Hi everyone,
 
It is great to be car free.  Here is my questionnaire.
 
1. Which of the following best describes you? Please check one.
XX I do not presently own a car though I have owned a car previously.
__ I am car-free and have never owned a car
__ I own a car but use other forms of transport frequently

2. How long have you been either car-free or used non-automotive transport as
your principle means of transportation?
 
3 years.

3. What inspired your decision to reduce or end your reliance on the
automobile?
 
I am concerned about the environment particularly global warming.  An important
factor is that I didn't have enough money to buy a new car but I'm really rather
pleased about that.  I am also concerned about the safety problems with cars. 
Also, right now I don't need one.

4. What factors have either impeded or inspired your decision to reduce your
reliance on automotive transport?
 
Cars are dirty smelly things and dangerous too.  I hate heat and automobiles are
a major contributer to the global warming crisis.

5. Has your transportational choices had any discernible effect on your family
and friends?
 
My choices have not effected my family.  I've made new friends from bicycling
and walking.

6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being car-free and/or getting
around without using a car?
 
I have developed strong legs from bicycling
saved money
safer
better for the environment
more contact with the world around me

7. Do you typically feel comfortable recommending car-free living to your
friends and/or relatives? Why or why not?
Yes, I just did it to my sister today.  I love recommending car-free living to
people and introducing the car-free concept to friends and family.

8. Have you experienced any adverse consequences of reducing or eliminating your
automotive dependency with regard to time and finances?
 
I have saved money; transportation now takes a lot of time.

9. Have there been any benefits?
 
Fewer parking worries.

10. In an ideal world, what role should the car play in the general
transportation system?
 
I think cars should be greatly reduced--10% to 20% of what we have now.  People
who need to haul can have a light truck.  We need ambulances and other emergency
vehicles, and taxis for emercencies and travel where bicyling is to cold or
dangerous and for transportation of some elderly and sick.

11. Do you have any other personal or general thoughts you've care to share on
this topic?

When I was a teenager I watched two chickadees in a wild dance of flight,
swerling and teasing each other in the air.  A passing car hit one of them and
it died.  I cried, the two birds were beautifully full of life and now one lay
dead. The other tried to coax the dead bird back to life but it was over the the
bird.  I had long hated cars because my father drove too fast but the intensity
of the hatetred went up with this incident.
 
I am a clown, jester, dancer, balloon scultor and face painter.  I would like to
offer my services to car-free events.

12. Where do you live (city, state, country)?
 
Santa Rosa, CA USA
==============
Many of these questions were derived from Katie Alvord's book "Divorce Your
Car".


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