3 months with no car in Calgary (a car-dependent North American city)

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[@Paint_The_Future]

I came to Calgary in 2019 and been car-free the whole time. Never missed it for a second.

[@humanecities]

Much more doable than most people seem to believe.

[@adamkamali]

must be single, girls won't date you if you don't have a car. dating tips 101

[@Paint_The_Future]

​@@adamkamali Married 5 years, polyamorous & dating 2 people other than my married spouse. You couldn't have been more wrong if you tried.

[@alexwilliamns]

E-bikes are the best thing to happen to transportation. I see so many people with reduced mobility rolling around on e-bikes. Some people can’t drive anymore or struggle to walk the distances they need.

[@humanecities]

100%!

[@olympian3]

Especially since Calgary has one of the biggest bike pathway networks in North America

[@olinafan4459]

but they are prime targets for theft and north america has terrible snow

[@olympian3]

@@olinafan4459 in Calgary all of the bike pathways are required to be cleared of snow within a day

[@MrGriefCreep]

​​@@olinafan4459That's a huge problem in Calgary, as a large section of the city is flooded by homeless, and plenty have bolt cutters. The bike network is wonderful downtown and along the rivers (with photogenic sections) but I can't trust leaving my bike locked up outside anywhere where the network exists because of the theft problem. If I need to seriously go somewhere and can't lock my bike in view, I'd pretty much need to rent a Neuron bike. Doesn't help Calgarians are for the most part totally oblivious to their surroundings and will stand in the middle of bike lanes instead of the walking Parth literally 2 metres to the side -_-

[@HallsEmporium]

I’ve been car free since 2017 and it would take a lot to get me back into car ownership, even being a fan of cool cars! (I love going to the car show annually). Even spending money on cabs and car rentals on occasion comes no where near the money saved in my case. Similar to you I am privileged to live in an area of the city that supports alternative transportation options and I’m very grateful for that.

[@humanecities]

It’s exciting to hear you’ve been at it for so long! As I’ve been going, I’ve met more people for whom it’s totally normal! It makes me hopeful!

[@GaigeGrosskreutzGunClub]

This is a great point. I think the more semi-regular experiences we have, like friends and family who don't live close enough to realistically not use a car, can be mitigated with car share/cabs or rental. Being able to see friends and family is a big obstacle for me to work towards car independence, so maybe I'll keep track of my visits and do a cost comparison.

[@simplersearchproductions]

We've been car-free in Calgary for 25 years now. Ten years ago, we produced a documentary, and in 2005, we published a book about our journey. The documentary is available for free on my KZbin channel.

[@HallsEmporium]

@@simplersearchproductions I just watched it and it was fantastic! thanks for sharing it! I really enjoyed the idea of challenging the different families to try it for a week.

[@simplersearchproductions]

@@HallsEmporium Thanks for checking out our film. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it.

[@bjarkenielsen8515]

I went car free for 3 years, using an ebike instead. High quality Rain clothes, shoe covers and waterproof panniers are a must I calculated 10 days each winter season where I absolute hated it due to cold/rain. The rest of the year was great. I live in Scandinavia and commuted 15-18km on bike paths each Way to two different locations.. It took me approx 47 and 52 minutes I am very much pro bike lanes separated from trafic lanes. Either a complete seperation or by a curb.

[@humanecities]

Your commute sounds pretty similar to my own - though I have to mix with traffic for a short part. Can’t wait to get an ebike for myself!

[@10sunbi]

I have never owned a car in my entire life and have been living in Calgary since 2005. As you pointed out, this lifestyle is not for many people but it works for me. There are multiple factors that influence my decision to live this way. 1. Money is definitely the biggest factor (cost to purchase and maintain). 2. I always stay at home and have no desire to drive around and visit different places or participate in activities (well…mostly). 3. I do not like driving. Now, Calgary has more options to use for short trips such as Car2go (used to), Communauto, Turo. It’s easier to stay car-free. For me, living car-free will probably work as long as I have easy access to amenities, especially grocery stores and public transit.

[@simplersearchproductions]

We've been car-free in Calgary for 25 years now. We shared our journey in a book published in 2005 and produced a documentary ten years ago. It's available for free on my KZbin channel.

[@10sunbi]

@@simplersearchproductions Thanks for sharing this. I watched it and was glad to hear some similar / different perspectives.

[@simplersearchproductions]

@@10sunbi Thanks for watching my film. It's great that it connected with you in some way.

[@Aidan_Au]

I'm rooting for you! I hope that you can be care free as long as you can or move

[@humanecities]

Thank you! It’s fun tracking and sharing the experience.

[@deersakamoto2167]

I grew up in Japan and biked everywhere but here in a Vancouver suburb it looks a bit too dangerous so I currently don't own a bike (it's my favorite mode of transportation so it's unfortunate - I'm a bit envious when I see a small number of brave souls riding a bike or an e-scooter here). When I switch jobs I always moved close to work so I can walk to work. Now that I WFH it's even easier. I use public transit occasionally on the weekends. Good luck with your car-free journey ✊

[@humanecities]

Work from home certainly helps! And Vancouver always surprises me! It’s got some nice trains, lots of density… but INSANE car traffic. If you’re in the burbs, you’re hooped! Hopefully you can see some improvement in your area!

[@Aidan_Au]

Thanks for making these videos. Your car ownership cost video is def very insightful! Thank you for keeping all the receipts and keeping track of every cost pretty much!

[@humanecities]

I’m really excited for the one year update! I’ll have to learn how to make some graphs 😂

[@n8er471]

Loved living car free in Calgary. Very easy when you live in the core.

[@KahlilDechaine]

I was car free up until the age of 35 including Calgary for a few years - work office was downtown and I lived in the Beltline. It was great to walk for my commute. Simplicity. Then the company moved out of downtown so I needed to get my first car. I had to let that one go because of repair expenses and purchase a second car. They kept relocating farther South to Quarry Park. What a dismal depressing place. My work situation has been precarious since then - sporadic work or low paying "full time" jobs where you need a car to work but they don't compensate you sufficiently. Sold the car last summer for the same problems and somewhat adjusted to public transit although it isn't without problems - safety and commute times can be quite long. I'm still in the Beltline with everything close by. Mostly a matter of re-adjusting to life without a car when it comes to other needs.

[@AustinSersen]

Oh dang, I get two mentions! Glad you're sticking with it. Living car free definitely gets easier over time, or at least it has for me (and yes, should get easier with Route Ahead too!). Plus, I can always rent a car or hop in a Communauto for the occasional times that it makes sense...all without ever worrying about oil changes, gas, and other car-based costs like maintenance and parking fees.

[@humanecities]

The episode was ripe with shoutouts 🤣 A couple of my friends LOVE CommuneAuto. Has it worked pretty well for you?

[@AustinSersen]

​@@humanecities Yes, it's been great! Used it to pick up family members from the airport at 5am from their super delayed flight, and drove them out to Drumheller for $113.48 including gas. Sure, you sometimes have to deal with dog hair, but I'd take dog hair (or a previous user that had on way too much hand lotion) over a surprise $600 maintenance problem that car ownership often brings. All the benefits of a car without any of the drawbacks! (except maybe sitting in traffic, or becoming the most agitated version of yourself...so many people change for the worse behind the steering wheel of a car). Day-to-day though, I don't really think of getting in a Communauto. I might use it for personal use once a quarter. It's just one of my many transportation options available! It's nice to have the freedom to choose how I want to get around. Too many people on this continent are basically forced into car ownership.

[@AustinSersen]

​@@humanecities Depending on your e-bike budget, my business partner sells his own custom ebikes: TuffHill eBikes. They are quite premium (over $5k I think), but have unbeatable features: mid-drive motor, belt drive (no more chain stains on pants or ongoing maintenance!), internal gear hub, massive battery, upright riding position, Dutch frame lock, integrated lights, and more. I could probably get him to discount it a bit for some mentions if this tier of bike is anywhere near the realm that you'd be looking into. Looking forward to the 6-month update with some wintry weather!

[@humanecities]

@@AustinSersen no way!! A friend was just telling me about them! I’d love to have something local like that, but it’ll end up coming down to price. I’ll keep you posted!

[@narrator69]

I have lived in Calgary for 55 years, I have been car free for 35 years here and love it, I ride all year round and have no issue with the weather other then the wind.

[@stanleykachuik2589]

I was car free in Calgary between 1990-93. Loved it! Then I started a family. So a mini van was in order. Stayed a single vehicle family for nearly 2 decades after that. When time permits, I'll ride a pedal bike to work. It helps one feel apart of the community for sure. There's a lot of value in a person's well-being doing it that way.

[@GaigeGrosskreutzGunClub]

Great video, man. It seems like your life hasn't missed a beat since going car-free. Good call on being prepared for winter - all that extra cash coming in clutch for the gear!

[@humanecities]

Thank you 🙏 I always appreciate your comments!

[@warrenbrooke2402]

I live in Calgary and love the bicycle path system. I cycle all year round for commuting and I have used studded tires in the winter. Intersections can still be sketchy, even with the studs, simply because the cars can really polish the ice if they spin their tires at all. About three years ago we bought a fat-tire electric bike from Rad Power Bikes and it was a game changer. It handles the snow and ice like a dream, just floating over all the ruts and choppiness.

[@ambiarock590]

I've been car-lite since April and it's been amazing. My ebike is my daily driver, though I do have some trips that I use a car for. Bikability is a very important consideration for where I choose to live next. I want to be able to bike around wherever I live next in my life. I'm glad you like being car-free! Keep up the great videos!

[@humanecities]

Thank you 🙏 I’m glad your ebike is treating you well! Definitely a game changer for a lot of people!

[@ambiarock590]

@@humanecities I've had a few people ask me about it and I give them the details about it and its fun to tank about. They're very beneficial to cities

[@edincanada]

It's ironic how, when I moved to Calgary, I saw the golden opportunity to own a car. I moved from Toronto where traffic is insane and insurance in super high. When I moved to Calgary, those two barriers were gone, so I got a car! Thank you for your insights, as someone who also likes to say hi, I'm glad we share this city.

[@shonkasourusrexth]

iv been in calgary my whole life and there are definitely some problems with our transit and biking infrastructure but im glad to see the city actual making some improvments

[@humanecities]

We’re definitely seeing improvements! If you’re not already watching for it, get ready for Phase 3 of the City Building project the City is doing! Also, check out @unsprawling - we’ve got some cool projects cooking there!

[@nicthedoor]

50 minutes? That’s a good long ride on a scooter. Good points about the range on the e-scooter vs the bike. Never any range anxiety when cycling. I think you’re right, e-bikes really hit the sweet spot in micromobility. I am curious to see how you get on over the winter. Thanks for the shout-out. Was a bit of a surprise seeing my face in your video. 😆

[@humanecities]

It’s definitely the max distance I can scoot! I’m super excited to try my winter tires! And yes! 😂 I figured I should show the face of the guy they’re looking for 😂 You’ve got such thorough videos on micromobility!

[@KevinVeroneau]

I moved to Calgary back in 2015 and have been either taking transit or walking everywhere I needed to go. One thing a lot of people don't realize or mention about when say taking the train over driving a vehicle is all the extra time you have to yourself during the commute itself. While driving, there are much more restrictions on personal freedom in place, they are of course in place for the safety of both yourself and others while on the road. While commuting by transit, you are completely free to catch up on that book, video game, or anything else you may not usually have the time for, you have more time for you. I wouldn't think of it as, oh, my commute now to work is so long, think of it along the terms of, oh, I now have an hour to myself, to read, play a fun video game and relax, among other activities you can do while not no longer tethered to a steering wheel. I find that most people always try and see the negatives with things in life, rather than trying to see the positives of things. We could live in a much more positive world, but it requires people to change their sense of thought and thinking behind even regular activities we all do, such as commuting. At least that is my perspective.

[@user-rn6il1ub1u]

I dropped car ownership 20 years ago. I save half my rent.

[@izy0321]

I was car free in Arlington Virginia USA for a couple years and recently went car light (aka bought a car). I was renting cars so frequently to go on weekend trips it just didn’t make sense anymore. I still commute by bus/metro and the occasional Uber but now I can go on hikes almost every weekend and I’m really looking forward to camping and backpacking this summer.

[@genericjam9866]

Lots of thoughts. Currently living in Calgary. Have lived in Edmonton, various places in Europe. In the North American context we're stuck in a catch 22 with cars as the cities are designed around them and so we're stuck in a cycle. Going without a car here is possible but harder than it has to be. All the empty space between stuff is more of a bug than a feature. Not everyone needs a yard but it's status quo. Cities in Europe are largely developed pre-car so they were 'designed' by necessity to be walkable thus amenable to bikes and compact. They suffer from other problems but transport tends to be easier and people don't expect to be in a city _and_ get 1/4 acre of land. I have actually commuted by bike across Edmonton one winter which I consider to be culturally more hostile to bikes than Calgary. The cold actually isn't that bad and normal knobby mountain bike tires did just fine all winter. The biggest problem is finding quieter routes away from impatient drivers. One of the biggest problems here is the lack of bike culture. No one knows what norms are. No one knows where bikes should be on the road/sidewalk/which side of the road/other. No one understands the same right of way applies to bikes as cars. Half of drivers treat you like a car and half like a pedestrian and drivers going opposite ways on the same street may not agree. It's unnecessarily dangerous for all sorts of reasons. Ideally, everyone would spend some time on a bike so they would understand the cyclists' perspective. I think this is one of the things that makes biking in places like the Netherlands so safe. No one bothers to wear helmets because it's almost completely unnecessary without the risk of being hit by a car. It's totally doable. Good luck with it!

[@arterickson9809]

I did this in Calgary many years ago when there weren’t e bikes and I (for example) once walked from Foothills Hospital to 8ave + 8st NE.

[@tadatada1234]

i’ve lived here my whole almost 29 years of life and have never driven (don’t even have my license) and it’s actually not that bad for me. i’m definitely privileged because i live in a neighborhood that has pretty good public transit (a bus that comes every 30 minutes during off periods and there’s a train station that’s an easy 30 minute walk away). although it would be a lot more convenient to drive it’s just not worth it for me with my anxiety and having to pay for gas, insurance, and the car itself. i wish it was easier of course there are still lots of issues but it’s definitely better than some other cities in north america, i’ve spent some time in phoenix arizona and it definitely seems a lot harder to be car free there especially if you want to go between the different suburbs

[@johndesmond1987]

I suspect being a pedestrian in Calgary is a lot less attractive in the winter.

[@humanecities]

🤷‍♂️ Neither was driving. Getting around in the winter kinda sucks regardless of your chosen mode. What matters is building a city that offers choices. And honestly, it wasn’t that bad.

[@DavoZed]

I have been car free in Calgary for almost 4 years, after decades of owning and driving a car in the city and it has been wonderful. I walk, ride my bike and take transit. People are horrified when they find out and wonder how I can have a life without a vehicle. The answer? My life without a vehicle is dramatically more interesting and full, than when I was going down the road, hermetically sealed in a tin can.

[@Vogelkinder]

I haven't had a car in Calgary for over 20 years. Own an umbrella and a good coat, and you're fine as long as you pay attention to the weather forecast.

[@humanecities]

I have both those things, the weather just caught me off guard that day 🤣

[@YTisDone]

I am not car free but I've been making an effort to use my car less for local trips. I've realized that even though, I don't get the full cost savings of living car free, my insurance is low enough that the cost savings on gas and maintenance is quite significant even while keeping my vehicle for groceries and getting across the city. The experience has been pretty freeing getting away from the mentality of needing to use a vehicle all of the time while you have it because it's more economical to do so.

[@roberthoople]

Oh man. You gotta get yourself some Arc'Teryx rain gear if you're going to walk in the rain. And I'm saying that as someone who loves walking in the rain. In fact, the rain - and walking in it - is one of the things I miss most about living in Vancouver (I mean, aside from the transit, walkability, culture, forests, wildlife, ocean, seawall, etc.). Everyone told me (especially Albertans) that I would hate the rain, and I'll admit that I did at first, before I learned how to dress for it, but once I discovered the value of a really good rain shell (the Arc'Teryx) and keeping my feet dry, it became an absolute pleasure to walk all the time, regardless of the weather... I definitely don't think I can say the same for walking here in Alberta, especially since where I live now has no transit and no idea how to clear snow from sidewalks (it's a truly miserable place I'm in [Lloydminster] which I can't wait to leave, again, and to return back to that sweet sweet coastal promised land with trains in the sky). PS: I just bought that same pair of Helly Hansen winter boots you have, just last week. I'm really hoping they'll make this miserable Alberta winter, and trudging through unshoveled show, just a little bit better, especially at the price I paid for these bad boys. Have you used them in snow yet, and if so, how did they fare? Oh, and coincidentally, besides the boots, I also have the same Audio-technica headphones as yo- {Bluetooth disconnected}

[@humanecities]

Consider Arc’Teryx added to my list! I love the rain, too, but was not expecting it that day 😂 I’ve got family in Lloyd, so I feel your struggle 😂 As for the boots, they’re AMAZING! I’ve not had to do much drudging through the snow, and usually I wear lighter boots - if it’s -15 or warmer. BUT! On the cold days, these HH boots are PERFECT! I stood out in -35 and felt super toasty in my toes. Definitely worth it! ETA: Good headphones!

[@josiahmangum6327]

I wonder how cities like Calgary would respond to the pressure put on them by large amounts of people going car free, would that be enough to overpower the general automobile lobby in many governments?

[@humanecities]

They’re already responding, which is great to see! I’ll have to talk more about it in a future video, but the RouteAhead published by the city is pretty promising.

[@roberthoople]

Imagine just how much more disposable income people would have to put into the local economy. Not to mention that less wear and tear on roads would start to free up so much more funds in the city... I mean, I feel like if enough people went car free, it would be the opposite of pressure on the city. LOL

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

Car-free in Toronto since 1996. I love the freedom and would never go back.

[@humanecities]

Totally worth it!

[@thirtyoneseconds]

if you find yourself getting sweaty in summer you might like to invest in extremely breathable layers for winter biking similar to what you would wear for back country skiing

[@Terrilltf]

Car free since 2017 and never been happier. Traffic is the worst in this city and I’m glad I don’t have to worry about it anymore. Transit is good here too. I suggest Wet Skins outerwear for the downpours.

[@humanecities]

RIGHT?! Also, thank you for the Wet Skins suggestion! I’ve been needing some recs!

[@johnwang9914]

Well, mostly car centric. Calgary also has the highest utilization of the LRT and though there is much to be criticised of ir's bicycle paths, the bicycle paths have been around for over fifty years and there are quite a lot of them. The cycling community is and always has been active in Calgary. I do wish they kept the on demand transit they had with the Flxible mini-buses during the late 70's and early 80's as part of the Blue Arrow program. Of course, those high floor minibuses are no longer available but you would think that modern communications, smart phone apps and GPS navigation would make such ride hailing more practical then the days of phone calls to request a ride and a clipboad passed to the driver at a drive through window as they left the bus/LRT station of Heritage and Southland station (Southland station used to be a derelict bus shell to provide shelter though that was before the Blue Arrow program). The small hut at Heritage which had the drive through window is still there but is probably used for storage and the window is closed off. A program such as the Blue Arrow program would now be called a BRT system to evaluate the market for an LRT and the on demand feeder service to Braeside, Cederbrae, Oakridge etc. (there was six zones) was an experiment within that program. I believe they called the on demand mini-bus service, the DART program for Dial A Ride Transit. When I couldn't find any information on the DART program from Calgary Transit's history web page, I inquired and the inquiry went all the way to the top before finding someone who remembered the program and his response was that the current use of converted vans as minibuses on scheduled routes during off peak hours met the issues that Calgary Transit had benefited from with the on demand transit, that is they weren't concern about the convenience of on demand or door to door travel but with the labour cost reductions of using less qualified non-union drivers and less expensive vehicles during off peak hours, essentially they considered half hour scheduled routes to be sufficient convenience to transit users. As to being car free in Calgary, the departure of Car2Go has meant doing your groceries through taxis or by online ordering and delivery which ends up with a lot of reusable shopping bags to store or scrap cardboard boxes to collapse for the blue bin deoending on whether you use Walmart, Superstore or Safeway's Viola service. T&T seems to have a delivery aervice but it isn't clear if it's still the post office approach they started with. Regardless, each has their shortcomings with their websites so they all need a lot of improvement but there has been some progress since the pandemic days...

[@LoneHowler]

Unfortunately working nightshift quite a distance from my job, means it isn't currently feasible for me to go car free. It would be interesting to see if future development of BRT and a possible airport train to YYC, would make it possible in the future

[@boneshakerjake]

being born in calgary although not currently living there the city planners being central in the development of calgary as a city since it's early beginnings 100% helps calgary be more friendly to people who don't use cars especially within north america

[@spacewolfgaming555]

My family has always had a vehicle, but I've personally been vehicle free my whole life here in Calgary.

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

Canadian cities treat you as 2nd/3rd class citizen when you decide to go car-free. it's sad

[@humanecities]

It’s really sad! We’ve got a ways to go!

[@POVwithRC]

Because you are

[@xieulong]

I'm trying car free in Winnipeg. Only been 2 months, so far so good. Winter will be interesting, but I think I'm well prepared. Between the ebike and studded tires, shouldn't be much of a problem.

[@humanecities]

Having just done my first car-free Winter… It was kinda disappointing how uninteresting it was 🤣 It went fine 🤷‍♂️ Good luck n I’m very jealous of the ebike 👀

[@notoriousnitram3996]

I've felt immense pressure to start driving in Calgary, I have only ever driven once and it wasn't even in the city. I also run a cleaning business out of a rolly cart and I just walk/transit. I've had people get really angry with me when I say "I don't/won't drive, so I can only take clients within a reasonable distance from downtown". The idea that others can go carfree without too much extra hassle gets people ANGRY hahaha

[@PhoenixHen]

Great video!

[@humanecities]

Thank you 🙏

[@haileejeppsen4179]

wish i lived in a city that had good transportation. Granted, a lot of where i live has free public transportation and that’s super cool. One day i want to be car free !!!!

[@humanecities]

It’s pretty liberating! ONE DAY!

[@1kTroopKoopas]

The 10-pack of bus tickets should be a little bit cheaper too. They sell them at Co-Op customer service and at the transit office downtown.

[@kalencrowe103]

HAHAHA, the you're so brave part killed me. I loved being told that from big, strong healthy people. Was like, oh? Okay... Yeah so scary... lol. How did the winter go?

[@humanecities]

🤣 I’m like, “Didn’t you walk up hill to school, both ways…?” Winter was honestly kinda boring. I was expecting a challenge but 🤷‍♂️

[@ferds1243]

Omg there are so many canadian urbanist ❤

[@humanecities]

It makes me very optimistic about our future!

[@SamAgost]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience! I also live in Calgary and have been car free for 2 months, and I love it!

[@humanecities]

Welcome to the club!! 🙌 You might be interested in @unsprawling - we have some cool stuff cooking over there! Very Calgary specific.

[@SamAgost]

@humanecities subscribed immediately! Thanks for sharing people supporting densification at council hearings on the shorts! Glad to see young voices amongst all the nimbys!

[@christianhaselbach9214]

Hot weather is not as bad on a bicycle as one might think. If you take it easy and pedal slowly, the wind will keep you cool (as long as it is not too humid). It's only when you stop that you start to get hot, which works out if your destination is cooled down.

[@mohammedosman88]

What a great eye-opener! I love cars - I love to drive on road trips but I live in the suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area and a 30-40 minute drive to work and same from work started to give me some knee pain because of start and go traffic. - The car-dependent lifestyle for sure has a toll on our health - I try to walk for an hour everyday but its still a challenge - biking or taking transit to work will be difficult I think - there are crazy drivers here!

[@user-fi5fw7dn8h]

I'm car-free in Calgary from before Covid. The system tries to beat you down, but with a little planning ahead it's quite possible.

[@turbojoe2]

This is fine for folks that just need their wallet and a small bag to go to work. But as an electrician there's no way I could haul my tools with me with any of these methods. Not to mention I can go to many different areas of the city in a work day.

[@humanecities]

100% Everyone has their own life and needs to make decisions that fit within that. My best friend is an electrician, too!

[@EverydayMick]

I take transit whenever I can. If I were single, I'd probably take it all the time. It can be hard in the winter, and my first year in Calgary, I wasn't prepared for how cold it can get, but like you say in the video, layering up makes a tremendous amount of difference. The main problem with relying on transit is visiting friends who live on the edges of the city or just outside the city limits.

[@DJKoop]

I lived in Calgary for 10 years without a car. Lived downtown and owned a bike.

[@hilariousname6826]

I have everything within walking distance - but I find walking in the suburbs depressing. Love walking in the old neighbourhoods in more central parts of the city (Calgary).

[@humanecities]

Central neighbourhoods are far nicer for a walk. The suburbs are sterile.

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

I commute by bike +150 days a year. I even managed to go 1 month without my car this summer when it was broke down. Seems like you will be able to do it without much difficulty.

[@humanecities]

Thanks for the support! I’m glad you’ve been able to get out on the bike so much!

[@pavld335]

It's funny how childish some of the comments you mentioned, that they were saying you were going to take their car or whatever. It's amazing how that propaganda gets these people to think you were going to take their freedom away, just because you don't want to own a car.

[@humanecities]

It’s very funny! But also sad that people live in such fear and feel such an apparent lack of control over their lives.

[@AssBlasster]

I have been car-free my whole life through no real choice. Grew up broke and have worked as a broke student (undergrad and phd) for a decade. Luckily college towns are friendly to those on foot. Only recently moved to San Diego and heavily rely on the tram network to get to work/beaches and live in an okay walkable neighborhood

[@weazz]

I own a car in Calgary. I just happen to work 1 block away from where I live for the last 2 years. There is a bank and grocery store across the street from where I live, closer than work. I have been able to park my car for 2 years and save a lot of money. BUT should my circumstances ever change, I at least still have my car to drive when needed. Just have to change insurance policy again. Depending where you live in Calgary, it's easy or impossible.

[@realmrkou]

As someone who has been carless in Edmonton since 2009, the bus and train are a really good time to read books.

[@simplersearchproductions]

We've just celebrated 25 years of being car-free in Calgary. In 2005, we published a book about our experiences, and ten years ago, we produced a feature documentary. The documentary is available for free on my KZbin channel if you'd like to check it out.

[@vincewhite5087]

I went car light this spring since my wife was in accident & totaled one of our cars. I love car free or car light, and the 15 min cities from my trips to Europe.

[@nonarKitten]

Love my Lectric XPremium. You can order these from the US and the XP 3.0 is pretty cheap. Hydraulic brakes and available with a long range battery that should get you to-and-from work. I live up in Evanston and work by the University and it's usually lasted me 2-3 days if I forget to recharge. And the power is REALLY nice for getting over Nose Hill.

[@humanecities]

Great advice, thank you! My cousin has an extra battery hooked up and loves it! I’m so glad Nose Hill isn’t part of my commute 😂

[@AB..__..]

I have not driven in Calgary for 3 yrs. I use a bicycle, and Calgary Transit to get around. Most busses have bike racks and bikes are permitted on the CTrain. My transit pass costs $154.50 a year. There is a 750 Km path system that goes to most areas in the city. During my 35 yr career working downtown I used a bicycle to commute for approx. 25 or those yrs. I have noticed that I do much more impulsive spending when I drive.

[@logangardiner7574]

How is your transit pass 150 a year! It’s almost that much for a month bus pass

[@AB..__..]

@@logangardiner7574 I am over 65 yrs old. I buy the senior pass.

[@ArmyofOneandaHalf]

Love this guy Hope I can follow him to car-freedom soon!

[@humanecities]

Thank you 🙏 Good luck on your journey!

[@ArmyofOneandaHalf]

@@humanecities thanks!

[@scmcarthur]

As someone from the west coast of BC, You don't need to be so wet lol, buy a good rain jacket, water proof shoes & keep an umbrella in your backpack and your good to go. Ive been car free since 2022.

[@logangardiner7574]

Been car free in Calgary for 10 years, definitely not the easiest city to get around without a car like Vancouver, but manageable. Also I use Uber a lot but trying to cut back lately.

[@AB..__..]

Vancouver? I lived there a few years ago and I found it much more difficult getting around using a bike and transit. I find Calgary much better for this kind of travel. The path system, and bike lanes let you travel quickly and not deal with traffic or traffic lights, stop signs, etc. There may have been changes in Vancouver in the last 20 yrs though.

[@barretg.8203]

Saw this video in my recommended list and I enjoyed it. (subscribed) Your situation may be remedied by an electric unicycle. If you can handle the rather steep learning curve, it has many benefits over your scooter. Its more compact, longer range and the tire is larger and therefore able to handle more bumps on the road.

[@humanecities]

Thanks for subscribing! Those one wheels look awesome! I’m gonna have to give it a go - though I’ll have to practice on a friend’s for a while first 🤣 They’re quite intimidating!!

[@user-hc5pi5zh5j]

Not including up keep, of which there is minimal, my car costs me $150 a month. An extra 40$ a month on top of a bus pass to not have to wait to get everywhere is well worth it to me. I was we had better public transportation, but until the time difference between my car and public transportation is null I'll continue to drive.

[@ericyuan9718]

I was thinking about moving from Toronto to Calgary for cheaper rent and the Rockies. I was mildly concerned that the rent savings would just be put into car expenses. Great video.

[@humanecities]

Car-free is definitely doable here - more so than many would have you believe.

[@ericyuan9718]

@@humanecities Are Calgary - Banff busses year round?

[@humanecities]

@@ericyuan9718 From what I understand, yes. Though, I’ve never taken it and am not too familiar.

[@yellowdoritos]

You also chose not to bring an umbrella!

[@inventor121]

I live in Calgary and it's impossible for me to go car free because I can't get hired without one!

[@jk-gb4et]

Unfortunately calgary transit ticket prices have been rising so fast

[@humanecities]

In a perfect world, we’d have free trams talking us wherever we wanted to go. 😌 💭

[@michinwaygook3684]

Thanks for the video. I live in Calgary and appreciate hearing your take on things. Owning a car is expensive and if I could find a way to not own one that would be great. Unfortunately despite it being a good option for you I find it won't work for me. My wife feels safer having me drive her to and from work and since I like to do things like hiking I would never be able to get to the trails without a car. I lived in Norway for two years and I miss how easy it was to live there and get around without a car (i.e. could visit the Arctic Circle with a 3 hour train ride).

[@humanecities]

We’ve all gotta do what works for us! I wish it were easier for more people to be car free here. Would love to have your help advocating for that! We need all the help we can get 🤣

[@michinwaygook3684]

@@humanecities Actually I do advocate for a more car free life, but whereas it worked for me in Norway it does not in Canada. We need better infrastructure, but like you I am optimistic about the direction Calgary is going in. That said we are still so far behind Asia and Europe when it comes to public transportation; my wife is South Korean and you don't need to own a car there. We do not even have one high speed train in all of this country. I lived in Norway as a child, and Oslo is quite similar to Calgary in some respects; even the weather was similar, albeit more snow and less cold. Oslo is spread out like Calgary and uses the same type of transit system. As a child I never once took the bus, their c-train (the trekk) reached all parts of the city. When I left Oslo to visit my Norwegian friend in Sandefjord I took the train. I never needed my parents to drive me anywhere. That said Norway has really strict driving laws so driving there sort of sucks anyway.

[@michinwaygook3684]

@@humanecities That said what can I do to advocate for a more car free life? I already promote building more and better transit, and have written the mayor about it (our last mayor) but outside of that if you have any suggestions about what more I can do I would love to hear it. I love Asia and Europe for how easy it is to get around.

[@humanecities]

We’re cooking some stuff over here: @unsprawling We’ve got a few people involved and would love to have more join us! We’ll announce some more specific actions to be taken soon.

[@michinwaygook3684]

@@humanecities Found it and subscribed. Thanks.

[@ForeignerA1]

Around the bend has such great sandwiches and milkshakes I just wish they’d give you another option than pretzel buns. I don’t always like my bread that dense

[@HotshotMama]

Car free is definitely very possible in calgary. I did it for years while going to school, I have a car now but its mainly just used to visit friends and family, because transit getting to work downtown is actually faster and more convenient.

[@humanecities]

Transit downtown is definitely more convenient. I’m usually confused when people say they drive downtown 🤣

[@BobboNaught-YT]

I'm so jealous of your location, I wish I could attempt to be car-free myself, or at least be a single car and bicycle-heavy family. Where I am we have zero public transportation, sidewalks, and are too far from anything - instead, my wife and I both work from home, so we've been sharing a single car. The savings from only a single car family is fantastic. I know it's still personal motor transportation and not the goal of your videos, but if you end up regularly going beyond your public transportation network, you could always get a used motorcycle. You can get something decent under $5k. I've kept my Honda 700 as an emergency backup, costed me a grand total of around $4500 in the five years I've had it, minus the gas and riding gear.

[@humanecities]

I think working from home has been a huge boon to a lot of people! But no sidewalks?! That’s brutal! And a motorcycle is definitely something I’d consider! Thanks for the advice!

[@jacqu6380]

Perhaps a folding ebike might be a good option for you? Just a thought… Nice to hear about your personal experience. I agree with personal mobility choices/flexibility as well! 👍

[@humanecities]

That’s a really good idea! Would be convenient given my small living space, too!

[@VideoOfMike]

E Bike, E Bike! The amount of patients that comes into my unit (Orthopedics surgical) and also downstair's ER is insane. Get a ebike instead. Also Ebike does make a significant different in individual's overall health, to the point that if the government would to buy everyone a ebike every few years, the saving on Healthcare in the long term (and frankly the reduction of road wear and tare) would almost be worth it. We should actually collab and make a video on this.

[@humanecities]

Ebike is definitely S tier transportation! Absolutely worth it! And always down to collab!

[@judfps]

6:04 DUDE i used to walk RIGHT where ur standing every day home from work, thats literally 30 seconds away from my house

[@humanecities]

🤣 I’ve probably walked right by!

[@mrbones909]

I really want to leave Calgary

[@humanecities]

We all gotta find our place, but while you’re here, we’d love your help making it better.

[@jasonkh4]

Commuting in Calgary can be a bitch whether you have a car or not. Aside from the cost, you have travel times and traffic to consider, depending on where you gotta go. There should be a c-train going up Center St. imho

[@humanecities]

It’s also the City of Calgary’s opinion that there should be a CTrain there! Please save us, Green Line 🙏

[@jasonkh4]

@@humanecities I lived in Calgary on and off for seven or eight years, more than half of which I was a transit ninja. The transit system is perfect if you live close to DT, but living in the Beddington area, I loved having a car. The #1 was pretty good, but it’d have been far less of a hassle commuting to the foothills industrial sector by simply transferring trains. Plus there are tons of communities along that line that would benefit from rapid transit. Under-appreciated part of town.

[@vincewhite5087]

I live in Calgary, and with atco, and I pay 0.10/kwh. I doubt you put anymore then 1-2 kwhrs into scooter. Or bike w/ ekits. 90% of commuters do less the 50kms a day.

[@238act]

If your car is paid for it's the cheapest transportation. Winter months are terrible without a car.

[@vincewhite5087]

$400.00 /month is small on car expenses.

[@vincewhite5087]

I put a skit on my bike, only use it on steep hills.but put on a bike you like.

[@blattimus]

Car-dependent is an odd phrase. Would that make a person with legs leg-dependent? I just call it enjoying the privilege of not having to walk, as I did a lot in my young and poor days; and enjoying using my awesome truck and motorcycle.

[@nuwang2381]

I feel like you can get away without a car in calgary without much issue only if you live downtown and work around downtown otherwise you need a car to get places reasonably, also if you work construction you absolutely need a car

[@humanecities]

Definitely depends on location/work/life/etc!

[@marianfrances4959]

Thing for me is the ability to get the hell out of this mad city for some r n r in nature...

[@TheBigGrifter]

Violent crime has increased on Edmonton AB transit. How is it in Calgary .

[@humanecities]

Pretty fine 🤷‍♂️ Driving is more dangerous, so I’m pretty comfortable.

[@wildfallz]

4:16 my brainrot is bad

[@freudsigmund72]

there is no bad weather, only bad choice of clothing

[@humanecities]

And boy did I ever make a bad choice in clothing that day 🤣

[@vincewhite5087]

Power & motion in calgary does ekits.

[@user-jg5ws9gr8n]

Cars are awesome They keep the economy well oiled OTHER people absorbing these costs is GREAT I’D MUCH RATHER KEEP THE SAVINGS TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE SMALL SACRIFICES ! Best thing about not having a car is THE PARKING FEES ALONE WILL FINANCE A MONTHLY BUS PASS WORST THING IN MY CIRCUMSTANCES is that when I show my FULLY APPROVED Provincial NON driving ID that it is not accepted on “PAR” with a driving licence yet looks exactly like one ?????????????

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

I've been to, and driven in almost every major city east of the rocky mountains, with the exception of the state of Florida. Calgary is the worst city to navigate. Not a single road makes any sense, or takes you to where you expected it too.

[@humanecities]

Especially true in the Northwest where the hills and ravines mess up the grid.

[@Lord0fTheCheese]

You get wet while walking? I do believe that umbrellas exist.

[@humanecities]

I even have a really good umbrella ☔️ But I forgot it that day 💀

[@VakovoSheggorri]

I honestly hate cars. Not just for the regular reasons, but because i find that being in a car is comprised 80% of just waiting. Especially if you are a passanger. Getting in a car and just....sitting for 20 minutes is horrid, I don't go out a lot when others do just because of that, it's so disinsentivising. Walking, Biking, ect all offer more, more fulfilling. Bus? You're around people, socialising! Biking? You're being active, actively moving and biking around instead of just sitting with foot on gas. You can feel the environment around you as ya move. Walking? Just fun! Being out and about (especially in the rain). Yea, i loathe whenever i am forced to be in a car because the experiance is just...nothing. Waiting in an uncomfortable metal box, with the muffled sound of other cars outside....its just...a very depressing experiance to me. I also hate em because of noise pollution but i'm pretty sure most people do.

[@vincewhite5087]

Maybe a better rain coat & rubber boots

[@aaronbevan5789]

Doesn't have proper rain gear, there is zero reason for your jacket to be soaked through

[@Neberheim]

Calling Calgary car-dependent…visit Omaha sometime 😂

[@jeanbolduc5818]

Montreal is the best city in North america ( 5 million people) , best biking city in North america and 4 th in the world for biking infrastructure , best and less expensive subway ( metro) system in north america ( high tech, fast , safest and a masterpieceof ) , a walkabe city , 19 boroughs with a sense of community , built on an island 10 times the size of MAnhattan , # 1 in the world for sustainability , the greenest with the largest uraban parks with more than 2 million trees , 700 greenhouse roof tops with urban farms ( see Lufa farms) ; best universities, best night life , 400 years of history, culture amd architecture , surrounded by water and mountains , best ski stations ( 40 minutes away) ....

[@humanecities]

Montreal is VERY high on my list of places to visit! Maybe next year 😬

[@glaframb]

J'aime ton enthousiame Jean mais tu n'exagèr pas une petit peu. On est plus proche du 4 millions que du 5 Millions. Ville de Montréal 1,7 M$ Île de Montréal 2 M $ Sur l'île mais pas dans la ville 300 K. Baie-D'Urfé Beaconsfield Côte-Saint-Luc (CSL) Dollard-des-Ormaux (DDO) Dorval (YUL) Hampstead Île-Dorval Kirkland Montréal-Est Montreal-West/Montréal-Ouest Pointe-Claire Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue Senneville Town of Mount-Royal (TMR) / Ville Mont-Royal (VMR) Westmount Les Laurentides 580 K Laval 450 K , Lanaudières 450 k Montérégie 1,3 M