I was thinking about cars once again today. My friends know that I really don’t like cars.

Really, I don’t think cars are evil, I just think people drive too much. I know a lot of people are trying to cut back on drive time with the surge in gas prices. But I’d also like to cut back just to reduce oil consumption and pollution output on my behalf.

So what can I do? I ride my bike around town as often as I can. That’s a start. I don’t commute to work because I work at home, but that’s no more than a convenience I’m blessed with, not a conscious effort. So, I’ve been thinking…

I’m contemplating trying to go a month with driving. Not this month, or next. I still need to decide the month. But I’m wondering if I can do it. I want to give it a try. Until I set my timeline, I need to work out the ground rules, here are some thoughts so far:

1. No driving my own cars unless there is 911-style emergency.
2. Bus and public transportation is allowed.
3. Question: I often go into the mountains some distance from my house with friends; can I get a ride with them? Or do I have to meet them by bike? I think I can hitch a ride, b/c I’ll at least be carpooling. And of course I’ll give them gas fare.
4. I will buy an Xtracycle ( www.xtracycle.com ) before I start, in case I need to pick up lumber, or copious amounts of alcohol (for a party of course).
5. Why am I doing this? To save gas, reduce oil consumption, be healthier, be greener, lower traffic, have fun.

This is just food for thought, something I’m thinking about. Inspired, I’m sure, by the fact that I’m designing Tshirts for the 1st Annual ‘Bonedale Bike Week right now. With tag lines like “Carbondale without a car”, “Stop Making Excuses (to ride)” and the general feeling of bicycle advocacy, it’s hard to to get motivated.

Comments are open for the first time on this post. Let me know your thoughts on the rules, this idea, similar experiences or whatever.

What’s my excuse?