Life with kids and no car

[velocistar237]

I would like to take a moment to recognize my wife for this contribution to our family's financial well being. For the past three years, we have gone without a car, and most of the burden has fallen on her, since she is a stay-at-home-mom with our two children. We've lived our lives within about a two-mile radius for the past five years, and she has pushed a double stroller up and down hills for over a year now. It's definitely put us on the deprivation side of frugality, but it's been more or less manageable, and it helped us dig ourselves halfway out of the student loan pit. We will probably get a car in the next year or so, but I just wanted to share this awesomeness with the community. Like MMM, we will probably use the car sparingly when we get it, so tips on transporting multiple kids without a car are still welcome.

[Erin]

I don't have kids, or any tips (as we're still a 2 car family) - but kudos to you & your wife!

[Landor n Stella]

I don't know what ages your kids are, but this behind the bike attachment worked well for a friend of mine (See image attached)

I have also seen several other versions of biking w/ kids attachments you can get for your bike. http://natureforkids.net/2008/07/15/biking-with-toddlers/

Here's an article that covers many of the attachments I have seen! Some look like fun for the whole family!

[RoseRed]

We bought a used bike trailer which converts into a double stoller from a friend, and it's very handy for two young children. Where I live, it's not all that unusual to go without a car, and neither of us have ever even bothered learning to drive, so it's not really a big deal. I get the impression that in the USA, a lot of places are really inaccessible without a car.

[arebelspy]

That's some serious badassity!  Well done!

[dahlink]

Badassity for sure!  Thanks for sharing.

[tddoog]

We have two kids and have been car free for about 5 years.  It saves a ton of money.  We have a double burley stroller, a trailerbike and a few bicycles. Going for a ride right now.