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Could you live car-free for a year?

Published: 2012-06-19 11:14:00
Updated: 2012-06-19 17:21:35

The Tour de Fat, a costumed bike parade through Durham featuring local food, beer and entertainment, is Saturday.

The free event will raise money for the North Carolina Active Transportation Alliance, a statewide advocacy organization promoting non-motorized transportation choices for residents and visitors to the state. 

Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the bike parade begins at 10 a.m. from Diamond View Park. 

Music will be provided by Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Sean Hayes, Yo-Yo People and Sssnakenstein.

The pinnacle of Tour de Fat events, which are held throughout the country, is the ceremonious car-for-bike swap. One person in each city will hand over their car keys and pledge to live car-free for one year. 

Each car-for-bike swapper gets to choose a local bike shop to help convert a $2,250 budget into car-replacement commuter bike. Vehicles for Charity will auction the cars, with proceeds going to local cycling organizations.

Would you be able to live car-free for a year? 

Well, they are still looking for a volunteer filling to go car-free at the Durham Tour de Fat event. To submit a swapper application for this year, go to the New Belgium Tour de Fat Facebook page and upload a video. Applicants may also submit letters about why New Belgium should select them by sending an email to trademycarforabike@newbelgium.com.

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3 Comments


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I've lived car free for a year because my vehicle was totaled my a hit and run tractor trailer and I only had liability insurance. I stared riding my bike 16 miles a day, got into shape and moved a little closer to work. It is still 2 miles to any grocery store. I bought a military backpack and started buying small amounts of groceries at a time. I'm at the point now to where I can afford to purchase a vehicle, but after experiencing the freedom of not having one, I'd rather ride my bike.

I bet a hipster could... and they could also go without showering.

I live in the hood and nobody has a car.

I don't think it's possible to go entirely car free around here unless you live and work very close together. How do people bring home groceries on a bicycle?

Besides the distance and the traffice danger, I personally don't work in a place where I can show up sweaty and wearing spandex and bike shoes, and possibly rained on.

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