4 Providers Who Can Help You Live A Car-Free Life

An increasing number of individuals are choosing to ditch their cars and trucks in favor of a car-free lifestyle. Some are tired of the expenses associated with insurance, gas and upkeep, while others want to get more exercise or push fewer hydrocarbons into the air. If you've decided to join their ranks, here are four types of local providers who can help you get the most out of your new lifestyle without feeling deprived.

1. Local Bike Shop

Cycling is a valid option for those seeking a healthy, fun way to get around town -- but some bicycles are more fun and healthy than others. Many of the bikes available in the "Toys" section of department stores trade safety and durability for affordability. A bike bought from this store may suffer from cheap components or even incompetent assembly, all of which can affect your safety and enjoyment. A local bike shop can ensure that you get a quality product, professionally fitted and periodically adjusted.

2. Local and Regional Bus Services

If the thought of cycling many miles each way doesn't appeal to you, it pays to know your city's mass transit options. One old favorite, the venerable city bus, can help you get around cheaply -- and it's far more eco-friendly for a bus full of passengers to share a single vehicle than to have them all driving the same route in individual cars.

• If you have access to local bus service, take the time to study an online or printed map of the various bus routes and stops. Then pinpoint the stop closest to your home and figure out whether it's within walking or cycling distance. 
• Get in the habit of carrying one-dollar bills and quarters so you never have to worry about whether you have money for the bus.
• Many buses have bike racks attached to the front end. This feature enables you to carry your bike with you to a point near your destination, giving you extra range and freedom to roam throughout the city.

3. Local Taxi Service

If you can't conveniently reach your destination by bike or bus, you'll be glad you had a reliable taxi service's phone number handy. This option is often the easiest way a car-free individual can possibly get from Point a to Point B anywhere in town.

• Choose a local taxi service that takes passengers 24 hours a day so you can summon emergency transportation whenever you need it.
• Taxi services generally take major credit cards, freeing you from the need to carry exact change as on the bus.
• If you ride your bicycle out to the local pub, you may even decide to take a taxi instead of risking an impaired homeward journey. In this event, make sure you request a car equipped with a cargo rack or sufficient trunk space for your bike.
• For more information, hop over to this web-site.

4. Rental Car Agency

Don't toss your driver's license along with your car -- you may still feel the need to get behind the wheel on occasion. If you want to take an out-of-town trip but would prefer driving to flying, then you need to make friends with your local rental car agency. These companies give you long-distance mobility when you need it so you can remain happily car-free the rest of the time.

• If you are bothered by the idea of burning fuel and creating pollution, look for an agency that has hybrids or subcompacts available for rent.
• If you have already cancelled your personal auto insurance, be prepared to pay for rental car insurance at the counter. Coverage options typically include loss-damage waiver, liability, personal accident, and personal effects coverage.

As you can see, there are many ways of getting where you need to go even if you don't feel like owning and maintaining a car. From biking and hiring taxis to hitting the road in a rented vehicle, you have options -- and local providers can help you make the best use of them.