I
got rid of my car almost a year ago. I have proudly entered life in the slow
lane. Despite the fears of friends, I can get around Houston. And life has never
been better.

Why? At 49, I realized that had I better use my body or lose it. When I had a
car, even though I meant to exercise, I never did. I even drove the mile to the
video store.

Houston’s air pollution is nationally known. I don’t want to add to it.
We spend a fortune on freeways and roads. Meanwhile, those of us who don’t or
can’t drive and depend on mass transit -- the kids, elderly, disabled, and low
income -- are shortchanged. The concrete of our endless parking lots, driveways
and roads heats up Houston. In a decade, the price of oil is expected to go
through the roof. Driving is dangerous. Car dependence is unsustainable.

I decided to kick the car habit cold turkey. Now I bicycle, take the bus, or
walk. I sold my car and I moved into Houston’s slow lane.

For a few months, I had withdrawal symptoms. I missed the power and control
of driving. I borrowed a car now and then. But over the months, I relaxed, and
my cravings for speed waned.

Slowing down and getting outside, I am delighted to really see the sky and
hear the birds. Most of my trips are less than five miles, a nice little
workout. Believe it or not I can bike that nearly as fast as you can drive it. I
got rid of my oil drain pan, extra fuses, and auto repair books and said good
riddance. I canceled my insurance. I don’t work to pay for a car to get to
work in. It’s good for me and good for the planet.

To ride the bus, there are some details learn. Make sure you have a dollar
bill as the drivers do not make change. I take my laptop or a book to read. Keep
half an eye out for your bus and stand up when it approaches, so the driver will
know you want him to stop. Get a bus System Map, a Shortcut Guide and some bus
schedules by calling 713-635-4000 or from www.ridemetro.org.
The map has a colored line for each bus route. The Shortcut Guide lists all
buses, their hours and frequency. I carry it in my purse.

Bicycling also has technical details. Don’t ride a cheap old clunker. A
good old racer is fine. If you ride at night, get good lights and reflectors. A
$20 helmet is a must. It’s not always legal to bicycle on sidewalks and
besides it’s safer in the street. On multi-lane streets, if the lane is
narrow, move into the middle of it. All buses will have bike racks on the front
this year.

I am proud to be car free. From the slow lane, it’s easier to stop and
smell the roses.

Nan Hildreth

Houston, TX 77008

Nan's Suggested Links:

Sierra Club 713-895-9309 lonestar.sierraclub.org/houston/

Houston Area Bicycle Alliance 713-729-9333 www.bikehouston.org

Houston Bicycle Club 713-935-2810 www.hbc.stevens.com/

This article originally appeared in The Upper Kirby
Progressive, February 2001. Reprinted by permission of the author.