Comments on: Going Car-Free For a Day (or Month)

By: econuke

econuke — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:35:26 +0000

I commute downtown by MARTA. Some days I walk or bike to MARTA, but I often drive to accomodate my kids active afternoon schedules. It would be nice if Decatur added bike lanes to more roads and a Decatur Trolley to some of the major roads. A connection from downtown to the Oakhurst business area, a connection to Publix and the big Kroger, a connection to the city parks and practice fields are a few routes that come to mind and that MARTA doesn’t serve that well or frequently.

By: chira

chira — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:06:20 +0000

Keep on keepin’ on! You will “find ways to do it” — it may take some extra effort, some detours, etc., but your habits of commuting are WORTH IT. Realistically, we all need to make alternate arrangements for transportation and to combine shopping expeditions where possible.

By: karass

karass — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:59:54 +0000

That’s truly admirable because Executive Park is definitely not the most bike and pedestrian friendly area! In fact, the only thing truly park-like about it is that it’s full of park-ing.

By: Another Rick

Another Rick — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:52:45 +0000

Not to brag, but I have not even owned a car since 2005. I use public transit, walking, bicycle and occasional taxicab and ZipCar. My employment is at Executive Park, not downtown. With the MARTA cutbacks, it will be a little more difficult to get to work, but the great personal benefit to me and our society will still far out way the cost! The best thing Decatur city could do is fight for expansion of public transit.

By: mcmillend

mcmillend — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:07:40 +0000

I do towel off after working out in the gym (rather than showering), but I’m sure that’s not up to the right level; people wouldn’t want to have their doctor walk in with a sweaty head. I agree, to some extent it is an excuse, given I could find ways, but it would require too much effort to add a couple of hours to an already 14 hour office day.

By: SFmaster

SFmaster — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:56:54 +0000

I think that the pedestrian signals also need to be better timed – and perhaps just automatic vs having to push the button then wonder – is it working, will it come….guess not, well I’ll walk with the light I guess. A real walking town assumes walkers.

Also this “car free” day would have more “teeth” if some of the streets downtown were blocked off for more pedestrian benefit.

This happens in some cities/towns on the weekends so that it gives people a place to walk/rollerblade and gives you a real “reward” for walking.

By: Gike

Gike — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:19:45 +0000

Decatur Rec Center has showers that are available for commuters that work in Decatur. You need to bring your own towel. Bike Decatur, a google group, has many experienced cyclists that can assist you in your plans to go car free or car light.

By: chira

chira — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 06:06:42 +0000

Deanne – Thanks for your attitude and understanding. I have saved TONS of $ through my transportation practices from 1998 until now, and the walking exercise is good for me too. I forgot to say that besides the 5 blocks distance from the bus stop to my office, I also walked 5 blocks from my home to the bus stop where I began the trip. During part of the year, this walking was in the dark, rain, ice/snow, etc., thus my interest in sidewalks and other pedestrian aids. So that made a total of 20 blocks of walking every day. I still walk a lot since retirement, because I am used to doing it. I also carefully scan the shopping available along each bus route that I use, so that I don’t have to go too far to find places to shop, e.g., groceries, cleaners, office supplies, books, etc. Your practice of “combining” shopping trips is excellent and efficient use of your car.