166
More Twin Cities families using ‘cargo bikes’ to haul groceries and children
(www.twincities.com)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2026
166 points (98.3% liked)
utility cycling
902 readers
4 users here now
🚴🚲 Welcome to the Utility Cycling Community! 🚲🚴
Are you a passionate cyclist who believes that bicycles can transform the way we move around our cities and towns? Are you interested in exploring the world of utility biking, where bicycles are a tool for practicality, sustainability, and adventure? If so, you've come to the right place!
founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
Can't take that on the freeway. Can't take that on cross- country Road trips. Can't sleep in it overnight to save money on a hotel.
You save about $12k/yr by not owning a car. You can afford a hotel with what you save. Who can afford the gas for a cross country road trip? It's not the 90's. The vast majority of normal trips never go on the freeway. For $12k/yr you can just pay for a taxi for that.
Want a road trip? Try a train. Cross country trains are actually affordable and really interesting adventures. You get to meet interesting folks, actually look at the environment (since you aren't driving), and you aren't risking killing yourself or others in the process. You also aren't destroying that environment. It's just all around a better deal.
For people in europe trains are especially viable, as you can get interrail passes that let you take most trains for no extra cost. It's super cool and i think everyone here needs to try it at least once!
Okay you stand by your lifestyle, I'll stand by mine. Full disclosure: I live in a huge high roof van which means I haven't had to pay rent or mortgage or utilities or property taxes or HOA fees etc for 6 years. I run on solar, and the government still hasn't found a way to suck money out of me for the solar panels I have on my roof. Although I earn very little money I've got thousands of dollars in the bank because my expenses are so minimal.
I can live anywhere I want. Currently parked right next to the ocean. Sometimes I live in Oregon, sometimes I live in Colorado. Sometimes I live in Washington DC. I've driven across the USA five times and don't need hotels, trains, buses, or uber.
I have everything I need in this van, all my clothes, all my electronics, a full kitchen, bathroom.
Confident that I live more economically & more adventurous & more fun & enjoy more geographical variety than bicyclists who live in apartments or houses ☺️
Oh and I have three different kinds of bicycles too. One of them has three wheels so technically not a bicycle 🤷🏼♀️
You stand by your lifestyle, I'll stand by mine.