids safe, but sudden construction can really mess me up.
29/
This is a serious con in #carfree life. I plan routes carefully to keep the kids safe, but sudden construction can really mess me up.
https://twitter.com/mommypedals/status/1558097600460382209?t=vVeX5KwoTNs8diXIgG5nPA&s=19
29/
Week 10 #carfree recap:
149km in August heat. Daily life stuff, nothing out of the ordinary
Gas 1.499 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$22.78 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $184.68 this week
Total savings $1783.24
1137km biked since going carfree
30/
149km in August heat. Daily life stuff, nothing out of the ordinary
Gas 1.499 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$22.78 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $184.68 this week
Total savings $1783.24
1137km biked since going carfree
30/
Did my longest loaded ride ever today- Leduc and back for dinner.
62km round-trip with 4 kids, the UA and the trailer.
It was fun, and highway shoulders were wide enough/drivers gave us lots of room.
Raced a storm home so I made really good time π¬π
#carfree
31/
62km round-trip with 4 kids, the UA and the trailer.
It was fun, and highway shoulders were wide enough/drivers gave us lots of room.
Raced a storm home so I made really good time π¬π
#carfree
31/
Just over 500km in 3.5 weeks on the Urban Arrow! This is a game changing #carreplacement
#carfree
32/
#carfree
32/
Week 11 #carfree recap:
293km- trip to Leduc & river valley date night really pushed up the kms + husband & I taking kids opp directions
Gas 1.459 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$43.60 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $205.90 this week
Total savings $1989.14
1430km biked
33/
293km- trip to Leduc & river valley date night really pushed up the kms + husband & I taking kids opp directions
Gas 1.459 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$43.60 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $205.90 this week
Total savings $1989.14
1430km biked
33/
Week 12 #carfree recap:
48km- on holidays this week w/o the bikes, so not many km
Gas 1.459 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$7.14 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $169.44 this week
Total savings $2158.58
1478km biked
34/
48km- on holidays this week w/o the bikes, so not many km
Gas 1.459 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$7.14 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $169.44 this week
Total savings $2158.58
1478km biked
34/
This holiday wouldn't have happened w/o #carfree
We've saved much more than the $2k I show in this thread. The car is convenience- w/o it I plan better, trip chain, don't get take out etc
Carfree pd for transport, accommodation, food & entertainment for this trip w/ $ left over
We've saved much more than the $2k I show in this thread. The car is convenience- w/o it I plan better, trip chain, don't get take out etc
Carfree pd for transport, accommodation, food & entertainment for this trip w/ $ left over
I'm dreaming of high speed rail. Why do we settle for slow moving traffic just to get to the destination & park?
The BC gov is spending $1 BILLION to twin hwy 1. This just recreate the traffic prob, but w/ 2 lanes (see Calgary to Banff) That $ would be a good start for HSR
35/
The BC gov is spending $1 BILLION to twin hwy 1. This just recreate the traffic prob, but w/ 2 lanes (see Calgary to Banff) That $ would be a good start for HSR
35/
Week 13 #carfree recap:
102km- regular life, but back to school trips added this week
Gas 1.399 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$14.56 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $176.86this week
Total savings $2335.44
1580km biked
37/
102km- regular life, but back to school trips added this week
Gas 1.399 in yeg @ 10.2L/100km
$14.56 in fuel, $162.30 insurance & car payment, $176.86this week
Total savings $2335.44
1580km biked
37/
"But you have a dog- how will you get him to the vet without a car?"
Same way I do everything else- by bike
38/
#carfree
#dogsoftwitter
Same way I do everything else- by bike
38/
#carfree
#dogsoftwitter
Mini rant on lack of active transportation infrastructure
39/
https://twitter.com/mommypedals/status/1568047803057991681?t=ZgkbNQW5idL1EORWmVtECQ&s=19
39/
One of my favorite parts #carfree life is the removal of temptation.
I forgot 1 crucial ingredient for T-giving baking when I went shopping. Realized it mid-bake.
Jumped on the bike and was home again in 15min. Would've 100% used a car if I had one- but it wasn't needed
40/
I forgot 1 crucial ingredient for T-giving baking when I went shopping. Realized it mid-bake.
Jumped on the bike and was home again in 15min. Would've 100% used a car if I had one- but it wasn't needed
40/
All the errands and dr appts and trips I make by bike I would do by car if I had one.
The last 4 months has shown I don't need one, but it's the default option I grew up with and it's very hard to break that mindset with a car in the driveway
41/
The last 4 months has shown I don't need one, but it's the default option I grew up with and it's very hard to break that mindset with a car in the driveway
41/
#carfree recap time! Weeks 14-18
637km- groceries, school run, extra- curriculars, appointments, life
Gas is going up, so ~1.559/L=
$101.29 in fuel, $811.50 insurance & car payment, total $912.79
Total savings $3248.23
2217km biked
Over $3k saved in 4 months π
42/
637km- groceries, school run, extra- curriculars, appointments, life
Gas is going up, so ~1.559/L=
$101.29 in fuel, $811.50 insurance & car payment, total $912.79
Total savings $3248.23
2217km biked
Over $3k saved in 4 months π
42/
Today was probably my hardest day since going #carfree. Everything that could go wrong did & I biked 77km btw 8am and 4:30pm.
Everything got done, and the kids went trick or treating but I am wiped.
So grateful for the UA & it's extended range- it saved the day!
Everything got done, and the kids went trick or treating but I am wiped.
So grateful for the UA & it's extended range- it saved the day!
#carfree recap time! Weeks 19-25
717km- including the start of #frostbike season π
Gas average was 162.4/L=
$118.77 in fuel, $973.80 insurance & car payment, total $1092.57
Total savings $4340.80
2934km biked
Dealt w/ a decent snowfall, sick kids & didn't need a car
43/
717km- including the start of #frostbike season π
Gas average was 162.4/L=
$118.77 in fuel, $973.80 insurance & car payment, total $1092.57
Total savings $4340.80
2934km biked
Dealt w/ a decent snowfall, sick kids & didn't need a car
43/
It's -16 C/3 F (-23 C/-10 windchill- yes, windchill is a thing, especially on a bike) this afternoon and I ran errands with no issue.
So to all the drivers & people who scoffed at #carfree in an Edmonton winter, yes it's quite possible π
I wasn't even in my warm layers π
So to all the drivers & people who scoffed at #carfree in an Edmonton winter, yes it's quite possible π
I wasn't even in my warm layers π
Annual #TreeByBike today! Giggled as I rode home and a kid in a minivan with a tree tied on top pointed at me excitedly.
#carfree life
#carfree life
Happy frigid last day of fall!
Still #carfree, and still using my #yegbike to get around. Not the coldest temperature I've ever biked in, but getting there.
Yes, you can cycle in cold weather, you just need the right gear (layers- layers are key)
46/
Still #carfree, and still using my #yegbike to get around. Not the coldest temperature I've ever biked in, but getting there.
Yes, you can cycle in cold weather, you just need the right gear (layers- layers are key)
46/
One thing #carfree life has taught me is to watch winter weather. I don't mind riding in cold, but paths here are cleaed in 81h after snow ends. Due to constant snow, paths haven't been clear for awhile.
So with more snow forecast, I headed out to stock up on groceries
/47
So with more snow forecast, I headed out to stock up on groceries
/47
#carfree recap- Weeks 26-30
347km- including Christmas shopping π
Gas average was 148.1/L=
$52.42 in fuel, $811.50 insurance & car payment, total $863.92
Total savings $5204.72
3281km biked since in 6 months
Dealt w/ a decent snowfall, sick kids & didn't need a car
48/
347km- including Christmas shopping π
Gas average was 148.1/L=
$52.42 in fuel, $811.50 insurance & car payment, total $863.92
Total savings $5204.72
3281km biked since in 6 months
Dealt w/ a decent snowfall, sick kids & didn't need a car
48/
#HappyNewYear2023
Spent New Year's Eve with family & got my first 5km #yegbike of 2023 in by 1 am.
Fantastic start to the new year π
50/
Spent New Year's Eve with family & got my first 5km #yegbike of 2023 in by 1 am.
Fantastic start to the new year π
50/
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