Leila Bengali

Year two here I come! Taking the Car-Free Challenge last year opened my eyes to how little driving I actually need to do. True, the Bay Area does not have great public transportation (yet, and this is why TransForm is so very important), but with a little flexibility and creativity, I've found that I can get most places I want to go (and my trusty bike always helps too).

Over the last year, I think I have definitely used my car less than I used to, and I'd like to think that I have TransForm and the Car-Free Challenge to thank for that. I am thankful not only because I am driving less (and thus using less fuel) but also because I really don't like driving and the CFC pushed me to take the initiative and find car-light or car-free options.

So, in sum, last year's CFC was good for the earth, and for my happiness. One of the biggest challenges I have found in trying to depend on my car less is the expectation (by others, and also to a certain extent by myself too) that I should be able to get from one place to another in the fastest way possible. It's common to hear the phrase, "it's the journey, not the destination." When it comes to the everyday hustle and bustle, it seems that this is forgotten, as we are expected to be able to anywhere at any given time. It's American, it's freedom.

But consider this: is freedom being forced to jump in our cars at the drop of a hat to race down the highway to make it to a meeting or an appointment? It seems to me that this is what is expected of us, and what we have come to expect of ourselves. I am certainly guilty of this, both on the asking and receiving end. The irony is that all this expectation is justified in the name of (time) efficiency: you get where you want in the fastest and most direct way possible.

But if taking a step back, there are hidden efficiencies of public transit and other non-car options. Taking public transit, sure the trip might take longer, but I've gotten many a homework assignments done on the train. Biking does take longer, but then I've already gotten my daily work out and I don't have to make time to go to the gym (or pay for a membership). This is not to say that all the time in every situation car-free is better or even is an option.

Sometimes I really do need to just get in the car and drive somewhere. But, I am convinced that in most cases, car-light or car-free options do have their (time) benefits, and all one has to do to discover them is to be a little open minded.

So, this year's Challenge, my goal is to resist the temptation and expectation that I should be at society's beck and call to be anywhere at any time. I'm going to consider transit options before and while making plans, not after. I want to see if I can live within the (arguably not so binding) constraints of a car-free life and change how I view my obligations to others. If my friends and family really care about meeting up with me, I bet they won't have too much difficulty waiting until 12:35 when the train arrives to meet for lunch.