Car-Free Lifestyle by Choice

We have been living without a car for 17 years in various places throughout the country including over 7 years in the DC area. This has included such places as Cape May, NJ; San Juan, PR; New Orleans, LA; and others. We rent a car on occassion to do extended travel or take a taxi if other means are unavailable, but all other trips are done by bike or mass transit options.

Being in the military (Coast Guard), we get transferred every 3 years or so. Each time we move, we have to decide where we want to live -- proximity to work, shopping, military facilities, medical care, churches, fitness activities, cultural events, etc. Balance of work/life is very high in our priority so if I can live within a 5 mile bike ride of my workplace, that will provide more time at home.

It is a lifestyle choice rather than an environmental choice. We want to have a better life and by biking/walking as our mode of transportation, we are staying healthy and helping the environment.

Daryl Schaffer, Court House