One surprising study from a related book I read, Carmageddon, is “So far, no city that has closed a major road has felt it necessary to reopen it.” People fight it, but once the road’s replaced with parks and paths, the majority favor tilts.
Also: What’s the name of your small beach town in Mexico? I’m on the lookout for Latin American places where cars aren’t necessary
And the beach town is Puerto Escondido! It's certainly not car-free by any means but each small neighborhood itself is walkable. It's very scooter/moto-friendly too (a slight improvement over cars).
That's pretty remarkable. I didn't specifically say so in this piece, but it's true that a lot of our car-dependency is just out of habit/being reluctant to change — just like the pedestrianized streets/outdoor dining that came about during the pandemic.
This was so good Emily, I love seeing this topic talked about more. Once you've experienced life without a car it's difficult to transition back to the old way. It makes you think, "How the hell did I put up with this for so long?!"
I was stressed out running errands with my mom a few months ago in her car-dependent town, sitting in traffic, battling for parking spaces, driving in the rain. Really was a shock how different my day-to-day is now, even after living that life for almost 30 years first.
I live in Berlin, Germany and I say it to my husband to much: We have 4 grocery stores, two drugstores and countless restaurants and coffee shops within 10 minutes walking distance. He is from Canada and where he is from, that simply wasn't the case. Even when we were both living in downtown Calgary, we owned a car and used it every single day. Public transit wouldn't get us to work because the system is so poorly laid out.
I currently live in Guadalajara. I describe GDL to my American friends as Chicago with the weather of Los Angeles. I need to get down to PE next year for sure 👍
I havent read the entire thing but already want to scream at the title - nothing I love more than not having to sit in cars all the time in the US. I love walking and public transport and is one of those crazy people you see walking in 90+ degrees in the Texas summer😭
Great piece. I gave up my truck after years of working as a contractor in the US and moved to Mexico full time. The steps, the mental health, the bring outside yep. I don’t miss the truck at all. It’s certainly not going to work for everyone but even small changes to less time in the car can have a big impact 👍
Wow, from someone that used to be a contractor and actually used a truck for truck-necessary task (which many Americans don’t), that’s a ringing endorsement of this lifestyle. Super cool! Where in Mexico are you based now?
cool! One of my favorite experiences in Mexico is walking through Mexico city with an American who has either never been to Mexico or only Cancun etc. Just like my first time, it just blows your mind.
One surprising study from a related book I read, Carmageddon, is “So far, no city that has closed a major road has felt it necessary to reopen it.” People fight it, but once the road’s replaced with parks and paths, the majority favor tilts.
Also: What’s the name of your small beach town in Mexico? I’m on the lookout for Latin American places where cars aren’t necessary
And the beach town is Puerto Escondido! It's certainly not car-free by any means but each small neighborhood itself is walkable. It's very scooter/moto-friendly too (a slight improvement over cars).
That's pretty remarkable. I didn't specifically say so in this piece, but it's true that a lot of our car-dependency is just out of habit/being reluctant to change — just like the pedestrianized streets/outdoor dining that came about during the pandemic.
Yeah. We're wired to pay attention to what we lose with changes like this and to overlook all we stand to gain.
Not the first time I've heard you recommend this, definitely picking up a copy!
This was so good Emily, I love seeing this topic talked about more. Once you've experienced life without a car it's difficult to transition back to the old way. It makes you think, "How the hell did I put up with this for so long?!"
I was stressed out running errands with my mom a few months ago in her car-dependent town, sitting in traffic, battling for parking spaces, driving in the rain. Really was a shock how different my day-to-day is now, even after living that life for almost 30 years first.
I live in Berlin, Germany and I say it to my husband to much: We have 4 grocery stores, two drugstores and countless restaurants and coffee shops within 10 minutes walking distance. He is from Canada and where he is from, that simply wasn't the case. Even when we were both living in downtown Calgary, we owned a car and used it every single day. Public transit wouldn't get us to work because the system is so poorly laid out.
I currently live in Guadalajara. I describe GDL to my American friends as Chicago with the weather of Los Angeles. I need to get down to PE next year for sure 👍
Hi Emily :) Feels so nice to meet another spreader of the walkability message. You’ve inspired me to write a reflection on this too, someday.
So glad to hear that Kat! I’ve read a few of your essays and really enjoy them so obviously would be thrilled to read one on this topic!
I havent read the entire thing but already want to scream at the title - nothing I love more than not having to sit in cars all the time in the US. I love walking and public transport and is one of those crazy people you see walking in 90+ degrees in the Texas summer😭
Great piece. I gave up my truck after years of working as a contractor in the US and moved to Mexico full time. The steps, the mental health, the bring outside yep. I don’t miss the truck at all. It’s certainly not going to work for everyone but even small changes to less time in the car can have a big impact 👍
Wow, from someone that used to be a contractor and actually used a truck for truck-necessary task (which many Americans don’t), that’s a ringing endorsement of this lifestyle. Super cool! Where in Mexico are you based now?
Have you spent time in any of the 3 big cities in Mexico? Mexico City, GDL or Monterrey
I’ve only been to Mexico City (which I adore), but have several friends from GDL and want to visit there next!
cool! One of my favorite experiences in Mexico is walking through Mexico city with an American who has either never been to Mexico or only Cancun etc. Just like my first time, it just blows your mind.