Okay, so I’ve been thinking a lot about how I get around lately. It just felt like I was always jumping in the car for everything, you know? Burning gas, sitting in traffic, the usual grind. Decided I needed to actually do something different, not just think about it.
Starting Small: The Daily Commute
The first thing I tackled was my trip to work. Driving was easy, sure, but parking was a nightmare and expensive. So, I dug out the old bus schedule. Honestly, figuring out the routes and timings felt like solving a puzzle at first. Made a few mistakes early on, ended up on the wrong side of town once!
I started taking the bus maybe two, three times a week. It meant leaving earlier, and sometimes the bus was packed or late. But, I found I could actually read a book or just zone out instead of gripping the steering wheel. Plus, saved a bit on gas and parking fees right away. It wasn’t a magic fix, but it was a start.
Trying Two Wheels
Then, summer came around. I thought, why not try cycling? Found a decent second-hand bike, nothing fancy. Started cycling to work on sunny days. That was a game changer, honestly. Got some exercise, felt way more awake when I arrived.
Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing:
- Rainy days were a definite no-go for me. Back to the bus or car then.
- Showed up a bit sweaty sometimes, had to figure that out.
- Needed to get decent lights and a lock, more stuff to carry.
But overall, mixing cycling and the bus cut my car use for commuting way down.
Looking at Longer Trips
Weekend trips or visiting family used to mean automatically taking the car. I decided to check out train options more seriously. Booked a train for a weekend city break instead of driving. The planning took longer, have to admit. Had to book tickets in advance to get a reasonable price.
The train journey itself was pretty relaxing. No traffic jams, just watched the scenery go by. It wasn’t always cheaper than driving, especially if travelling with family, but for solo trips or as a couple, it worked out okay sometimes. Packing light became essential though, dragging huge suitcases on and off trains is zero fun.
Where I’m At Now
So, after trying these things out for a while, I haven’t completely ditched my car. Let’s be real, sometimes it’s just the easiest or only option. But I’m much more mindful now.
My current routine is a mix:
- Cycle for short local trips and commuting when the weather’s good.
- Use the bus for commuting when it’s raining or I don’t feel like cycling.
- Look into trains first for longer journeys, especially city-to-city.
- The car gets used for big grocery shops, awkward journeys, or when other options just don’t work out.
It’s not perfect, and it took some effort to change my habits. Had to force myself sometimes. But I feel better knowing I’m not automatically reaching for the car keys every single time. It’s a work in progress, finding what fits best for different situations. Just taking it one trip at a time.
