Introduction - Why "Car Free in L.A."?

This blog is for anyone who lives in Southern California who does not own a car.... or who dreams of releasing the "need" to own one.  It is also for anyone who simply wants to reduce their carbon footprint or stress by driving less. 

We make no judgments about why one doesn't own a car.  Perhaps you are unable to drive for whatever reason.  Your economic circumstances may make owning your own car cost prohibitive.  You may care deeply about climate change and want to make a personal difference by changing your mode of basic transportation.  Perhaps your housing has only one parking space and your spouse or partner needs it, so you need to learn how to get around without a car.  Perhaps you even drive for a living and in your off hours the last thing you want to do is be behind the wheel.  None of that matters to us.

What we say is that if you get around by transit or bicycle or by foot, you are entitled to as much respect and social status in Southern California as someone who drives a Jaguar or a Maserati or Rolls Royce.  There is no shame in using another form of mobility. 

We reject the whole "car culture" belief that "you need to have a car" to live a high quality life in Southern California.  Or, "surely you'll get a car as soon as you can afford one, won't you?" as if there is something wrong with you if you don't have one.

We are not anti-car though. In metropolitan areas all over the world with dynamic mass transit systems and robust cycling infrastructure there are still millions of cars.  I use Uber, Lyft, and taxi services when needed.  In fact, if you own a car, or even love your car and love driving it, you should support this blog and its corresponding podcast, because the more people who do not own their own car and reduce their driving, the more road space and less traffic there is for you.  No one says you need to become car free yourself.

However, if you want to become more car free or more carefree about not depending on your car for all your mobility, this blog is for you.

There is also a corresponding podcast "Car Free in L.A." available on most platforms.  Feel free to follow me on Twitter @danwentzel if you feel so inclined.

Wishing you all great car(e) free mobility.