The look on people's faces when you tell them you don't own a car is hilarious. It starts with sympathy followed by a mix of surprise and doubt when you tell them it's a life style choice. The cashier at Turnip Truck even offered, "If you ever need a ride, let me know." Thanks, Caleb, I'll swing by if I'm ever in a bind!
Day 1 (7/18/2016): I dropped of my rental car at the body shop and cleaned out my car. I brought my panniers and loaded them up. When the insurance guy told me I could pull my car around I told him I didn't have one! Cue look of sympathy. I explained that I used to live in Chicago without a car and wanted to try it in Nashville. He reminded me Chicago is more pedestrian friendly and passed me off to the rental car employee to turn in my keys. I had my bike in the back of the truck and explained to the people at Enterprise I would be biking my stuff back, jumper cables and all. Cue look of sympathy. Again, I explained it was a life choice and went on my way.
My boyfriend picked up for dinner in a car.
Day 2 (7/19/2016): Rode to and from work today. Had to leave work a little early because I wasn't feeling great. Not sure if it's just a summer cold or potential dehydration from biking? It's hot out there, people! I don't think I've ever drank more water in my life. Luckily I was okay to bike home, but it got me thinking about what would happen if I was seriously ill, had mechanical issues or if there was extreme weather. Many businesses and transportation organizations offer a Guaranteed Ride Home, RTA does a version of this. Something to think about at Walk Bike Nashville.
Biked the 3/4 of a mile to the grocery store and back.
Day 3 (7/20/2016): Definitely felt it in my legs this morning. How can my bike ride be up hill both ways? Because Nashville, that's how. One of the biggest things I've noticed in my first few days is how well you have to plan. I have a kickball game tonight and needed to pack my clothes for work and kickball and arrange a ride to the field on Thompson Ln. I'm meeting a friend after and needed another outfit. Doable, but a lot more thought and planning goes into getting ready than if I had a car and could zip home.
How I felt about the hills in Nashville today
Day 4 (7/21/2016): Stayed at a friend's place last night and walked the .7 miles to work. I said Hi/Good morning to at least 8 people on the way in and it was great! Stopped by the grocery store and picked up things for breakfast and lunch. Also learned A LOT in a very short walk about the necessity for shade in Nashville in the summer. I crossed the street to the side with more trees because one side was like the Sahara, but way more humid (see second picture). If you want to read more about sidewalks in Nashville I highly recommend Stacy Dorris's blog, Shade Parade.
Day 5 (7/22/2016): Planned to bike home and get a ride with my roommate to dinner. I realized I wasn't going to catch my ride in time, so I just biked to dinner in 12 South and met the gang. Showed up hot and sweaty, but I had a change of clothes and got changed in the restaurant bathroom just in time to be seated!
Walk: 0 miles
Day 6 & 7(7/22&23/2016): My air conditioning went out Saturday morning, so I spent the weekend somewhere that had an AC unit that was fully functioning. Got rides from them. Also went kayaking and got a ride to the Harpeth.
Summary:
Week 1 Cost: $0- I didn't spend any money on transportation this week. I walked, biked or got a ride with a friend. Saved on gas and insurance.
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