How to Live a Car Free Life on a Bike

I've never owned a car and have lived car-free all my life. Here's some tips on how you can lead a more bike centric life. I hope this inspires you to ride more, and drive less.
Help support my channel
Patreon: / ryanvanduzer
Paypal Tip Jar: bit.ly/RyanVanDuzer
SUBSCRIBE FOR ENDLESS ADVENTURE! ► tinyurl.com/jex7qkn
My fav waterproof and highly visible commuting gear:
www.showerspass.com/
Check out the amazing work that People for Bikes does all across the U.S.A.
www.peopleforbikes.org
Stay up to date with my adventures:
www.duzertv.com
/ duzer
/ duzer
Contact: [e-mail]
Camera Gear:
Sony A6500
Sony 18-105 Zoom Lens
Sony 10-18 Wide Lens
DJI Mavic Pro
Rode Video Micro
Sony 4k Action Cam FDRX3000
Music by Killer Tracks: Anywhere Else

[@outdoorxplained518]

I am 12 years old and have already decided not to own a car when I am older.

[@duzer]

This is the best comment ever!!! Way to go!!

[@endoftime0]

Awesome 😎

[@Sarge92]

cars do have there uses sometimes but i can get behind this comment all i really want them to finally release is some nice 4 or 3 wheel velomobiles for the winter months so i can enjoy some shelter when i cycle

[@msmsmsmmx]

Same but it’s probably because i won’t be able to afford one :/

[@november5b882]

Always use science Dosent matter what you have Learn how to fix it when it breaks down On a bike A wagon Hand truck Dog Trailer Baby trailer When you get older you might change and say you want a car 🚘 People will force you to get it When when you waste $3000 you will regret it People have car feelings People have bicycle feelings What works for you will not work for someone els

[@steste4233]

As a European whenever I came to the USA to travel I found myself blown away by how "car orientated" everything is. I found it unbelievable how dismissive people were of cycling and using public transport. In the Netherlands I have done four years of studying and had a career without ever needing a car, I ride my bike everyday and I live in a nation of people that do the same :) Theres no doubt that it is possible, and thank you Ryan for helping change peoples minds, to make America less car focused, and helping to save the earth 🙏

[@TheIronhyde1]

Egyptians are same as Americans in that regard, not only thy dismiss but downright resent bikes or anything less than cars. even go far as to hate using what is left of public buses or microbuses feeling thy r only for poor ppl. & would rather drive cars just to feel rich & respected. Its horrendous. Especially in Cairo & Alexandria, cars are over populating the streets. traffic jams all over, ppl cant get to work or homes. Interestingly go bk 80 years or so, & there was a tram system used by ppl rich & poor & ppl used to cycle not only within the capital city but from 1 city to another even. So sad that dependency on Cars alone made the Gov remove the trams & trains bit by bit to make more room for cars, which didnt solves anything. Now thy finally realized & r building more Metro stations & there is a Monorail being built. & some bike lanes for the 1st time. Hopefully that's a good sign of things to come.

[@TheIronhyde1]

@@TheRitzierComic from my own observation as I bike threw Cairo, I did see in Nasr city a construction of what looks like Monorail bridge line & also another bridge that looks like a Monorail track going towards 6 of October city. So there may be Monorail travel connecting Cairo to those outside Cities.

[@nateums]

that's why the USA is not going to change to bikes and public transport. it's just not practical in the USA.

[@jasonhu4225]

Australia is also very car-oriented. Public transport is shit

[@AlexSmith-mq1tb]

It's really kind of amusing how Europeans talk about how Americans don't ride bikes...we do. Mostly for recreation. America is SO much larger than the countries of Europe. We have to use cars to get around. We have no major railroads to go from coast to coast...to do that, we fly (or Greyhound). Most major cities do have some form of public transportation, usually bus routes, and some major cities have subways. America is NOT Europe. We do things differently here. Our money is green, not multicolored Our cars are big automatics lol We use the Imperial System We do shit differently than Europe And that is what makes travel interesting...to see differences in people and cultures.

[@CrustyRusty38]

I am 71 years and my bicycle is my only transportation. I am lucky enough to live in a rural area, eight miles from grocery stores and most everything. When you mentioned how inexpensive it is to ride bicycle compared to having a car you hit the nail on the head. March 2022 I tour the country on a fully loaded bike going down the east coast to Virginia then across to Oregon, then up to Washington and back home to Massachusetts. Seeing the country this way is far more enjoyable than in a vehicle and so much less expensive, it cost me the same as staying at home. Thank you for this video.

[@Amritahealthfoods]

So awesome ! What cities do you think are best car free

[@bosthebozo5273]

That's so amazing, that's the dream for me.

[@Route3ARevisited]

I am 61 years old. I have not owned a car since 1980. I have 2 bicycles; I ride them everywhere, so I understand your passion. I use my bikes to ride to work, for shopping, laundry, day trips, short tours, exploring the trails, exercise, escape, therapy, and simply having fun. Since 1986 (when I bought an odometer), I have cycled 222,000 km (138,000 miles). I live in a hilly town in BC Canada, where there are very strong riders (racers, and mountain bikers). Since the improvements to electric-assist bikes, cycling has become a more common mode of transport, even on our 10% slopes. There are still those big-ass diesel trucks spewing out carcinogens, and exhaust systems like amplifiers, but we are making progress to a more bike-friendly town, I hope. Thanks for the videos. Safe riding!

[@canica99]

That amazing...congrats on living life the way it supposed to be.

[@millenium2003]

how are your knees?

[@stevegaines1]

@@millenium2003 I'm sure they look like cantaloupes.

[@colombianflag717]

Wow that is amazing

[@jonmseaman]

What odometer do you use? I've been interested in getting one for my bicycle, but I'm not sure what to get.

[@Cycle2life]

I live in Florida and was struggling financially and decided to just use my bike…and I love it! The hardest part is dealing with the judgement of others. I had a client tell me if my transportation changed to let them know… how I got there had no effect on my work…unbelievable.

[@jeffferguson69]

And the rainy season, summer gotta be pain sometimes

[@bosthebozo5273]

That's it exactly. Why in America are people so damn judgemental even when it comes to someone who enjoys exercise and riding a bike?

[@perrycoffey5410]

People are just jealous and ignorant of you having the willpower too do cycling

[@MrMetalhead33]

Sold my car and motorcycle 11 months ago. I commute by bike which is a 60km round trip. I save heaps of money, Am a lot happier, lost weight. Keep cycling!

[@duzer]

NICE!!! Way to go my friend

[@jet6110]

Wow 60km...that's fantastic! I love how it helps the environment!

[@danielf.6770]

I saved thousands of bucks without a car! I got a Bmx bike that i jump ramps on! Beach cruiser for errands!

[@urbanmanc]

Actually , it is well documented that biking makes you happy, it’s great for mental health.

[@duzer]

It sure is!

[@KandiKlover]

Yes it’s nice after a stressful day at a school/job u hate.

[@Chrisb8s]

I agree. It’s my stress relief

[@colombianflag717]

I agreed

[@LiLBitsDK]

unless you are in such bad shape it feels like torture to ride that bike :D but when you get in shape then yes it is a joy

[@kengerbehy5805]

The best reason i love bike riding in the 3 years i got back in ti bike riding is . I went from 351 pounds down to 175 pounds in 3 years !!!And riding 50 miles a day 5 days a week is keeping the wait off !!! I'm 62 retied ad feel like i am 30 years old again !

[@duzer]

WOW! This is so cool and very impressive. Thanks for sharing your story Ken! You rock

[@kengerbehy5805]

Seeing your great video's is such an inspiration. . I do long trip but not cross county yet . This pass summer I did 4 long trips . One up to Baer Mountain in NY . On some of the same rail trails you did . And one all the way out and back to Montauk Long island NY .And the biggest trip I did was from Hoboken NJ down to Cap May NJ . I stayed over night on that trip because it's well over 100 mile each way .Stopping at all the beach towns along the way and Atlantic city ! And my last trip was to Philly and back on an old rail trail !! I have a Treck 820 !! Love this bike . have it 14 mouths already and have over 8000 miles on it . . Next springs first big trip will be up to Boston and back ! Love your winter riding video . I love riding in the winter . When I get up in the morning . I I see it 5 de, out I so look forward to riding in my head I say I'm going to beet this ! If it not to windy LOL . Like you I gave up my car and do all my shopping on my bike . If we need a car I use my sons car !

[@brianmastel8575]

ken gerbehy good job brother

[@mattmcginnis7048]

I’m glad I watched this! I finally bought a bike (age 35) about a month ago and quickly fell in love with cycling. I sold my car last week. It was terrifying, but also exhilarating. Commuting has never been so fun!

[@duzer]

AWESOME!! Proud of you my man, have fun on that bike!

[@matthewcain2880]

What was your reason for getting rid of your car?

[@Cycle2life]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TC-yx1qt]

2 years later.... what are your thoughts on all this now? still car free?

[@mattmcginnis7048]

@@TC-yx1qt still! :). But I do understand that life changes, needs change, and it is not necessarily permanent. But it has worked well

[@mainHERO88]

You forgot to mention that you get the best parking spots when you ride your bike!

[@garbagepailkids81]

Samfia Drangus good point!

[@KandiKlover]

You also save on insurance if you do keep the car, get like a progressive snapshot thing and barely drive the car and your rates are low.

[@josephcote7405]

@@KandiKlover you should always keep at least an uninsured motorist policy and/or a supplemental payout policy to help with delays in payments.

[@Dunwang]

You nailed, every comment about riding as a child, losing interest with a drivers license, then realizing the fun of a bike again as an adult.... Spot on.

[@duzer]

Bikes are pure fun, always! Thanks for watching

[@DreamTheory1994]

I really dont get it. nothing is better than the freeing feeling of speed. being stuck on a bike would piss me off so much just being so slow. not to mention it would double or triple the time it takes me to commute. alot of the time it would be impossible for me just because you cant carry much on a bike.

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@DreamTheory1994 get an electric bike and go 25km/h :D that is quite fast on a bike, even the gramma's over here wizzing about on em like speed devils

[@rogerkomula8057]

Getting divorced started me biking. After walking five miles to work each day, I managed to save $40 to buy a used bike.

[@duzer]

Nice!

[@wenroosaretin8966]

AMEN.

[@BluDrgn426]

transmission in my car recently died. These vids are giving me ideas... The temptation is real.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

@francis A. He who hesitates is lost. So stop looking before you leap and get stuck into it. I've been doing it for 5 yrs now. It's hard, especially in winter but like this vlog says, it's way cheaper.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

did you ever take action?

[@michalwiktorow2188]

@@carolleenkelmann3829 It is much easier when you research all the nice clothes stuff: gore-tex (10 000mm pressure membranes are a must), winter trausers for bike-commuters, winter shoes with cleats so you can clip-in, battery shoe warmers) - all this stuffs takes all of the 'issues' IMMEDIATELLY and you are surprised, 'what has just happened it is December and I rode to the shop!' - this is just 'hidden-knowledge' how/and what to use, but when you do know what to use, you basically are sold to the idea. Multiple 'snowboard' (gore-tex) long trousers work great! But bike-specific ones are narrower in ankles and wider near knee. Either way, you can do it near 0 Celcius centigrade - just you need to do your reaserch.

[@robertoayala809]

Go for it man!

[@jimihenrik11]

That's how I feel every time my car needs to get a repair. Like wtf, 500€ for this seemingly trivial repair? For that money I could have cycled along for 2 years. (In another comment i have presented my calculation that i estimate 250€/year of cost for riding my bike).

[@nanaofthefaintsmile]

Sold my SUV and motorcycle when I was 19 and never looked back. Bikes and public transportation all the way.

[@duzer]

Awesome!

[@geewiz8253]

I wish I could do this but I live in a big city in Texas. U can ride your bike for recreation and there r some places specific for bikes and home neighborhoods to ride but don’t think there’s a way to ride around d the city by bike. 😔

[@robertoayala809]

I respect that! =]

[@Lolimaster]

E-bike are pretty much the ice on the cake. You can pretty much go anywhere on a city without caring of those hells called uphills (even small ones).

[@noelgibson5956]

@Dynamitekid 100 Prior to about 1895 , nobody had cars. Didn't stop them meeting and breeding! Back to basics living may even help marriages and finances. Think Amish?! Car ownership is a very recent thing in all of human history.

[@PatricksBushcraft]

If you are like me, it's these things you despise: payments, insurance costs, taxes, fees, fines, DMVs and long waits in their lines, licenses, registrations, passes, permits, tolls, fares, fees, tickets, maintenance costs, fuel costs, crazy road rage, traffic jams, police looking for revenue

[@duzer]

EXACTLY!!! Bikes solve all that

[@cosmicviewer477]

Preach!

[@talentoso2212]

💯

[@junboo8730]

Teapot Inc Wow that sounds sad. Where is that?. I don’t understand the bell part. Is that helpful in real life?.

[@junboo8730]

Teapot Inc Wowww instead of doing better things for society. Wasting time in breaking the happiness of a cyclist. I’m glad you got to a better place.

[@99999myk]

This year marks my 30th year of biking. While I did live in Seattle, San Francisco and NYC; I also lived in Chico, CA, Tucson, AZ, Las Vegas and Allentown/Bethlehem, PA. I biked in -4 degrees up to 115. The only time I don't bike is when there is snow on the ground. I know the bus routes all across America. People wonder how I make it on such a low income and it is because I don't own a car.

[@kienanvella]

I've never owned a car, and I live in Canada. I ride from the end of March right up to Christmas, when the roads get snowy enough or icy enough that it becomes life threatening. The rest of the year, I take the bus. My wife always bugs me about getting a car, but so far I've been able to defer that. I'm hoping to get her on a bike instead.

[@duzer]

Nice job! I'm a bike n busser too! Keep it up

[@rr-ho6oo]

Your wife is just like my husband😞

[@iankelly3081]

Love bicycles. Always have. I've never owned a car and I'm now aged 50. The commute to and from work is the best thing ever! It never gets old man!

[@d1sk-cord531]

Have you seen how miserable people look driving their cars compared to how fun people look when they're riding their bikes?

[@cogfather34]

I've been car free since 2009 and love it. Great channel!

[@duzer]

Nice! Thanks for watching and keep that rubber side down!

[@matthewmontville5310]

Cogfather no that sucks

[@TheMrJamu]

..I’ve been car free since 1973. I don’t even have the licence and I’ll never will.

[@garypalmer692]

I am 64 and have been a bicyclist since I was 12. I started bicycle touring in Sept 1982 and since have done about 70 tours in North America, inluding the Lower 48, British Columbia, Ontario and the Yukon, Canada and across Alaska. I average 5000 miles a year, I tour in the Autumn and the Spring, I work summers Memorial Day to Labor Day and live in Tucson AZ in the mid-winter Nov-Feb. I never learned to drive or had a license to. I began adventure traveling by hitchhiking from 1977-82. The summer of 77 I hitched 10,000+ miles around the USA then moved to Alaska. I currently ride a 4" wide fat tire mountain bike with 27 gears.I have toured on mountain bikes since my third tour in 1984. In early March 2020 I will begin my next bike tour, heading east from Tucson to Arkansas, them northeast to Maine, then back west to the Pacific coast then take the ferry to Southeast Alaska...

[@lancelovecraft5913]

I got my first adult bicycle in summer of 16. I loved it and would ride it every possible chance I got. My car blew a gasket in spring 2017. I was sick of sinking money into cars therefore I refused to buy a new car(this was the third car I had since I was 18). I was so excited to become a full-time cyclist that I saw this as a blessing. and it has been. The good feels from riding a bicycle really help combat my depression. I love the satisfaction of relying on myself to get to my destination. I feel so much more able and dare I say empowered. the money I have saved has been great. I was paying 112 USD on full coverage car insurance every month and about 100 USD on fuel monthly. Whenever I would save up any money my car would have something go wrong that required expensive repairs. I am so happy to be without. I am fortunate enough to live in a small college town that is pretty bicycle friendly. One of my favorite aspects has always been the exploration. I love finding new areas and paths to ride my bicycle and explore. Ryan's vids have been a great source of inspiration. I love seeing someone who has more enthusiasm to ride than I do. It gives me reassurance and motivation. I very much agree that a lot of the world problems can be solved if more people rode bicycles more often

[@duzer]

Great story Lance! Keep at it, those two wheels will serve you well in life in so many ways! Thanks for watching my videos!

[@danielf.6770]

@Dynamitekid 100 You can get a ticket on a bike too if cops want to be assholes about it!

[@skippyyoung7872]

" Living car free, that's awsome..👍

[@eBikeaholic]

The car free lifestyle is a no-brainer (and often the only option) in most large cities but definitely intimidating for suburbanites. I hope electric bikes will bridge that gap soon as more people realize how convenient and versatile they can be.

[@duzer]

I love the potential of electric bikes!

[@boatrvme8478]

The ebike made it possible for me. I'm in love with cycling again!

[@BenDurham]

Honestly, the last 1.5 years with my ebike as my primary mode of transport has been amazing! As a healthy 25 year old, it makes it so that I can cover the vast urban sprawl of Canadian cities more consistently and often.

[@smileychess]

I’m considering selling my car and getting a bike. The new ebikes are the only way I can make it work in my area, but I’m convinced it can be done. My city has a 30+ mile green belt that cuts through the middle. A trip to visit my brother would take 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bike. Worth it.

[@gavinpeterson5323]

"Sweat is the cologne of success" I worked for a company that inspected and chemically treated utility poles to increase their lifespan. That quote was printed on the inside of a bottle cap I found in the dirt of a pole I was excavating with nothing but a shovel in the middle of the Idaho desert heat.

[@Thepuffingyank]

When I bought my volador ebike it allowed me to make most of my local errands on my bike and include my exercise too

[@duzer]

That’s awesome

[@oliviatheconartist]

Hello! It is 2018 and I stumbled across this video. I got my license when I was 18 but I really haven't been driving since. I moved away from home for college and I've been living car-free since. Thank you for showing the awesome things about riding your bike. I ride my bike to school everyday and people don't believe me when I say I actually -enjoy- it.

[@guyhigginbotham1449]

I made the transition to a bike in 2021 and now I ride full time. My health is better I've lost a lot of weight and my diabetes is completely under control. Best decision I've ever made. Love your video thanks

[@Xxjunior-almeidaxX]

I love riding my bike at late afternoon/ night to the gym unless I absolutely have to ride during the day for appointments school 🏫 etc

[@archy_jk]

This is the only talk I didn't get bored with. Biking really makes me happy.

[@nadegejacquet2531]

Wow, I said to myself at 16 that I would never drive as well after receiving my driver's permit. At 25, I did attempt to get my driver's license, but I did not follow through with it. Well, many years have passed and I have been able to live car free just fine. The one thing I wish I could do is to be able to ride a bike on a street road. I never learned due to fear. I need to find courage and take the steps necessary to be able to ride in traffic.

[@JaayB]

I've decided to make the change and going carless for a year or so as a money saving tactic. My main reason preventing me up to now was indeed being sweaty when I get to work, and bicycle thieves being rampant in my area. I've already had one stolen and never found. I have managed to solve the sweaty issue by putting a bafang ebike conversion kit in my crank. It gets me to work just fine without getting too sweaty, and on the way home I can turn it off to get some exercise. Some might call it cheating, I call it being efficient. Planning on giving my car back to the dealer mid next year (which is the soonest I can within my contract).

[@stephenpolvere6135]

I've been commuting to and from work for three years - seven to eight months a year. Everything you are saying is 100% true. I see so much nature everyday and get to work energized. I love the time it gives me to disconnect from the grind.

[@duzer]

That’s great to hear, happy trails Stephen!

[@westcoastnikkih]

I love riding my bike! My hubby noticed how happy I am and he now commutes daily to work!! It has changed my life in so many amazing ways! We didn't get rid of our small truck but drive it way less...mostly for weekend excursions... to haul the kayak or drive to the west coast (2 hour drive each way) plus we live 2.5 hours from the nearest city! One day, if we ever move, we might consider selling the truck though 😉😉

[@edu2076]

(wow, this is long, but I'd appreciate if you read it) I was gifted a car without deserving it (or so I felt) and I used it for school and work for nearly 2 years. With traffic getting worse, gas prices going sky high, and the maintenance it started to demand, I got so mad that I even started commuting by walking/running the 7 miles and back, because I had also become sick of the public transportation. Of course, I couldn't do that every day, but I haven't considered bike commuting, mostly because I had not ridden one in 10 years, and I thought I couldn't handle the chaotic traffic (no such thing as bike lanes through my path) After a COSTLY car maintenance, I started to rethink if this is what I wanted to deal with for the rest of my life. Clearly not. I bought a bike, rode it back home (surprisingly easy), and made a deal with myself, that I'd start commuting by it. I was practicing the route on a quiet Sunday morning and realized how easy and quick this could be. It's been over 3 months that I haven't used my car. I put it up to sell it. Bless my parents for this gift, because in the long run, I have found a new pleasure for all my days, and it only requires two wheels with no engine. The benefits made this decision and shift a complete no-brainer. I have been inspiring other people to ditch their cars (or use it less) and getting themselves a bike. I feel like I'm making a change, and thanks to you Ryan, this change is spreading faster. You rock :)

[@AMSFlyer]

Gas prices going sky high? In the United States? 😄 Fuel is cheap on your side of the ocean. Greetings from Europe!

[@JayBrown-xs9ps]

Amen brother

[@HOWBAZARY]

37 years young, no car for 15 years. I ride 365 days a year, Specialized Rockhopper 29er xxl. Its my truck, convertible, and suv all in one. Riding a bike is Fun! 100 miles on a gallon of water, Chocolate milk and a honey bun, twizzlers, beef jerky, chips, fruit roll-up for a snack, Calories who cares you can eat anything you want. Down side, you are always hungry!

[@duzer]

True, you are ALWAYS hungry...but it makes food taste sooo much better..especially Chocolate milk :)

[@HOWBAZARY]

@@duzer It's a good thing I am a cook for a living, otherwise I would go broke. My metabolism if off the charts. I really enjoyed your video and I am going to subscribe to your channel. If you ever ride through the Quad-Cities Iowa/Illinois or do RAGBAI, I will toast a glass of Chocolate Milk with you.

[@LauraHopkins36]

As a NYC biking bartender, I would get around the "sweaty at work" conflict by bringing a quick change of clothes, face wipes, and some makeup to apply in the bathroom. (Though, as a NYC biking bartender, I most certainly experienced the feeling of "bike rage" :)

[@juliusceazardeala9231]

I’m riding my hardtail from home to work and vice versa and it really feels good. You’re right it brings a lot of memories in my childhood. I consider my bike as a escape machine. And it my health is way better than before. I salute you for what you’re doing...

[@BlueFlyer83]

For me, it comes down to money which equates to freedom. Great video!

[@satgurupyare5437]

We need more people like you everywhere

[@momish392]

Wish my dad would let me commute to school on my bike. I've done all this work, making a safe route, it's 6 miles longer than the route by car. That extra six miles is all for safety. He has the same answer to riding small neighborhood roads as he does to riding on freeways.

[@duzer]

That's a bummer, but he's just looking out for you...hope you two can ride together!

[@dudeonbike800]

Tell your dad he's insane! His attitude is what explains why my childhood neighborhood has NO kids on bikes, despite it being PERFECT for cycling. Wide streets, 25mph residential neighborhoods. The local school is a parking lot twice a day (during a normal school year!) for no reason whatsoever; idling cars sitting in rows. (Find the video of the school with the insane line of cars picking up kids and have him watch it.) Every kid in our time rode our bikes everywhere. Being driven to school? WHY? School is right down the safe neighborhood street. And that was then, when none of us wore helmets. There was no such thing as a bike lane. No lights for night riding. No cultural awareness for cycling whatsoever, yet the entire neighborhood of kids was riding bikes. Now? A ghost town. Kids chauffeured to and from every single activity. Wasting gas as we waste our bodies in cages. Disgusting how this change has occurred - all while cycling infrastructure has improved greatly, child abduction is way down, and bikes are safer and way better than when I was a kid. Full suspension mountain bikes with disc brakes? YEAH RIGHT! When I rode as a kid, bikes DIDN'T HAVE GEARS! (They did, technically, but there were virtually no multi-speed kids' bikes.) Tell your dad his attitude is what makes for fat kids and unhealthy adults. He's only buying into the automobile industry's insane view of the world. SUVS are sold with menacing front ends to perpetuate the myth that YOU need to be in the bigger, badder, meaner vehicle so you kill the other guy and save yourself. Totally sick. (Read Keith Bradsher's "High & Mighty" for details.) Tell your Dad the pharmaceutical and medical industrial complex appreciates his valiant efforts to make you a Type II diabetic in a few years. That you're more likely to be an unhealthy, overweight adult. Big medicine profits off our ill health. Tell your dad that your future orthopedic surgeon appreciates his keeping you off your bike so he can operate on your knees some day! (Biking's great for your knees, especially if you participate in knee injury prone sports like skiing or soccer.) Please have your dad read my post. And while you're at it, find a few more bicycle advocacy websites that will put my sentiments in more detail and cover points I missed. Better yet, take him on a ride with you on some of your route and show him how much fun it is! Good luck kid! Wear a helmet. Stay in school. Don't do drugs! (Ha, ha! Had to throw in some Mr. T for ya!)

[@leahandjohnmayesnurse9292]

Ryan, I just stumbled upon you today in my bike feed. You rock! We are a car free home with two kids and I am a tile guy who rolls truck free. We have a selection of bikes and trailers to move whatever whenever. Portland, Oregon is expensive. Not having a car lets my wife be a full time mom and I don't need to work quite so hard. Let us know if you ever are in Portland and need a place to crash. Ride safe and keep the rubber on the road 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🤗👍🏼

[@duzer]

Hello! Glad you found my videos! LOve that you're a car free home! I'll let you know if I make it to Portland anytime soon, cheers!

[@chmeditations]

Thanks for this! Just saw a climate change video and got the reminder that the US lifestyle isn't scalable, but biking fixes a little of that and I appreciate this inspiration that I can live car free!

[@UUpianoman]

started riding my bicycle to work in 2003. I rode in all weather conditions. I retired in 2014 and when people ask me what I miss about my old job, the answer is easy. I miss the commute. It was 25 mins of me time every morning and every afternoon on my 5 mile commute.

[@jennk2199]

I'm a single mother of 2 and have never owned a car! I have always owned a bike and either walked or rode my bike! When my girls were little, after they were out of a stroller, our wagon was how I got them around. Since they were about 6/7yrs old, our bikes are how we get around, take public transportation or walk and take our wagon when needed! Living in Canada we get some cold weather and as long as it's above -15C (5F), I'll still prefer my bicycle because I keep warm as I ride! I love my bike!!

[@MommyTinaB.]

I started searching for someone here who does this kind of life because I'm starting to do it mine and learn from you. So here it goes, to a car-free life on a bike journey! Good luck to you and to me!

[@duzer]

Right on!! I’m happy for you. I have tons of bike videos if you ever need more motivation.

[@jimrerko3415]

I love your video. Am going to buy a bike. And.....am 58 years old....Ryan.... I use to ride.

[@duzer]

Jim Rerko awesome!!! Enjoy that new bike!!!

[@boatrvme8478]

Biking is on the way back! I just bought mine at 58yrs old and loving it! My diesel truck stays parked a lot now. I have already paid for bike in 4 months And it was a 3000.00 bike with accessories.

[@duzer]

nice!! happy trails Mark

[@lisaarndt]

Have been without a car for 8 months now and the quality of my life is so much better. We purchased a wagon and walk to the grocery store. Bikes are in the works for our family, but for now we ride share and walk. It's not scary at all!

[@The_Monteiro]

I love riding my bike! It's been out of commission for about half a year so I'll have to get that fixed 😂😂😂

[@BankruptMonkey]

I've never even trained to get a driving license because I've always been dead set on using a bike as my main mode of transport, even though I only just learned to ride as an adult and I had to do a few years of public transport to bridge the gap. I just haven't been willing to get into the bad habit on taking on the huge costs and debts of car ownership to both my bank balance and the planet, so I wasn't willing to even risk getting into the bad habit of car dependence from the beginning.

[@mikebennett146]

The joy of being on a bike is priceless. Nothing else compares

[@chadsmith4319]

Love this video. I am 51 years old and I have been commuting to work for 16 years now. I live on the east side of Cleveland where the weather always sucks. I have been riding my Priority Continuum for 2 years now.

[@seekinghappy9355]

Great video! Thank you for including real reasons like not wanting to show up to work sweaty or not feeling safe. I'd even live to see an other video going more into detail about how you deal with issues like that.

[@williammacqueen1418]

Ryan, You always inspire me. Thanks!

[@duzer]

Thank you William! Hope you're having a great day

[@geneclayton2393]

i just started a new job that is closer to where I live, 17 km. I've been cycling almost everyday to work in August since i started. Love it! I hope to keep going as long as I can before winter stops me. They don't plow or groom the trails.

[@axeandraxe]

yeah man you re fully right!

[@tsavage4185]

Inspirational talk and you are absolutely right. Thanks

[@duzer]

T Savage thanks!

[@GustavoMoura]

So inspiring! Actually, one of the reasons I've decided to move to Boulder soon was the bike culture there. 🙂

[@duzer]

Awesome! Welcome to Boulder! Hope you're enjoying it

[@EricVinton]

The sweaty part is dumb. I commute in Tampa, FL in the summer with no shower at work. Steps. 1. Have clothes at your office 2. Shower before you ride in the morning. This gets bacteria off your skin which is what causes the smells. 3. Ride easy in the morning or start at dawn 4. Dry off with a towel in the bathroom. Then use baby wipes or in my case, no rinse shampoo and body wash. This stuff is awesome. 5. Have a better day

[@amjedhussain7954]

I live in Canada, very cold in the winter and I can't biking and waiting for spring, summer to do biking and only weekends because I am working hard job during the day to live and return back so tired and I look to the people happy biking so sad, how to be like you, you are amazing

[@jcbuentello]

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now! I'm motivated to start making the switch slowly!

[@duzer]

Right on!! Have fun with it

[@TrailsofCalifornia]

Ryan, I really love your philosophy on life! I found your channel last year & wanted to say thanks for putting together such great videos. You've got such great positivity, it's a joy to watch. My story is that I spent a little over a year commuting across Southern California exclusively by bike and that experience changed my entire philosophy on commuting. The weather here is far less challenging and like Boulder it's surprisingly easy to get around this way with a good network of bike paths. I do have a car now just because it's necessary for my regular day job but my goal is to never be dependent on it. Combining car use with more bike use is a great message for most people out there!

[@duzer]

Right on! Commuting in SoCal must be awesome in the winter, meaning that it's nice and warm compared to Boulder ;) Happy trails my friend

[@PeteP16472]

I never came across this channel until 2021, I sold my car for a few grand, I also earn money whilst on my bike too and fell in love with cycling. I used the money from the car to buy an E-Bike, never looked back.

[@josephryan5949]

Renting a Fat-bike and riding the trails around Pearrygin Lake in Winthrop, WA during the Winter made me fall in love with bikes all over again. Hadn't as much fun in a long while !

[@StarEssences]

Biking makes me happy too and it practically cost free travel expense...you can stop and smell and see the roses while in a care you cannot when traveling.

[@duzer]

I totally agree!

[@dblakeman]

This is a much-needed message.

[@duzer]

Thanks David! I'm kind of preaching to the choir in many ways, but I hope this video can help some people on the fence.

[@matthewmontville5310]

David Blakeman no it's not

[@Stretch1931]

I live in Texas. My life was much like you were saying. I got my first bike at 5, went everywhere and did everything with it. But then at that point where it was like a rite of passage to have a car, I then switched my mode of transportation and left the bike behind. My community really didn’t favor any other mode of transportation. My suburb was cut off from the others, more remote and to get from our city to Dallas, I would have to take a taxi or drive myself. There was no bus lines or bike routes, or train routes to take. So that forced all the kids to learn to drive a car to go out and hang out, and to eventually get a job in the big city. The community grew more and more around cars, and forgot about the joys of bicycling for the most part. Yes, they have little parks around the area for recreation. But nothing seriously that allows you to safely travel from one side of the city to the other, without lane sharing with cars, which is not safe. When people want to ride their bikes around here, they generally put them on a bike rack on the back of their cars and travel to the parks with walking and biking trails, then put them back on their cars and take them home. But I am now 50, miss the joy of riding a bike, and really want to get back out there, and start slow and just cruise around and have a good time again. My plan is to save up a little bit, make sure I’m geared up and safe, and go have a good time. And like you said Ryan, try to reduce my carbon footprint in a car as much as I can. Of course doing things like picking up my son and taking him places is going to have to be done in a car. But pretty much a majority of everything else I do can be done for the most part on a bike really. And if I used my own energy to get groceries or go for a bite at a restaurant, then I’ll put some of those extra calories to good use!

[@LauraMartinez-yk3hh]

I just crashed my car and it got totaled. I can't afford insurance anymore and I can't afford to buy a new car. I was depressed that I was going to have to take public transportation but this made me see things in a different light. I'm now excited to buy a bike and make a big lifestyle change.

[@duzer]

Nice!! I think you'll love commuting by bike! Happy trails!

[@Arjay404]

Hey Ryan I have a suggestion, I realize that people outside the Netherlands know of Amsterdam because it's the capitol and that that is where most people go when they visit the Netherlands. However while Amsterdam may seem like an amazing bike city for a outsider, it's actually not that great, because it's the capitol and such a big city it's quite a bit car friendly at the expense of bikes to some extent, cities like Utrecht, Nijmegen, Eindhoven, Leiden etc are all much better biking cities than Amsterdam.

[@duzer]

HI there! You are right, there are so many great cycling cities in Holland, I like the smaller cities too. My city, Boulder, is great as well, only 100k people.

[@dudeonbike800]

The biggest surprise for me about Amsterdam? Cigarette butts on the ground EVERYWHERE! I was truly disgusted at the total disregard for the planet at seeing millions of cigarette butts everywhere that flowed right into the canals and oceans. World's biggest ocean trash problem? Cigarettes. Disgusting. That's one thing The Netherlands should address ASAP!

[@JFRides]

Ride More - Drive Less

[@duzer]

Yessir!

[@matthewmontville5310]

JF Rides drive more ride to but cars are better

[@thomasallen4340]

Biking in cold weather is so much fun. Even headwinds are a blast to ride in.

[@mryoso629]

Youre right! I ride my bike going to work, market, church etc. Not because im just poor and my bike is almost 19yrs old but because im happy when i am riding it. Sometimes im jealous when someone passing me with a brand new bike but what the heck its also a bike... Ride safe always...

[@duzer]

Riding makes me happy too!

[@R0bY28]

Great video! I am 28 and I have always been car free as well, always cycling and some public transport. Even easier nowadays with online shopping,cheap deliveries and cheap car rental for specific things. Could you configure it so I can add Spanish subtitles? I would love to share it with Spanish speakers :)

[@duzer]

Hello! I don't know how to make it have spanish subtitles, sory!

[@nameless4284]

Team Duzer T-shirts=Great Idea!

[@duzer]

Ohhhhhhhh, maybe so :)

[@jayhouston1614]

You may not wanna brag about so I will do it for you! I'm 49 and I have been riding 45 of it. People have always ran their mouths and I laugh my butt off leaving them dumbfounded! Thanks for sharing!🤙🙏🤗

[@housekeepah]

Great video. If you dont want to get sweaty, there are excellent e-bikes nowadays. You still have to pedal, but its like you always have the wind in your back, going downhill :). We live in a small community in Sweden, we have two kids < 5 years old. We recently replaced our car with a bakfiets.nl electric bike (its a bike with a giant box in the front). I can easily load 75kg -100 kg in the box and still effortless go uphill. Havent missed the car yet. Kids love it. Keep cycling everybody!

[@lidarman2]

Beanie Weenies + bikes = Awesome^2. Keep it up Duzer!

[@duzer]

Thanks!! I'll keep it up for sure!

[@nonoririko2056]

I'm fortunate enough to be 2-5 miles from everything so I ride often but if I have trips over 7 I don't brave that yet

[@duzer]

That's cool you're so close to things...makes riding the best way to get around.

[@rachelshaffer1877]

Well, more maintenance is needed than just tire replacing. Get you a repair stand and make sure you: -replace the chain after it stretches more than .75% wear (using a chain wear indicator to check it). Also, clean and lube the chain regularly. -replace brakes and rotors when they become too thin/ worn down -true wheel spokes (spokes are screwed onto the rim and become loose over time. Wheel can become wobbly or bumpy or spokes can break if not properly trued) -replace worn bearings (in headsets, hubs, bottom bracket) -replace cable & cable housing when it becomes kinked, worn, frayed or corroded -Clean and put new grease in derailleurs & where bearings go -For ram-horn style handlebars replace grip tape when it becomes gross.

[@davidwyant9905]

Dude your videos are the best. I bought an old steel 10 speed city bike from the 70s a couple weeks ago and had the shop tune it up - I’ve already ridden around ten miles. I live in northwest Arkansas which has a great paved bike system that’s growing all the time, being a bigger guy - this video and another of yours have kept me getting out there and riding. It’s very hilly here (Ozark foothills) but the challenge is fun. I got a runners high for the first time since high school the other day. I’m 31 years old :) all this to say - thanks man. I love your message 💕💫

[@bontempsemmanuel611]

Motorists think its hard to cycling but they dont mind that its a free energy,no need gas driving licence and m v p and insurence taxes . Frankly this guy who has invented bicycle is not a jerk

[@MixwellEventsOrlandPark]

You’re awesome. Bike may be the way. Thank you.

[@duzer]

Thanks! Let me know if you ever have any questions/doubts

[@gary62or45]

Great video Ryan, very convincing and inspirational. Keep it rolling.

[@FB-bc9zn]

I´m in that transition right now! Not every problem solved so far butI love it!

[@duzer]

Right on!! Have fun with it

[@amanekabbaj]

Inspiring! Personally I'm a runner. But bikes are so much less tiring! I don't think I'll everet a licence.

[@duzer]

I'm a runner too, that was my first love...but bikes are a VERY close second :)

[@shelleyreynolds2377]

I am 60 and ride my bike to the grocery store, library and to get my hair cut. I am retired so there isn't a daily commute. I live in ABQ, we have over 550 miles of bike paths, routes and lanes. You wouldn't know it by walkscore.com! The people who rate cities must have never lived or visited them so don't rely on what they say. My chiropractor doesn't want me to ride my bike right after an adjustment. So my solution was getting a Razor kick scooter to get me there (2.2 miles) then take the bus back! If you are wondering why I don't bus it both ways? It is because we have very minimal bus service, which means a bus doesn't come by my home but every 45 minutes. So if I can schedule my appointment to time it with the north bound bus (going home) it works out perfectly. An adjustment only takes about 10-12 minutes. So there are other solutions to almost any transportation situations!

[@duzer]

I've ridden in ABQ! Great place for bikes. Cool that you incorporated a scooter into your commute, love your dedication to human powered transport!

[@gringojohn2]

I am 70, live in Brooklyn Park Minnesota. Just bought an ebike to do short trips to store and to the doctors office. Love it!

[@duzer]

Nice! I got my mom an ebike and she loves it too

[@pjlynch4441]

Love the video Ryan!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please keep more videos coming!

[@travisreed5965]

Freedom, Team Duzer, & Team Human = Happy Rider Cheers

[@duzer]

FREEDOM!!! **Say in William Wallace voice from Braveheart :) Hope you're doing well buddy!

[@nhbobwhite]

Oh Ryan, you're such a nut! But I agree with you 100%

[@duzer]

I like being a nut

[@tomchurch3699]

Great inspirational post, thank you 👍🏻

[@TheCman5015PLPro]

5:00 I absolutely agree. I have only had one cup of coffee in my life and it was by accident. Gave me a massive speed boost on the bike and just as fast into the toilet. I honestly can't understand people who need coffee to go on. Love cycling. Rain or shine or hail!

[@thatcarguy1UZ]

I agree with absolutely everything that you said in this video except for one thing. You don't need coffee? Seriously? Blasphemer!

[@duzer]

😂😂🥲

[@wanderingbox7971]

am selling my big van...so will just have my 🛵 and 🚲 👍🤔

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Good you made a video on this subject. Like you I'm not a 'car-hater'. But I never wanted to drive a car myself. I even never did driving lessons. I always loved riding a bicycle. But I am so happy to live in the Netherlands ... one of the best countries to ride a bicycle (almost all flat and with bike-paths everywhere).

[@CaseyStrouse]

34 years with no driver's license and no car and haven't missed it very often. I plan to continue to live car-free.

[@zoebettina]

As an European I can guarantee u that chances to be laughed at for riding a bike instead a car are zero in Europe. That's an American thing.

[@duzer]

I need to move to Europe ;)

[@michalwiktorow2188]

That's actually true, we - Europeans - never consider car as a 'status' symbol. Rather 'bike' is 'fitness snob' symbol at some times :). In other words, ppl are actually envy to those who are able to - regardless of weather - take trips to work by bike. Due to 'human-malvare' that we now are struggling with, bikes are all sold out, all of the parts are sold, many times more people I see going by bike, as this is more safe than public transport. Pro-biking movements are 'getting-traction' now and for some cities it means - closing lanes and giving them to the bike/pedestrians.

[@mrlxnx]

Simply shower at work. Companies should be prepared to accommodate this by now.

[@duzer]

YES! I hope more companies get on board with this!

[@hemaccabe4292]

I just wanted to say thank-you. I'm someone who is overweight and my physical condition seems to be worsening daily. I'm trying to fight back with exercise though everything is complicated by my lack of financial means and my body's limited capabilities. I had already decided to go out and spend a ridiculous amount of money on a bicycle before I discovered you. However, I have terrible anxiety that I'm not doing the right thing and I have no support from anyone around me. Having someone like you cheer me on and encourage me has been incredibly valuable and you have made me feel a lot better. Keep up the good work.

[@duzer]

You got this!!! I wish you all the best, and I have a feeling that it’ll be easier than you think. Happy trails

[@hemaccabe4292]

@@duzer I'm still fighting, but things are much better now, thanks to you and bicycling. I already sent you a message about how my family, (even the dog, she wanted to be like Mira! :) went for a bicycle adventure last weekend. We're trying to get our daughter sighed up for a mountain biking team. I was rewatching this video to see if I could glean any more insights or encouragement and I saw my above message. Good reminder of where I was and what I've accomplished so far. BTW oldest one in my family no diabetes, no heart disease. Only one who bicycles!

[@smokeycanuck8058]

Gas prices and living a car free (light) life brought me here. Yeah man, me and my pals as kids rode the hell out of our bikes. I remember days of building jumps and dirt tracks for our BMX bikes and then as teens getting our first 10 speeds and taking some epic long day trips to get out of our home town. Like you, bikes have always been in my life - more/less at certain points but always there. At 52 my only bike currently is a Surly Long Haul Trucker which I love to spend my free time on exploring - even considering some overnight, self supported bike/camping trips this summer. But with gas prices going where they are going I'm seriously considering parking the car as much as possible and using the bike. So I'm looking at another bike, something cheaper and lighter than the LHT for just running errands or pub hopping around town. something I won't be so concerned with locking up and leaving for a spell while, shopping, etc. Great video bro - very encouraging. And yeah, a good $200 winter coat for riding may seem like a lot, but considering in Canada this week I filled my car for $120, $200 for a coat that will last several seasons of riding ain't that much. New sub here - keep the rubber side down.