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General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: Tradies wife on October 24, 2016, 09:48:01 PM

Title: Are there any 1 car large families out there? What is your game plan?
Post by: Tradies wife on October 24, 2016, 09:48:01 PM

BIKING 1 CAR FAMILIES?

We are a family of 2A, 3C + one baby on the way. Yes. A rather large mustashian family. I try to bike to work, or walk when I can. I love it. But my feeling is that we still need our car. DH can do drop off's for the big kids school in the morning, a busy hwy with no bike lanes 11km away. I dream of getting to a point where we can be a family on bikes and decrease or car consumption. But... does anyone with 4 children actually do this in any Western Countries these days? I reason that they must. Why not?

Loads of negatives about going down to a 1 car family as my husband needs his car for work (not sitting in a drive way or car park either, but actual work it's a trade vehicle). He works LONG hours, and we often don't see him for a while depending on the season. So spontaneous trips to the beach would be out, or to our national parks ect. Getting to after school sports that are often in different towns. Very poor to non existent public transport in this area.

But, there are loads of positives too. Lower expenses, more time as a family. Appreciating the little things. Bike rides. LOVE a good bike ride. Exercise = Energy. More fresh air.

It's a bit of a pipe dream, but I'm just curious if anyone does it!

Title: Re: Are there any 1 car large families out there? What is your game plan?
Post by: soccerluvof4 on October 26, 2016, 05:11:50 AM

I think you need one car. Were a family of 6 and I could not see us without our mini-van. If you want to reduce your costs if you haven't already find a used one that you can get just the minimum insurance on. There are to many reasons to need something if not once a week unless your living off grid or other reasons you haven't mentioned. You can make pretty much any situation work if your determined but the question really is does a used vehicle you might use for 10 years you can get cheap out weigh not having one at all. The expense doesn't have to be much

Title: Re: Are there any 1 car large families out there? What is your game plan?
Post by: meandmyfamily on October 27, 2016, 08:36:09 AM

I can't imagine not having our minivan with our 4 kids especially as they get older and we have an extra kid or two often or a Grandparent.

Title: Re: Are there any 1 car large families out there? What is your game plan?
Post by: Grogounet on October 27, 2016, 06:33:36 PM

Mr Money moustache has done the research for you:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2016/10/04/so-i-bought-an-electric-car/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MrMoneyMustache+%28Mr.+Money+Mustache%29

Have a look at the graph: Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna

Title: Re: Are there any 1 car large families out there? What is your game plan?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on October 28, 2016, 11:09:31 AM

Check out this lady:

http://bikeportland.org/2012/06/28/with-six-kids-and-no-car-this-mom-does-it-all-by-bike-73731

http://bikeportland.org/2014/08/01/portland-cargo-bike-celeb-emily-finch-gets-new-bike-109711

Title: Re: Are there any 1 car large families out there? What is your game plan?
Post by: Tradies wife on October 28, 2016, 08:03:01 PM

WOW! That is absolutely awesome to see a mum of 6 getting around on a bike and selling the car. AMAZING!
Our area I think just isn't quite that bike friendly compared to Portland. But then again, I am only going to have four children! It's a fantastic inspiring story and I think one that quite a few people on this site will be interested in reading.
Thank you frugalparagon :)