Car Free living in Denver

[livecontent]

I am happy that this thread has been helpful to all. The public transit in the Denver Metro area has improved substantially over the years. Unfortunately we are in an economic depression that is denied by some, but apparent to many. This has hurt the funding for further expansion of the system under the Fastracks project. It is still going along and there is construction but the future is starting to look someone cloudy. Eventually all will come together but "when?" is the big question. However, many areas of Denver metro can still be livable without a car or encourage a car less life.

There is more of momentum today than when I started this thread about building more transit oriented developments (TOD). What is also good is that "Thrift" and living a more simple life is becoming more an idea in mainstream thought. Giving up feeding the auto beast is certainly a good way toward that goal.

I am still have not given up my little beast but he is being feed less. I have been able go 163 miles in the five weeks, since my last petro feed. I am trying to bring myself below 2000 miles a years versus the 2500 miles a year that I have been extravagantly driving for the past few years. My biggest problem (and joy) is that I have parents in their 80s that do not live off a bus route, and I need to provide some filial obligations. In addition, my ability of mobility is diminishing and a wheelchair may be in the future, but the thought of a wheelchair van is not what I want. Perhaps I will get one of those little electric mobility scooters; souped up with racing strips and able to go that "salt flat" record speed of 8 mph. Maybe that will not be so bad; it is said that girls in their sixties and beyond find those sexy...vvvvrhoommm....

Livecontent

[FitKate]

I just got this in my inbox today and thought it was appropriate for this thread, interesting read!

How To Live Without a Car and Save Money | MintLife Blog | Personal Finance News & Advice

[livecontent]

FitKate,

Thanks for the link. It does reiterate issues that I have been saying. I think biking is great option and Denver and the suburbs does offer many commuter trails in the area. In this area, we treat waterways with respect, as there are few. Most of the creeks have paved paths. I view the Platte River Green Way as the main artery with clear creek, cherry creek, bear creek as exits off the main bike highway. It would be nice if we could built businesses along the Platte that are directly accessible by bike; that is just bordering the trail. We can have bike repair shops, stores, restaurants. In a way it could resemble the walk in San Antonio, TX.

I haved lived in New York City and the article does say that it is not bike friendly. However, not all cities in all places are good for bicycles. NYC is a good place to live without a car; in fact it is the norm for many people---they do not have a driver's license. I know I would not enjoy biking in most areas of city and the public transit is very good, so riding a bike would not be as advantages.

Boulder is excellent place to live without a car. Most areas are very dense with great public transit that is supplemented by the City of Boulder to RTD service. That is the case in many college towns that want to encourage other forms of transit. Biking is good in Boulder but can be somewhat dangerous in parts because of the density and the heavy traffic. Boulder is expensive to live but doing without a car can balance the costs.

I did live in Boulder when I was younger and enjoyed the experience. But today, being a senior citizen, I just do not want to be around an area dominate by the college youth; I enjoy the more diverse, quieter suburbs of Denver. Arvada, where I live is also noted for the expansive trails and parks, and it is has easy access to Denver.

Public transit is many areas of Denver suburbs is excellent to non-existent. The older contiguous suburbs have the better transit and as you go out in the newer developments, a car is more necessary. With the extension of the commuter rail, we will see better public transit in the farther suburban areas. So, the important idea is to pick wisely where one choices to live to have these car free options.

Livecontent