The (slowly) warming weather means only one thing: We're getting closer to Season II of the Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge! Two of Arlington's newest car-free skeptics will go 30 days without their vehicles, getting by on only their wits (as well as Arlington's wealth of alternative transportation options), and telling their story online. The deadline to join the Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge is February 28th, and details on applying are at http://www.carfreedietskeptics.com
My fellow car-free skeptic Todd and I were plenty hesitant when we started the challenge last April, both frequently using our cars to commute and get around town. But 30 days off the roadways showed us we could keep healthy and save time and money by riding our bikes, taking ART and Metro, and walking. As part of the challenge, many good folks from Arlington County Commuter Services and the community provided us the resources and knowledge to get from point A to point B confidently and car-free. I can't begin to say how much I prefer a leisurely bike ride to work with a friend over being gestured at on the Beltway.
And while we were hesitant to give up our cars, we're not so skeptical anymore. We found that not only is hopping on a bus or cruising down a bike lane not difficult, it quickly becomes second nature. Todd and I continue to regularly take public transportation and bike, both to commute or just to get around town. So if you're skeptical, take a chance, leave the keys at home, and apply online at http://www.carfreedietskeptics.com by February 28th!
