{"id":13874,"date":"2015-07-24T05:08:17","date_gmt":"2015-07-24T12:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/?p=13874"},"modified":"2020-09-01T17:03:48","modified_gmt":"2020-09-02T00:03:48","slug":"moving-towards-car-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving towards a Car-Free Life \u2013 Step by Step"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Many people like the idea of <strong>becoming car-free<\/strong> and getting around by bike &#8211; all the while saving money and getting fit. Of course, many people like the idea of winning a lottery too! Like winning a lottery, becoming car-free is a pretty ambitious dream. After all, there are many challenges, such as the weight of the groceries, and for many of us, the need to transport children as well. And some of us like to transport our dogs, too!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16908\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16908\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-carry-dog-on-bike-pet-basket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16908\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-carry-dog-on-bike-pet-basket\/how-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_billy1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?fit=750%2C616&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,616\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"How to carry your dog on your bike_Billy(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;I bought this perfectly good used dog online for a bargain price! &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?fit=300%2C246&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?fit=750%2C616&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16908 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg\" alt=\"Billy looking handsome in his wicker pet basket. Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"616\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16908\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16908\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-carry-dog-on-bike-pet-basket\/how-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_billy1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?fit=750%2C616&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,616\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"How to carry your dog on your bike_Billy(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;I bought this perfectly good used dog online for a bargain price! &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?fit=300%2C246&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?fit=750%2C616&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16908 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?resize=750%2C616&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Billy looking handsome in his wicker pet basket. Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"616\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?resize=300%2C246&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?resize=250%2C205&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/How-to-carry-your-dog-on-your-bike_Billy1.jpg?resize=320%2C263&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Some of us like to transport our dogs too &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-carry-dog-on-bike-pet-basket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">click here for a post on how to transport dogs safely on bikes<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, unlike winning a lottery, it is possible to progress to being car-free with small steps. In this post, Maggie reports on her progress towards her dream of becoming car-free. To start with, here&#8217;s an inspirational video full of great tips to help you become car-free, step-by-step.<\/p>\n<p><iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"URBAN BIKING:  The Art Of Carrying Things By Bike\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rA-5xkBsfIA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You should know that when I met Maggie eleven years ago, <strong>she would not even get on a bike<\/strong>. She said cycling gave her severe back spasms. She claimed that the last time she had ridden a bike, she had been crippled for days with terrible back pain. So she exercised by running past a cemetery in the early morning, dodging the skunks and the occasional coyote \u2013 before getting in her car to drive everywhere she actually needed to go. After about three years of constant education (Maggie calls it nagging), I finally persuaded her to get a decent bike and a <a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/professional-bike-fitting\/\"><strong>professional bike fitting<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 and she discovered that not only could she ride a bike without having back pain, but she <strong>LOVED cycling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16930\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/eepurl.com\/bGzuPf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16930\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/bike-shopping1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?fit=750%2C529&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,529\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"bike-shopping(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Lots of baskets on a bike go a long way towards making it possible to go grocery shopping on a bike!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?fit=300%2C212&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?fit=750%2C529&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16930 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg\" alt=\"Lots of baskets on a bike go a long way towards making it possible to go grocery shopping on a bike! Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"529\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16930\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/bike-shopping1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?fit=750%2C529&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,529\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"bike-shopping(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Lots of baskets on a bike go a long way towards making it possible to go grocery shopping on a bike!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?fit=300%2C212&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?fit=750%2C529&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16930 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?resize=750%2C529&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Lots of baskets on a bike go a long way towards making it possible to go grocery shopping on a bike! Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?resize=300%2C212&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?resize=150%2C106&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?resize=250%2C176&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/bike-shopping1.jpg?resize=320%2C226&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Lots of baskets on a bike go a long way towards making it possible to go grocery shopping on a bike!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Soon Maggie was commuting to work by bike for 2 days a week. Then 3. Then 4. (See her post, <a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/my-first-18-months-as-a-bike-commuter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Looking back with pride &#8211; my first 18 months as a bike commuter<\/strong><\/a>). Then all the time, unstoppably \u2013 even when her commute included very unpleasant streets. <strong>I was starting to feel like I had created a monster \u2013 she scared me!<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21634\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21634\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/category\/mrs-average-joe-cyclist\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21634\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-on-her-bike-750\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?fit=750%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,562\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie on her bike 750\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Maggie became an unstoppable cycling machine. She can&#8217;t be reasoned with. She doesn&#8217;t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And she absolutely will NOT stop, ever &#8230;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?fit=750%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-21634 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg\" alt=\"Maggie became an unstoppable cycling machine. She can't be reasoned with. She doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And she absolutely will NOT stop, ever ... Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"562\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21634\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21634\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-on-her-bike-750\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?fit=750%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,562\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie on her bike 750\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Maggie became an unstoppable cycling machine. She can&#8217;t be reasoned with. She doesn&#8217;t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And she absolutely will NOT stop, ever &#8230;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?fit=750%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-21634 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?resize=750%2C562&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Maggie became an unstoppable cycling machine. She can't be reasoned with. She doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And she absolutely will NOT stop, ever ... Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?resize=150%2C112&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?resize=250%2C187&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Maggie-on-her-bike-750.jpg?resize=320%2C240&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Maggie became an unstoppable cycling machine. She can&#8217;t be reasoned with. She doesn&#8217;t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And she absolutely will NOT stop, ever &#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, that was just me being overly anxious. In fact, <strong>Maggie was on a step-by-step path towards her own personal dream<\/strong> of staying active her whole life, and eventually being able to manage without the expense of a car.<\/p>\n<p>By this point, both of us were commuting to work by bike \u2013 but we still used the car for all our shopping and social activities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Over to Maggie to tell you about her next step!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"12814\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/mrs-average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?fit=113%2C124&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"113,124\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mrs Average Joe Cyclist &#8211; Maggie\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?fit=113%2C124&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?fit=113%2C124&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12814 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg\" alt=\"Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - Maggie. Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"113\" height=\"124\" \/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"12814\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/mrs-average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?fit=113%2C124&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"113,124\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mrs Average Joe Cyclist &#8211; Maggie\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?fit=113%2C124&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?fit=113%2C124&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12814 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Mrs-Average-Joe-Cyclist-mug-shot-5.jpg?resize=113%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - Maggie. Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"113\" height=\"124\" \/><\/noscript>Maggie<\/strong>: I knew that\u00a0changing to <strong>using my bike for errands<\/strong>, instead of a car, could make a big difference.\u00a0I bought my\u00a0BH Street 650 to make this change in my lifestyle (<a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/emotion-street-650-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">see full review of this wonderful bike here<\/a>).\u00a0 With its electric assist the BH Street 650 is the perfect bike for long or short rides in any terrain.\u00a0With its cruiser configuration I am able to wear skirts and dresses, and with judicious use of the pedalec assist I don&#8217;t have to arrive for an appointment looking like a sweaty mess.\u00a0I was especially inspired to make this change after reading Mia Birk&#8217;s book, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1594857601\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1594857601&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=avejoecyc0e-20&amp;linkId=LASA2UM2NEMQLUI2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Joyride: Pedaling Toward\u00a0a Healthier Planet<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Although I use my BH Street 650 for my daily commute, I am embarrassed to admit that my bike was gathering dust most evenings and weekends.\u00a0A month ago I decided it was time for me to walk the talk! (Or is that bike the talk?)<\/p>\n<p>Over the past month, I am proud to say that I have managed to complete a number of trips to local merchants to pick up groceries, wine, vegetables &#8211; and get some fresh air and exercise in the process.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16970\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16970\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hqcg9Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16970\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C617&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,617\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie shopping with ebikes 750(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;It&#8217;s amazing how many things Joe and I can carry on our bikes!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?fit=300%2C247&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C617&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16970 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg\" alt=\"It's amazing how many things Joe and I can carry on our bikes! Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"617\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16970\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16970\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C617&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,617\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie shopping with ebikes 750(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;It&#8217;s amazing how many things Joe and I can carry on our bikes!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?fit=300%2C247&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C617&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16970 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?resize=750%2C617&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"It's amazing how many things Joe and I can carry on our bikes! Moving towards a Car-Free Life\" width=\"750\" height=\"617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?resize=300%2C247&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?resize=250%2C206&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-7501.jpg?resize=320%2C263&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> It&#8217;s amazing how many things Joe and I can carry on our bikes!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16972\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16972\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hqcg9Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16972\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,563\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie shopping with ebikes 2 750(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Me in my favorite bike helmet &#8211; my Yakkay helmet!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16972 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg\" alt=\"The fine art of cramming wine, fruit, vegetables, and assorted groceries into your pannier! Moving towards a car-free life\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16972\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"16972\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,563\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie shopping with ebikes 2 750(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Me in my favorite bike helmet &#8211; my Yakkay helmet!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?fit=750%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-16972 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?resize=750%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The fine art of cramming wine, fruit, vegetables, and assorted groceries into your pannier! Moving towards a car-free life\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?resize=250%2C188&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Maggie-shopping-with-ebikes-2-7501.jpg?resize=320%2C240&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> The fine art of cramming wine, fruit, vegetables, and assorted groceries into your pannier!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Travellng by bike takes me off busy streets, and instead of getting stressed out in traffic snarls and searching for parking, I enjoy the sights at a slower speed.\u00a0I actually come home feeling energized instead of weary!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14667\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14667\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"14667\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-on-street-6501\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?fit=750%2C804&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,804\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie finds sheer joy riding her electric bike &#8211; she doesn&#8217;t have to drive or use transit, but she can still get around with a combination of muscle and electricity\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;From the first, I imagined myself going everywhere on my Street 650!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?fit=279%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?fit=750%2C804&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14667 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg\" alt=\"From the first, I imagined myself going everywhere on my Street 650! moving towards a car-free life\" width=\"750\" height=\"804\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14667\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"14667\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/maggie-on-street-6501\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?fit=750%2C804&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,804\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maggie finds sheer joy riding her electric bike &#8211; she doesn&#8217;t have to drive or use transit, but she can still get around with a combination of muscle and electricity\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;From the first, I imagined myself going everywhere on my Street 650!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?fit=279%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?fit=750%2C804&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14667 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?resize=750%2C804&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"From the first, I imagined myself going everywhere on my Street 650! moving towards a car-free life\" width=\"750\" height=\"804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?resize=279%2C300&amp;ssl=1 279w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?resize=300%2C321&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?resize=139%2C150&amp;ssl=1 139w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?resize=250%2C268&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Maggie-on-Street-6501.jpg?resize=320%2C343&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript> From the first, I imagined myself going everywhere on my Street 650!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>And then there&#8217;s using a bike for social outings<\/strong>. This week I actually cycled to meet a friend for a glass of wine at the Paddlewheeler Pub on the New West Quay.\u00a0I have been wanting to do this sort of thing since I bought the bike.\u00a0And I finally did it! Not only that, but afterwards I\u00a0ran a few errands on my way home.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_18286\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18286\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hqcg9Q\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18286\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/new-westminster-cycling\/stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-new-westminster-quay-750\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?fit=750%2C521&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,521\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Stop off at the paddlewheeler on the New Westminster quay 750\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;I was surprised to find that if you look around, there is often somewhere that you can lock up your bike in full view, so you can keep an eye on it&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?fit=300%2C208&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?fit=750%2C521&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18286 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg\" alt=\"I was surprised to find that if you look around, there is often somewhere that you can lock up your bike in full view, so you can keep an eye on it. Moving towards a car-free life\" width=\"750\" height=\"521\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-18286\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"18286\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/new-westminster-cycling\/stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-new-westminster-quay-750\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?fit=750%2C521&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,521\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Stop off at the paddlewheeler on the New Westminster quay 750\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;I was surprised to find that if you look around, there is often somewhere that you can lock up your bike in full view, so you can keep an eye on it&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?fit=300%2C208&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?fit=750%2C521&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18286 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?resize=750%2C521&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"I was surprised to find that if you look around, there is often somewhere that you can lock up your bike in full view, so you can keep an eye on it. Moving towards a car-free life\" width=\"750\" height=\"521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?resize=300%2C208&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?resize=150%2C104&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?resize=250%2C174&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Stop-off-at-the-paddlewheeler-on-the-New-Westminster-quay-750.jpg?resize=320%2C222&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> I was surprised to find that if you look around, there is often somewhere that you can lock up your bike in full view, so you can keep an eye on it<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Today I cycled to meet a colleague for a business meeting, then\u00a0picked up some small tools at my local Home Depot, where I had a short conversation with another cyclist (gotta love the cycling community\u00a0&#8211; we are so friendly).\u00a0\u00a0Finally, I\u00a0grabbed a jacket from my drycleaner and slung it over my already full front basket and cycled back home.<\/p>\n<p>The BH Street 650 comes standard with a heavy duty rear pannier rack that can easily accommodate two HUGE, heavy panniers \u2013 and they do.\u00a0\u00a0I have also\u00a0added a deep front basket to increase my cargo capacity.\u00a0And the BH Street 650 is a\u00a0sturdy bike so I can really load it up.\u00a0As long as I manage my pedalec use, I have enough battery to assist me up the many hills in our city.\u00a0What is nice too, is that the bikes comes with integrated lights so I can stay out after dark if I want to!<\/p>\n<p>They say it takes six weeks to create a new good habit (and five minutes to create a new bad habit!).\u00a0 Let&#8217;s hope that I have done it.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-43\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-43 tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><center><strong>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><h3>Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!<\/h3><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-25127\" style=\"max-width: 750px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-99-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-25127 ml-slider ms-theme-default nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Top posts AJC\" data-width=\"750\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_25127\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_25127\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42801 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:36:22\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-540-vs-840\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-views-of-Garmin-Edge-540-vs-840-3-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42801 msDefaultImage\" title=\"3 views of Garmin Edge 540 vs 840 (3)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>The New Garmin Edge 840 vs. 540: What's the Difference, and Which is Better?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; 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width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-43107 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-11-12 08:42:38\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/can-average-cyclists-do-zwift-workouts\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Joe-on-Zwift-bike-12-oct-2023-with-105-proof-copy-1-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"I fell in love with Zwifting instantly. In seemingly no time, I had completed my first 100 miles, and was totally hooked\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-43107 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Joe on Zwift bike 12 oct 2023 with 105 proof copy (1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Can Average Cyclists Do Zwift Workouts?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42685 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-13 20:58:32\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-840-vs-830\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Garmin-Edge-830-840-and-830-solar-post-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42685 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Garmin Edge 830 840 and 830 solar post header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 840 vs. 830: What's the Difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42798 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:28:50\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/cycling-erectile-dysfunction\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Erectile-Dysfunction-01-smaller-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"The root of the problem is that when you cycle, you spend a lot of time with all your body weight bearing down on a small but sensitive part of your anatomy\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42798 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Erectile Dysfunction 01 smaller\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42684 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-13 20:56:47\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-540-vs-530\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/540-Bike-computer-near-sea.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Garmin Edge 540 vs 530 - What&#039;s the difference?\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42684 msDefaultImage\" title=\"540 Bike computer near sea\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 540 vs 530 - What's the difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42794 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:23:28\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/review-of-the-mojawa-run-plus-bone-conduction-headphones\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Post-header-Joe-floating-in-pool-with-Mojawa-headphones.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"What better way to relax your body after a bike ride than getting into the water!\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42794 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header Joe floating in pool with Mojawa headphones\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Review of the Mojawa Dual Function Headphones: Bluetooth Open Ear for Cycling, and MP3 for Swimming<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-41082 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2022-12-01 11:35:16\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-1030-plus-vs-1040\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Post-header-1040-vs-1030-Plus1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-41082 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header 1040 vs 1030 Plus(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-35727 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-09-13 16:39:34\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-garmin-edge-bike-2\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/slide-all-garmin-edge-bike-computers-compared1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-35727 msDefaultImage\" title=\"slide all garmin edge bike computers compared(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED. 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-33696 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-05-17 13:45:41\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-cheap-bike-computers-under-100\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/7-cheap-bike-computers-on-a-handlebar-header1-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-33696 msDefaultImage\" title=\"7 cheap bike computers on a handlebar header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $75 \u2013 Includes Budget Wireless Computers<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-37594 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2021-02-15 18:45:51\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-of-the-best-budget-bike-computers\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/7-budget-bike-computers-post-header.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-37594 msDefaultImage\" title=\"7 budget bike computers post header\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-37535 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2021-02-09 17:46:40\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-dog-bike-baskets\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Dog-bike-basket-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"7 best dog bike baskets\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-37535 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Dog bike basket header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-34577 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-07-27 15:05:43\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030-plus\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/530-vs-830-vs-1030-plus-header-min.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-34577 msDefaultImage\" title=\"530 vs 830 vs 1030 plus header-min\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-33276 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-04-23 15:42:22\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-road-bike-saddles-2\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Best-road-bike-saddles-header.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Best road bike saddles\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-33276 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Best road bike saddles header\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-32893 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-04-08 08:05:11\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-bike-computers\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/7-best-bike-computers-header-41.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-32893 msDefaultImage\" title=\"7 best bike computers header 4(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Bike Computers<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-32445 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-03-09 12:27:40\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-waterproof-cycling-jackets\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9-of-the-best-waterproof-cycling-jackets-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don&#039;t overheat your core\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-32445 msDefaultImage\" title=\"9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-30917 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2019-07-25 16:27:47\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Garmin-Edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030-header-2.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie&#039;s bike\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-30917 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 header 2\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-31341 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2019-08-26 22:13:15\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/great-bikes-amazon\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-bike-and-dog-at-sunset-2.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-31341 msDefaultImage\" title=\"woman bike and dog at sunset 2\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-25151 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2017-08-12 16:10:32\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/compare-best-waterproof-bike-panniers\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Bridgestone-MB2-classic-mountain-bike-on-trestle-bridge-on-Lochside-Bridge-700x300.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-25151 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-25163 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2017-08-13 19:30:07\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-baby-and-child-bike-seats\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/man-cycling-from-Tsawwassen-with-child-1-750-closer-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-25163 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-33689 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-05-17 13:25:47\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-bike-locks\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Bike-lock-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"7 best bike locks\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-33689 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Bike lock header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42799 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:30:42\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-headphones-safe-cycling-2\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Post-header-Joe-and-Maggie-safest-headphones.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42799 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header Joe and Maggie safest headphones\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Best Safe Headphones for Cyclists Compared<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-45252 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-02-22 20:57:16\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/piriformis-syndrome-in-cyclists\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Piriformis-muscle-seen-from-behind-header.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Piriformis muscle seen from the front header\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-45252 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Piriformis muscle seen from the front header\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Piriformis Syndrome in Cyclists - How to Prevent and Cure It<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-45526 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-03-08 16:15:36\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/are-garmin-edge-bike-computers-worth-it\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/keen-cyclists.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"If you are you a really keen and serious cyclist, aspiring to train hard and become fitter and faster, then it is possible that a Garmin Edge bike computer would be a good choice for you\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-45526 msDefaultImage\" title=\"keen cyclists\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><h3>Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!<\/h3><br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-43266 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Table-Picture-Joe-on-bike-in-desert-with-Adidas-bike-shirt-Nov-2023.jpg?resize=170%2C160&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"160\" \/><br \/>\nWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we would appreciate it very much if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hqcg9Q\">We are proudly affiliated with Amazon,<\/a> which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the <strong>only way<\/strong> we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win\/win situation! We here at Average Joe Cyclist do not receive any information AT ALL about who you are, where you live, or what your dog's name is. Buying through our Amazon links is simply an anonymous way to thank us for our efforts, like tossing a few coins in a tip jar. Except that it is Amazon who tosses the coins, not you!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2dQ8qH2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop at Amazon in the USA:<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><center><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=2406106011&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=avejoecyc-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop at Amazon in Canada:<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><center><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=324144011&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=avejoecyc-21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop at Amazon in the UK:<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><center><strong>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-43 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"border-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font: bold 11px\/20px 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background: #bd081c  no-repeat scroll 3px 50% \/ 14px 14px; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: block; cursor: pointer; top: 148px; left: 145px;\">Save<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people like the idea of becoming car-free and getting around by bike &#8211; all the while saving money and getting fit. But it&#8217;s a pretty ambitious dream. Luckily, it is possible to progress to being car-free with small steps. In this post, Maggie reports on her progress towards her dream of becoming car-free.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16971,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1262],"tags":[109,683,5],"class_list":{"0":"post-13874","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-bike-commuting-tips","8":"tag-bike-commuting","9":"tag-car-free","10":"tag-cycling-for-health","11":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.8 (Yoast SEO v25.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Moving towards a Car-Free Life \u2013 Little Changes can make BIG Differences<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many people like the idea of becoming car-free to save money and get fit. Maggie reports on trying to become car-free by taking small steps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/moving-towards-car-free\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Moving towards a Car-Free Life \u2013 Step by Step\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Many people like the idea of becoming car-free to save money and get fit. 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