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Married to Night Train
- Location
- Salford, UK
I hardly think of myself as car-free, in that I've only owned a car for about 3 years, back when I still lived at home and was working - about 15 years ago. That was more a luxury than a necessity, and it fell apart around me gradually....
Of course, it helps living where I do. York is so compact, you're never more than about 20 minutes from the centre by bike, and it's nice and flat. I've been lucky enough not to end up with a job with a long commute, and I don't need to transport large items or children on a regular basis - if I did, I can borrow a trailer (or a Maximus!).
It's always nice to have access to a friend's car for the odd task, or jaunt, and I could always hire one if I needed it. Long trips on my own tend to be by train though.
I couldn't afford a car now if I wanted one, and don't have anywhere to park it! We had to hire a van this week for work, and I was driver, and someone asked if I'd be taking it home at the end of the day. I pointed out that where we were parking it, just round the corner from work, was about as close as I could get to my flat to park without a residents permit anyway!
Of course, it helps living where I do. York is so compact, you're never more than about 20 minutes from the centre by bike, and it's nice and flat. I've been lucky enough not to end up with a job with a long commute, and I don't need to transport large items or children on a regular basis - if I did, I can borrow a trailer (or a Maximus!).
It's always nice to have access to a friend's car for the odd task, or jaunt, and I could always hire one if I needed it. Long trips on my own tend to be by train though.
I couldn't afford a car now if I wanted one, and don't have anywhere to park it! We had to hire a van this week for work, and I was driver, and someone asked if I'd be taking it home at the end of the day. I pointed out that where we were parking it, just round the corner from work, was about as close as I could get to my flat to park without a residents permit anyway!